Oct. 2, 2025
Press Forward Maine, an initiative of the Maine Community Foundation (MaineCF), today announces the formation of an advisory council to make recommendations on how Press Forward Maine can help strengthen local news across the state.
Maine Community Foundation CEO Deborah Ellwood, Press Forward Maine Senior Advisor Lisa DeSisto and MacArthur Foundation President John Palfrey at a Press Forward Maine launch event on Aug. 15 in Bar Harbor. Photo: Maine Community Foundation
Press Forward Maine is part of a larger national movement spearheaded by the MacArthur and Knight foundations to strengthen local news. Led by MaineCF and directed by Senior Advisor Lisa DeSisto and its advisory council, Press Forward Maine will work with partners across the state to reimagine, reinvest and rebuild community news.
The advisory council comprises: Emily Barr, CEO, Graham Media Group (retired); Carlos Barrionuevo, director, Public Media Company; Jeanne Bourgault, CEO, Internews; Maulian Bryant, Penobscot citizen, executive director, Wabanaki Alliance; Andrew Butcher, president, Maine Connectivity Authority; Judy Meyer, editor emeritus, Sun Journal; Prashant Mittal, director of professional programs, professor of practice, Roux Institute; Bobby Monks, board member, Pro Publica; Kathryn Olmstead, author, editor, former educator, Caribou and Andrea Perry, program director, Broad Reach Foundation.
“We are honored to have this extraordinary group — with diverse backgrounds and perspectives — come together to help Press Forward Maine ensure all Maine people have access to trusted, local news and information,” said DeSisto. “While we are inspired by the momentum of 41 other Press Forward chapters nationwide, our work will be rooted in the unique needs of Maine.”
Building on MaineCF’s long tradition of convening conversations and listening, Press Forward Maine is already engaging with Maine media and civic leaders to understand the challenges they face. Press Forward Maine will partner with Press Forward and MaineCF’s existing network of philanthropists to leverage collective resources and relationships to advance this important work.
