Meet Our Board
The UCLC is led by a diverse team whose collective expertise, knowledge and compassion for others are instrumental to our work. Our team includes:
Andrew W. Couture, Board President & Finance Team Lead: Andrew draws on extensive experience as a retired business owner, IRS agent and CPA to provide UCLC with vital financial expertise and strategic guidance. His leadership on boards at St. John’s Parish, Mid Maine Chamber, Hospice Volunteers and Big Brothers/Big Sisters, as well as involvement with Dirigo Labs and Maine Plywood, highlight his commitment to community service and sustainable growth. His fiscal acumen, collaborative spirit and entrepreneurial insight strengthens our capacity to secure funding supporting our mission.
Sue Gayne, Board Vice President & Policy Team Lead: Sue is a transformative leader committed to community well being. As Senior VP of Human Resources at NRF Distributors, she has shaped effective outreach and founded Project Fresh Start to mobilize resources for households in crisis. With her experience as Church Council president at South Parish Congregational Church, home of Augusta’s Emergency Overnight Warming Center, she brings strategic insight in supporting vulnerable populations. Her work with United Way’s Impact 2032 Council highlights her ability to drive measurable improvements in health and housing.
Deb Stewart, Board Treasurer & Medical Team Member: Deb is a highly respected Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience treating patients with severe and persistent mental illness. As Assistant Medical Director of Inpatient and Outpatient Psychiatry at MaineGeneral Medical Center, she has led program development across healthcare settings, showing strong commitment to improving community mental health services. Her leadership continues guides program growth, ensuring UCLC responds effectively to complex community needs.
Jonathan Ault, Board Secretary & Communications Team Lead: Jon brings valuable experience in agricultural research, community business development and civic engagement. A Johnny’s Selected Seeds research professional and co-owner of Honeysuckle Way Flowers, his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to sustainability directly support UCLC’s mission. Jon’s roles in local and state political committees showcase his strategic, collaborative approach, enabling UCLC to address challenges and expand programs. His diverse background is key as UCLC pursues grant funding.
Garrett Fontaine, MD, Board Member & Medical Director, Our People’s Clinic: A faculty member at Maine Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency, Garrett leads initiatives to expand care for underserved groups in Augusta and Waterville. His experience in exercise physiology, street medicine and advocacy with AmeriCorps and Maine Mobile Health Program strengthens UCLC’s outreach to migrant farmworkers and those experiencing homelessness. His leadership in mental health, addiction and adolescent medicine, combined with his policy advocacy, drives program growth and positions UCLC as a leader in addressing health inequities across Maine.
Debbie Mattson, Board Member & Housing Team Lead: Debbie is a dedicated advocate for equity and inclusion in the Hallowell, Maine community. With more than two decades of social work teaching at the University of Maine, she brings expertise in mediation, wellness and community empowerment. She provides mediation for local courts and teaches yoga at the Kennebec Valley YMCA, reflecting her holistic approach to well-being. Debbie’s commitment to social justice and strategic insight strengthen UCLC’s programs, ensuring they remain inclusive, innovative and impactful.
Allina Diaz, Board Member & Community Collaborations Team Member: Allina strengthens UCLC’s leadership with her lived experience and dedication to social justice. As a community organizer with Maine Equal Justice, she has a deep understanding of the barriers faced by vulnerable populations and a talent for collaborating with local coalitions and advocacy groups. Her empathy and advocacy empower UCLC to develop inclusive, equitable programs and build strategic partnerships. Her ability to connect with individuals and guide organizational strategy ensures UCLC remains responsive and effective in advancing its mission across Central Maine.
Missy Begin, Board Member & Medical Team Member: Missy brings more than 25 years of social work experience to UCLC. As a licensed social worker at the Family Medicine Institute in Augusta, she is known for her unwavering advocacy for patients, guiding them through complex healthcare and social service systems with compassion and expertise. Her dedication to treating every person with love, respect and dignity is evident in her daily work, where she excels at assessing and coordinating services, and especially enjoys building connections with generations of families.
Omar Formetta, Jr., Board Member: Omar is an Associate in law firm PretiFlaherty’s Litigation and Government Affairs Practice Groups. He provides strategic and comprehensive counsel to clients across a wide range of litigation matters, including drafting legal documents, conducting legal analysis, gathering evidence and expert testimony, and supporting preparation for board hearings and trial. He also regularly assists employers with labor relations matters, including negotiating collective bargaining agreements and contract drafting. Omar brings a strong foundation of legal and government experience to UCLC.