Log in

Maine Career Development Association

2024 Annual Conference

The Writing on the Wall:

Exploring Themes of Change, Innovation, and the Future of Work in Maine

Friday, June 21, 2024 | 9 am - 4 pm

The University of Maine, Orono

2024 Keynote Speaker

Amanda Rector, Maine State Economist


Past, Present, and Future: Changes in Maine's Demographic and Workforce Trends


Maine’s population has changed over time, contributing to changes in the state’s workforce. Where do things stand currently and what are the implications for the future? Learn about regional differences within the state and the national context for Maine’s changing demographics.


Amanda Rector is the State Economist for Maine. In this capacity, she conducts ongoing analysis of Maine's economic and demographic conditions to help inform policy decisions. She joined Maine state government in 2004 and has served as State Economist since 2011. She earned a BA in Economics from Wellesley College and a Master's in Public Policy and Management from the Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine.


Amanda is currently the chair of the State of Maine’s Revenue Forecasting Committee and holds membership on the advisory board for the New England Public Policy Center at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and the Board of Visitors at the Muskie School of Public Service. She also serves as the Governor’s liaison to the U.S. Census Bureau.


Amanda is originally from mid-coast Maine and now lives in Union with her family.


Post Conference Resources and Notes:

Bootcamp Blueprint: How a 3-Day Workshop Boosts Student Career Confidence

Bethany Walsh, Senior Associate Director for Skill Development and Programming, Bowdoin College


Advanced Structures and Composites Tour

Coordinated by Crisanne Kadamus Blackie, Director, University of Maine Career Center


Vermont Career Advancement Project: A Teaming Approach to High Wage Career Pathways

Emily Wagner, Program Manager, Vermont Career Advancement Project


Information and Web Tools for Career Professionals

Andrew Dawson and Erin Fenton, Senior Economic Research Analysts, Center for Workforce Research and Information, Maine Department of Labor


AI Team Challenge

Sherry Mason, Career Coach, Daymark Career Coaching


An Innovative Approach to Helping Clients Find Their Direction using Challenge Cards

James Westhoff, Director of Career Services, Husson University


Exciting Opportunities Await: The Pathways to Careers Initiative 

Crisanne Kadamus Blackie, Director of the Career Center, University of Maine, Facilitator


Innovative Work Based Learning Opportunities: Healthcare Career Pathways in Maine 

Deanna Partridge, Joan Dolan, Roger Stefani, Maine Department of Labor


Creating Limitless Opportunities - Shining Your Brilliance: Bangor Savings Bank Approach to Talent Development

David Pease, Senior Vice President - Director of Talent, Diversity & Inclusion at Bangor Savings Bank and Class of 2024 Management Trainees


Kind Conversations: Busting Addiction Stigma

Carolyn Delaney, founder and publisher of Journey Enterprises, Brittany Sampson & Rachel Tiedemann, Co-Founders & Educators, Range Culture Co.


Removing barriers, creating access, and leading to pathways! 

Chris Winstead, Deputy Executive Director for Workforce Training, Maine Community College System; Anaclet Mbayagu, New Mainer Navigator; Michelle Gayne, Apprenticeship Coordinator; Octavie Nkama, Director of Academies



Powered by Wild Apricot Membership Software