Melvin D. Adams III, Ed.D Joins Mission as New Downeast Director

by maineseacoast | Dec 1, 2020 | Downeast Campus, John Zavodny, Maine Seacoast Mission, News

Maine Seacoast Mission’s new Downeast Director Melvin D. Adams III, Ed.D.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 1, 2020
For More Information:
Contact: Scott K Fish, Maine Seacoast Mission Communications and Marketing
sfish@seacoastmission.org or 207-458-7185

Melvin D. Adams III, Ed.D Joins Mission as New Downeast Director

NORTHEAST HARBOR, ME — His background, professional preparation, heart, and commitment to the people and communities of Downeast Maine earned Melvin D. Adams III, Ed.D the position of Maine Seacoast Mission’s new Downeast Director.

Mission President John Zavodny, after thorough review of several highly qualified Downeast Director candidates, said, “Mel’s background and professional preparation touches on all aspects of the Mission’s work in Downeast Maine: education, youth development, food security, community building and multi-generational family engagement. But it was really his heart and obvious commitment to the Downeast Maine people and communities that made Mel the clear choice,” Zavodny said.

“Service is a clear theme throughout Mel’s life,” he continued. “From his recent graduate certification in Human Resources Management, to community engagement and service learning leadership, and food security work in Columbus Ohio – Mel’s commitment to community is one of many things that recommended him as the next leader of the Maine Seacoast Mission’s Downeast efforts,” Zavodny said.

Previously, Mel Adams served as Dean of Enrollment Management and Student Services at Washington County Community College, overseeing 16 employees as senior enrollment manager and student advocate. He was a member of the WCCC President’s executive leadership team, fostering cooperation and communication with college and community stakeholders to meet WCCC’s mission, strategic plan, enrollment goals, and student success. Mel Adams was also Adjunct Faculty member at Southern New Hampshire University, teaching several courses in Higher Education Administration.

This is a new position at the Mission, created in part in response to changes in eastern Hancock and Washington counties. This region, where the Mission’s DEC programs and services focus, is home to independent, industrious, and entrepreneurial communities whose economic wellbeing is tied to the fishing, blueberry, and tourism industries. Changes in those industries present a renewed opportunity for the Mission to lead in the areas of youth development and college readiness, family resources, food security, and community building.

A growing community of Latinx families brings an influx of talent, creativity, and growing opportunities for collaboration. A long history of strong area partnerships with local school districts, other agencies, and families creates a unique opportunity to make a significant difference in these beautiful, rugged, and resilient coastal Maine communities.

As Maine Seacoast Mission’s Downeast Director, Mel Adams is responsible for key Mission programs based out of the Mission’s Downeast Campus in Cherryfield: EdGE; Family Engagement; Student Pathways, Family Food Center, Housing Rehabilitation, and other Downeast Campus (DEC) programs.

Adams will be responsible for the DEC staff; facilities and maintenance; budgeting and budget management; and coordination of administrative activities with central Mission administration functions including finance, development, technology, planning, assessment, and human resources.

Mel Adams said of his new position, “The Maine Seacoast Mission Downeast Campus has built strong partnerships and trust with individuals and families. It is through the tireless work of the Downeast Campus team that community members trust the work that occurs in our schools and communities. I am humbled and excited at the opportunity to join the Mission Downeast Campus where the work is grounded in strength, dignity, and compassion for our families, friends, and neighbors.

“I am thrilled to work alongside a talented team dedicated to Washington and eastern Hancock counties,” Adams continued. “I am called to this work of service, helping people where they are; with what they have; and celebrating gifts they bring to our communities,” he said.

Adams’s higher education degrees include a Doctor of Education, a Master of Arts in Student Affairs Administration in Higher Education, Bachelor of Science in Education – Secondary Social Science Education, and an Associate of Arts.

“It is easy to see how the Maine Seacoast Mission and the people of Downeast Maine will be better off with Mel as part of our community,” said President Zavodny.

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