Daniel E. Wildes Contributed photo

FAIRFIELD — The Sheridan Construction Corporation, now in its 75th year of providing design and construction services to Maine, announced Daniel Wildes will now serve as company president. In addition, Wildes has assumed ownership of the Sheridan companies.

The succession of management and ownership follows the recently announced retirement of Mitchell Sammons.

Wildes previously served as senior vice president, managing construction operations since 1989. He is a graduate of the Wentworth Institute of Technology where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in architectural engineering and construction management.

Summit Natural Gas of Maine donates $10,000 to home heating assistance

YARMOUTH — To assist with home heating costs this winter, Summit Natural Gas of Maine is distributing a total of $10,000 to the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program and the towns of Cumberland, Falmouth, Yarmouth and Clinton.

These funds will be used to help low-income families who are struggling to pay their home heating bills.

“Keeping our customers safe and warm is our highest priority,” said Matt Jacobson, director of sales and marketing at Summit, according to a news release from the company. “We are seeing energy costs rise nationally, and across the world, as we head into this winter. … We see that families in our communities are not unaffected by the change in energy prices. This is why we are eager to do our part to help our customers and community members who need a little extra help keeping their homes warm this winter season.”

Summit’s parent company, Summit Utilities Inc., is committed to helping its communities stay warm this winter and has pledged to donate $30,000 to assist families with home heating costs across its service territories across the country.

Summit urges customers struggling to pay their bills this winter to call their customer service department as soon as possible to learn more about payment assistance options including payment plans, budget billing, energy efficiency rebates, and information about heating assistance programs offered by the state and municipality. For more information, customers should call 800-909-7642 or visit summitnaturalgasmaine.com.

Mainebiz seeks nominations for its Business Leaders of the Year awards program

PORTLAND — Mainebiz is accepting nominations until Jan. 31 for the Mainebiz Business Leaders of the Year awards program. Now for more than 20 years, Mainebiz has been recognizing outstanding performance and contributions by business leaders who set the standard of doing business in Maine.

Each year, the award program recognizes three business leaders for outstanding performance, and honorees are considered under three categories: Large Company (100-plus employees), Entrepreneur/Small Company and Nonprofit.

THE CRITERIA WE CONSIDER:
• The nominee is the CEO or executive director at his/her company or organization.
• The nominee’s company or organization has experienced a significant accomplishment in 2021 and/or celebrated a major milestone. Examples of this are building a new facility, introducing a new product, receiving a major industry award, setting a revenue record, making a major acquisition, successfully navigating a major change/shift in their business, or celebrating a big anniversary.
• The nominee and his/her company operate in a socially responsible manner and are active in community service.
• The leader is innovative and shows creativity in business.

To nominate a Maine business leader visit its website at Mainebiz.biz/nominations and complete the electronic nomination form. Nominations close Monday, Jan. 31.

The awards program is sponsored by Northeast Delta Dental and Skowhegan Savings Bank.

Walt McKee Contributed photo

Walt McKee teaching at Harvard Law School Trial Program

McKee Law has announced that attorney Walt McKee has been invited to serve on the teaching faculty of the 2022 Harvard Law School Trial Advocacy program.

The Harvard program is held each January and provides trial advocacy instruction to Harvard Law School students. McKee joins a teaching faculty of the nation’s top trial lawyers, who are invited each year from around the country to instruct at the highly intensive program.

According to a news release from the firm, McKee is an experienced trial lawyer, having tried more than 200 criminal and civil jury trials. McKee has for the past decade been listed in Best Lawyers in America as well as New England SuperLawyers. He has an AV Rating from Martindale-Hubbell and is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers. McKee serves on the boards of the Maine Trial Lawyers Association and the Maine Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and is a past chairperson of the Maine Ethics Commission.

Heather Knowles Todd Wentworth photo

Kennebec Savings Bank promotes Heather Knowles to assistant vice president

AUGUSTA — Andrew Silsby, president and CEO of Kennebec Savings Bank, recently announced the promotion of Heather Knowles to the position of assistant vice president and controller. In her role, Knowles is responsible for maintaining a well-controlled accounting and financial reporting system that accurately reflects the financial position of the bank.

She served as a summer intern while attending college before joining the bank full time as a finance assistant in 1998.

“Heather has risen through the ranks from summer intern to controller due to her keen ability to track and steward the bank’s finances,” said Silsby, in a news release from the bank. “She is a valuable asset to our team.”

“Kennebec Savings Bank is a great place to work, and I look forward to continuing my career in a place where personal and professional growth is encouraged,” said Knowles.

Kary Franchetti Contributed photo

Kary Franchetti appointed senior director of practice operations

FARMINGTON — Kary Franchetti, MBA, CMPE, FAB, has been appointed senior director of practice operations at Franklin Memorial Hospital. Franchetti comes to Franklin from Maine Medical Center, where she enjoyed a long and successful career as director of geriatrics and palliative medicine.

Franchetti completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology and administrative science from Colby College, and later a master’s degree in business administration and certificate of graduate study in practice management from the University of Southern Maine.

She also holds a certificate as a medical practice executive from the American College of Medical Practice Executives. And, this past year she participated in the distinguished Health Care Executive Development Fellowship Program with the Advisory Board in Washington, D.C.

In her new role Franchetti is responsible for providing leadership and direction in planning, guiding and coordinating Franklin Health practice operations. As a member of Franklin Memorial Hospital senior leadership team she will contribute to and assist with implementation of strategic planning and business development efforts.

“Having grown up in Livermore Falls, joining the Franklin team feels like a homecoming of sorts,” said Franchetti, according to a news release from the hospital. “I’m thrilled for this opportunity to lead ambulatory services in a community that is near and dear to my heart.”

For more business news, visit centralmaine.com.