Build. Lead. Thrive.
Season 1
Jayne Van Bramer
Lily Krietzberg
Ray Dumont and Catherine Ryder
Linda Ball
Gabe Gauvin
Sam Herriot, Becca Tinkham, and Justin Morin
Susan Ruhlin
Gerald Walsh
Cyndi Robbins
Jennifer Hogan and Betsy Sibley
1 of 4
by Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
Jayne Van Bramer - President/CEO, Sweetser
Lily Krietzberg - Seeds to Smiles
In this episode of Build Lead Thrive – Voices of Androscoggin, host Sam Herriot talks with Ray Dumont of The Public Theatre and Catherine Ryder of Spurwink Services about the Black Poster Project, an initiative honoring lives lost to substance use while turning grief into awareness, prevention, and hope. Together, they discuss how storytelling, art, and compassion can help reduce stigma and inspire action around substance use and mental health in Maine communities.
This week, we’re joined by Linda Ball, President and CEO of Central Maine Power. In this conversation, Linda shares the experiences that shaped her path to leadership, what brought her to Maine, and what it’s like to lead an organization that serves homes, businesses, and communities across the state. She also helps unpack what “modernizing the grid” really means, why reliability and affordability matter, and how CMP is thinking about workforce, community partnerships, and Maine’s energy future.
This week, Susan and Mark sit down with Gabe Gauvin of Maine Redevelopment to discuss how communities can turn underutilized properties into opportunities for growth, housing, and reinvestment. Gabe shares how this work supports stronger neighborhoods, local economies, and a renewed sense of possibility across Maine.
In today’s episode, we're turning the mic inward to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the LA Metro Chamber—both who we are and what we do. You’ll get to know the people behind the Chamber’s work, while also getting a clearer picture of how we support our members, create connections, and help drive our region forward.
In this episode, our outgoing President & CEO, Shanna Cox, sits down with incoming President & CEO Susan Ruhlin for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about leadership, community, and the future of our region.
In this episode, Gerald Walsh joins Shanna and Mark to talk about the Lewiston Auburn arts community and the role of L/A Arts in supporting local creativity. A visual artist with an MFA from the Vermont College of Fine Arts, Gerald has exhibited across the Northeast for more than 20 years and taught at several art schools, including Central Maine Community College. He currently serves as Arts Agency Manager for L/A Arts and works as an Art Preparator at Bates College Museum of Art.
In this episode, Mark & Shanna sit down with Cyndi Robbins to talk about building a life rooted in hospitality, resilience, and community impact. From her early days at the historic Poland Spring Resort to decades of giving back, her story is a powerful reminder of how vision, hard work, and generosity can shape both a business and a community.
In this episode, Shanna and Mark visit with Jen Hogan and Betsy Sibley from Community Credit Union to talk about building equity, financial strength, and communities. Listen in as we discuss how thriving can look different for individuals. organizations, and communities—and also what they have in common.