The Peter Alfond Foundation is thrilled to announce that Adam Burk (they/them) has joined the foundation as Senior Program Director for Maine and New England. In this role, Adam will work with the Trustees to design and oversee the foundation’s philanthropic strategy to support Maine’s youth, contribute to health and wellbeing in local communities and work in collaboration with partners to support the success of communities across Maine and the Northeast.
An entrepreneurial leader with two decades of experience building and leading initiatives in Maine, Adam has built a career that reflects their passion for people and supporting communities working to overcome systemic barriers to opportunity. Most recently Adam served as Senior Program Director with the Maine Development Foundation (MDF).
Foundation Trustee, Barbara Crowley, shared, “As the Peter Alfond Foundation develops its work and vision in Maine and Northern New England, I am thrilled to welcome Adam Burk to be our leader on the ground. As we expand our support for youth and resiliency, engage with sustainable agriculture and stay abreast of philanthropy trends, their experience in multiple sectors, their gift for engaging across diverse populations, and their humor will help shape and advance our impact and shine a light on the values and legacy of Peter Alfond and the foundation.”
Adam brings a wealth of experiences as a grant administrator, economic and community development practitioner, educator, event producer, grassroots nonprofit capacity builder and storytelling coach. They developed and produce TEDxDirigo focused on Maine Ideas Worth Spreading, were the lead consultant for the Katahdin Gazetteer: A Roadmap to the Future of the Katahdin Region, were selected by the World Economic Forum to assist with a special global initiative, helped build farm to school programs with 12 schools in Maine, taught design thinking across Maine and in the Caribbean, currently serves on the Portland Board of Public Education, and is a Registered Maine Guide. More than this, Adam is incredibly thoughtful, devoted to Maine and its people, creative and humble. Please join us in welcoming Adam!