With experiences spanning journalism, marketing, government, and nonprofit leadership, Justin is an experienced strategic communicator who drives impact by defining brand, honing message, and amplifying engagement. He is a storyteller by nature and a marketer by trade.At Sweetser, Justin develops and implements external communication strategies to advance the nonprofit’s reputation and to broaden the impact of programs through multimedia storytelling, advertising, branding, and messaging across all platforms. He leads a team responsible for meeting the long-term development needs of the organization including donor engagement, corporate sponsorships, grants, and event planning. Justin also oversees all internal communications to the over 500+ staff across the state, serves as the primary contact for all media requests, and helps coordinate government affairs and community engagement initiatives.He has worked at every level of government with roles in municipal, county, state, and federal institutions. Justin is a former 4-term lawmaker having served as both a Senator and Representative for 8 years, served on the State Board of Education, and interned at both city hall and a congressional office. He currently serves as a York County Commissioner and a state appointee on Maine’s Right to Know Advisory Committee.Justin has been recognized nationally by The Advocate magazine on their list of the 40 Under 40 most accomplished leaders and recognized within the state making Mainebiz's list of 40 Under 40 next generation of state leaders. Two U.S. Presidents have honored his community work as the recipient of the Volunteer Service Award; by President Bush & by President Obama. Justin graduated from Vermont State University (Formerly Lyndon State College) with a B.S. in Broadcast News. He went on to earn a Post-Baccalaureate Degree in Public Administration from the University of Maine at Augusta and an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.Justin is also a published author, having written the children’s book, ‘The Great Whoopie Pie Debate: A Kids’ Guide to the Maine Legislature’ and has been a newspaper columnist for well over a decade. ​​He lives in Saco with his husband and their two cats Precious & Mr. Biscuits.