Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) announced today the election of Abigail Wark as Board Chair, with former Chair Kathryn Yates transitioning to a trustee role. The Board also welcomes two new members: John Beliveau and Nathan J. Aranson.
Pictured (L to R): Nathan J. Aranson, Abigail Wark, John Beliveau
“Abby Wark brings exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to community and the arts. Her strategic voice and vision will help guide MECA&D at a critical time and keep our mission to educate artists and designers at the forefront of everything we do,” shared Laura Freid, President of Maine College of Art & Design. “We also owe a tremendous amount of gratitude to Kathryn Yates for her remarkable service, and are thrilled she will remain on the Board.”
Wark’s ongoing commitment to the MECA&D Board, along with the addition of these new members, will help steer MECA&D’s strategic direction and strengthen the College’s commitment to delivering a world-class art and design education while fostering its role as a creative hub in Maine and beyond.
Of the appointment, Wark said, “I am passionate about the transformative power of education and the arts. I am honored to have this new opportunity to serve MECA&D’s vibrant community and continue its legacy in this important work.”
Kathryn Yates
During her tenure, Yates established the Anne Honeywell Orr Endowed Scholarship, strengthened the MECA&D community, and guided the College with clarity and care. Yates shared, “Serving as Board President has been a joy. Watching students flourish and alumni succeed has been deeply rewarding. Abby will be a terrific chair, and I look forward to supporting her in her new role.”
Abby Wark grew up in Portland’s West End, attending Reiche School, King Middle School, and Portland High School. Today, she is a scientist, educator, and leader committed to building healthier, more connected communities through science, education, and the arts. She holds a BA from Stanford University, a PhD from the University of Washington, and has completed postdoctoral research at Harvard Medical School. Abby has taught at leading institutions, led science outreach programs nationwide, and serves as a trustee of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute.
About the New Board Members
Nathan J. Aranson is a third-generation Mainer and a dual board-certified general and vascular surgeon and Assistant Professor at Tufts University School of Medicine. Nationally recognized as an educator and published author, he has pioneered surgical procedures in Maine. Nathan lives in Portland, and outside the operating room, he enjoys downhill skiing and fishing.
John Beliveau was born and raised in Rumford, Maine, and now lives in Portland. He serves as Managing Director at HM Payson and Chair of the Client Services Group, combining decades of expertise with a lifelong curiosity in finance. Committed to community service, he helped launch a meal delivery program in Rumford. An avid outdoorsman and squash player, John enjoys fishing, camping, and skiing.
Please visit MECA&D’s Board of Trustees webpage for more information.