Meet The Team
Leadership
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Patrick Woodcock
President & CEO Patrick joined the Maine State Chamber in October 2023 as President and CEO after returning to his home state from serving in a number of state energy leadership positions in New England. Prior to joining the Chamber, Patrick was the Commissioner of the Department of Energy Resources under Governor Charlie Baker in Massachusetts, where he oversaw offshore wind procurements, new building codes, solar policies, and all other state and regional energy policies. He also served on the Board of the National Association of State Energy Officials, and several state and regional energy boards. Prior to working in Massachusetts, Patrick was Director of the Maine Energy Office from 2013 to 2016 in the Governor LePage Administration where he led efforts to expand air source heat pump adoption and other energy efficiency investments. He previously served as an adviser to former U.S. Senator Olympia J. Snowe in her Washington, D.C. office. Patrick graduated from Bowdoin College in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government.
Contact Patrick: Phone: (207) 623-4568 - Ext. 103 |
Advocacy
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Linda Caprara
Vice President of Advocacy Linda joined the Maine State Chamber of Commerce in January 2008, and serves as Vice President of Advocacy and the Chamber’s Director of Grassroots Advocacy. Prior to joining the Chamber, Linda was Director of Government and Public Affairs at the Maine Pulp and Paper Association. She is a graduate of Saint Anselm College, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Linda attended Central Connecticut State University for additional studies in taxation and accounting and is a graduate of Connecticut School of Broadcasting.
Contact Linda: Phone: (207) 623-4568 - Ext. 106 Ashley Luszczki
Government Relations Specialist Ashley joined the Chamber in 2023 and oversees energy and environmental policy. She previously worked for the Maine Legislature, including serving as Director of Policy for the Senate President, and in fundraising. Ashley graduated from Mount Vernon Nazarene University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.
Contact Ashley: Phone: (207) 623-4568 - Ext. 111 Jacob Lachance
Government Relations Specialist Jake joined the Chamber in January 2024 and oversees labor and human resource issues. Jake previously worked in law enforcement, including as Captain of the Cumberland Police Department where he ran day-to-day operations. Jake holds a
B.A. in Political Science from the College of the Holy Cross in Massachusetts. Contact Jake: Phone: (207) 623-4568 - Ext. 107 |
Operations
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Mark Ellis
Director of Operations Joining the Chamber in 2019, Mark oversees communications, publicity, inclusion, and information technology. In the private sector, he has held senior management positions in information technology. Mark has held leadership positions in state and national political campaigns, statewide political party operations, and legislative communications.
Contact Mark: Phone (207) 623-4568 - Ext. 109 |
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Katie Clark
Director of Communications Katie directs external communications and serves as the Chamber's primary media liaison. She ensures the Chamber is represented across communications platforms from the website to podcasts and social media. Katie has experience in corporate and nonprofit organizations in a variety of industries.
Contact Katie: Mobile: (207) 233-2230 |
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Angela Ouellette
Director of Special Projects Angela joined the Chamber in 2018, serving as executive assistant to the president after moving home to Maine. Angela oversees a variety of special projects and the Chamber’s Jobs for Maine Graduates (JMG) scholarship program. Prior to her work with the Chamber, Angela worked in diverse management roles in the private sector.
Contact Angela: Phone: (207) 623-4568 - Ext. 101 |
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Richard Panté
Director of Events and Programs Joining the chamber in January of 2024, Richard is responsible for all planning and delivery of the Chamber’s in-person and virtual events and programs. He comes to the Chamber after spending close to nine years in the cancer non-profit space with a focus on event and program management.
Contact Richard: Phone (207) 623-4568 – Ext. 110 |
Finance & Human Resources
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Simon West
Director of Finance and Human Resources Simon joined the Chamber in 2019 and is responsible for the Chamber’s human resources and financial operations. Additionally, Simon assists various affiliates including the Maine Economic Research Institute (MERI) and the Chamber’s Education Foundation. Simon has an undergraduate degree from the University of Maine System and an MBA from Thomas College.
Contact Simon: Phone: (207) 623-4568 - Ext. 117 |
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Kattie Peaslee
Financial Administrator In August 2022, Kattie joined the Chamber, focusing on producing, recording, and reconciling financial reports. She aids in database maintenance for events and membership, adapting to diverse organizational demands as they emerge. Kattie came to the State Chamber with 15 years’ experience in banking.
Contact Kattie: Phone: (207) 623-4568 - Ext. 108 |
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Melody Rousseau
Sponsorship & Advertising Sales Manager Melody joined the Chamber in 1996 and was soon promoted to Advertising & Sales Manager, managing ad sales and sponsorships for all Chamber events and publications including IMPACT newsletter, Final Summary, and OneVoice Maine magazine. Melody also works closely with the Chamber’s finance and events departments and is active in her community.
Contact Melody: Phone: (207) 623-4568 - Ext. 102 |
External Resources
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Tae Chong
Multicultural Markets and Strategies Consultant Tae leads the Chamber’s work to educate, advocate and provide outreach to Maine businesses interested in hiring and retaining a diverse workforce and increasing sales and services to people of color. Tae specializes in market research and strategies with multicultural and BIPOC communities in Maine and the Northeast.
Contact Tae: Mobile: (207) 632-9719 |