Q&A with Max - Steering Committee Chair
Professional Background
- What industries have you worked in, and what excites you most about your field?
Since graduating from the University of New Hampshire with an environmental engineering degree, I have worked exclusively in the municipal water and wastewater field. The first four years of my career i worked as a consulting engineer on wastewater treatment facility design projects across the United States. Since leaving consulting in 2020, I have worked for the City of Dover, NH and the Kennebec Water District as an engineering project manager. In my current role with Kennebec Water District, I enjoy showing up each day knowing I can contribute to the water system which serves over 9000 customers in the greater Waterville region.
Involvement with KV Connect
- What do you think is the biggest benefit of being involved with KV Connect?
As someone who has always enjoyed being involved in the community, KV Connect has provided me with the opportunity to meet many of the prominent business owners, local municipal representatives, and non-profit officials who drive the economic direction for the Mid-Maine region. My time in KV Connect has afforded me the chance to visit new communities, businesses and organizations that I would be unlikely to find in my day-to-day life. Above all, KV Connect has helped me feel more connected to the community which drives me to live and work in central Maine.
Personal Connection & Local Pride
- How do you stay engaged in the community outside of work?
I have found there are endless opportunities to get involved in the community. In my time away from work and KV Connect, I am on several municipal committees with the Town of Fairfield; my favorite being the Planning Board. I am also one of the Town of Fairfield’s elected representatives to the MSAD 49 School Board. Being part of these boards and committees gives me a unique and important opportunity to have a say in the future for my family, Town and greater community.
Personal Fun & Interests
- What’s a fun fact most people don’t know about you?
I am a born and raised farm kid. Growing up on my grandparent’s farm in Fairfield, I had the opportunity to learn useful life skills and raise many different types of animals. My first job was milking cows on the weekends with my cousins as we listened to 92 Moose on the radio. Today I have a small goat herd at home, with eight Nigerian Dwarf goats. My dream is to one day have a small farm with all of the animals I raised growing up.
Advice & Inspiration
- Who has had the biggest impact on your professional life?
My college professor, Dr. Malley once told me and my classmates to not let work get in the way of having a fulfilling personal life. As a young professional it is easy to get wrapped up in always striving for a higher salary or the next big promotion. However, I think back to Dr. Malley’s advice and how he encouraged building a career that provides a healthy balance for professional and personal goals. I feel lucky to have a career that provides the flexibility I need to spend quality time with my family and friends as well as supporting the community I live in.
