A Climate to Thrive grew out of the shared vision of a diverse group of Mount Desert Island residents, born over potluck picnic tables in the fall of 2015. Since our origins, we have prioritized community-driven design and implementation in solutions. As such, we are truly constructed of and for the MDI community.
We are currently steered by our Staff and our Board of Directors.
Who We Are
Johannah Blackman, Executive Director
A founding member of A Climate to Thrive, Johannah is honored to serve as ACTT’s Executive Director. Johannah brings together over a decade of experience in nonprofit management, over twelve years of experience in climate action, and a background in education, youth mentorship, and counseling psychology. Johannah’s particular passion is helping anyone and everyone discover their unique contribution to climate solutions and building community-driven climate action throughout Maine and beyond. She is an avid writer, explorer, and a mother. Contact Johannah.
Staff Team
Beth Woolfolk, Manager of Renewable Energy Planning and Policy
Beth grew up on Mount Desert Island and has her bachelor's degree in Environmental Science from the University of Maine Orono. Over the past several years, Beth has taken a deep dive into the field of solar in Maine. Particular focus areas include: grid flexibility in the renewable energy transition, interconnection of solar, financial modeling for solar ownership, community-driven and responsible solar siting, and increasing access to solar ownership benefits. Beth is an avid gardener and dog lover. Contact Beth.
Corey McVay, Renewable Energy Solutions Coordinator
Corey McVay is a graduate of the University of North Carolina Asheville with a degree in Applied Mathematics. While at UNCA, she worked as the Climate Analyst for the Office of Sustainability and completed undergraduate research focused on a solar feasibility study for the university campus. Corey also has experience in the realms of microgrids, climate action planning, and a variety of community organizing in and around the Asheville area. Corey has spent many summers in Maine and loves to adventure outdoors and make music. Contact Corey.
Brianna Cunliffe, Community Engagement and Resilience Coordinator through an Island Institute Fellowship with A Climate to Thrive
Brianna is working with A Climate to Thrive from September 2022 - August 2024 as an Island Fellow through the Island Institute. Brianna has a bachelor’s degree in Government and Environmental Studies from Bowdoin College where she studied just transitions, climate policymaking, and community resilience and fell in love with Maine. Brie has worked with Elected Officials to Protect America to mobilize state and local elected officials around the climate crisis, with conservation nonprofit Dogwood Alliance to oppose exploitative logging practices, and with the National Park Service to explore the social science that supports a more sustainable future for public lands. Contact Brie.
Gus La Casse, Manager of Public Service Program in Community Climate Solutions & Policy Coordinator
Gus is from Trenton and grew up hiking in the mountains of Acadia National Park. He graduated University of Maine Orono with a B.A. in Political Science and Environmental Ethics, completing focused research in hydropolitics and the intersections of people, place, and policy. Empowering people and pursuing creative solutions for rural communities is the cornerstone of Gus’s spirited approach. When Gus isn’t working, you can find him playing fiddle, adventuring somewhere new, or philosophizing over a cup of coffee. Gus is planning a public service program for ACTT and overseeing policy research. Contact Gus.
Board of Directors
Joe Blotnick - Tremont Former co-coordinator for A Climate to Thrive. Facilitator of educational and leadership development programs for over three decades.
Kevin Buck - Tremont Board of Selectman, Town of Tremont; Member of Tremont Sustainability Committee; retired from telecommunications industry, builder of energy efficient housing, former VP, Village Green Arts Association
Ken Colburn, Vice Chair - Bar Harbor Principal of Regulatory Assistance Project; Former Air Director for New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services; Climate/Energy speaker at Kyoto Protocol meetings
Caleb Davis, Chair - Bar Harbor Owner of Songscape Gardens; Graduate of College of the Atlantic
Andrew Griffiths, Treasurer - Bar Harbor Former Administrative Dean of the College of the Atlantic, former Treasurer and Vice President of Finance and Administration for the WGBH Educational Foundation, former lecturer at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, Babson College, and Brown University. Lives in Bar Harbor with his wife, Susan.
Margaret Jeffery - Bar Harbor Lawyer, Law Office of Margaret T. Jeffery with a focus on Real Estate; Margaret is a multi-generational Mainer. She and her husband have raised three sons on Mount Desert Island. Margaret is a member of the Bar Harbor Climate Emergency Task Force.
Dr. Steven Katona - Bar Harbor Founding faculty member of the College of the Atlantic, who served as a professor of biology and Director of Allied Whale until becoming President of COA from 1993-2006.
Dennis Kiley, Secretary - Mount Desert Therapist in private practice; Founder and Director of the EcoPsychology Initiative.
Misha Mytar - Bar Harbor Senior Project Manager at the Maine Coast Heritage Trust; Serves on the Hancock County Committee at Maine Community Foundation.
Ezra Sassaman - Bar Harbor Advocacy Coordinator for Maine Climate Action Now. Member of the Bar Harbor Climate Emergency Task Force. Serves on the Maine Sierra Club Executive Committee.
Ania Wright - Portland Legislative and Political Strategist for Sierra Club Maine. College of the Atlantic alumnus. Cofounder of Maine Youth for Climate Justice.