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Maine Downtown Center Announces New Advisory Council Members
Five new members join continuing council to provide guidance on downtown revitalization efforts across the state.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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The Maine Downtown Center, a program of the Maine Development Foundation, has announced five new members who will be joining its Advisory Council. The new members bring expertise in areas like transportation, banking, and local government to help guide the center's work in supporting downtown revitalization efforts across Maine using the National Main Street Center's Four-Point Approach®.
Why it matters
The MDC Advisory Council plays a critical role in providing leadership and guidance to the state's downtown organizations. The new members will help solve problems, identify opportunities, and participate in the annual process of certifying communities in the Nationally Accredited Main Street program.
The details
The new Advisory Council members are Mike Hori from the Maine Department of Transportation, Jacob Baker from Bangor Savings Bank, Ross Cunningham from the Town of Lisbon, James Rather from Southern Maine Planning and Development Corporation, and Tamara Whitmore from Gardiner Main Street. They will be joining continuing members Scott Berk, Mac Collins, Amanda Cunningham, Sarah Hansen, TerryAnn Holden, Tara Kelly, CJ Opperthauser, Brett Richardson, Megan Rideout, and Cary Tyson.
- The new members from August 2026 are Mike Hori and Jacob Baker.
- The new members starting in January 2026 are Ross Cunningham, James Rather, and Tamara Whitmore.
The players
Maine Downtown Center
A program of the Maine Development Foundation that serves as the state coordinator for the National Main Street Center, utilizing the Four-Point Approach® to help communities revitalize their historic downtowns.
Mike Hori
New member of the MDC Advisory Council, representing the Maine Department of Transportation.
Jacob Baker
New member of the MDC Advisory Council, representing Bangor Savings Bank.
Ross Cunningham
New member of the MDC Advisory Council, representing the Town of Lisbon.
James Rather
New member of the MDC Advisory Council, representing Southern Maine Planning and Development Corporation.
Tamara Whitmore
New member of the MDC Advisory Council, representing Gardiner Main Street.
What they’re saying
“I am honored to join this great team that provides leadership and guidance to Maine's vitally important downtown organizations. The work that local organizations and volunteers are doing on a daily basis is truly weaving the fabric of our communities.”
— Ross Cunningham, New Advisory Council Member (Bangor Daily News)
The takeaway
The new Advisory Council members bring diverse expertise and perspectives that will help the Maine Downtown Center continue to support and guide downtown revitalization efforts across the state, ensuring the vitality of Maine's historic downtowns.
