Michael Ashmore, Program Development & Training Officer for the Maine Commission for Community Service is the Maine Department of Education’s Employee of the Week this week. Get to know a little more about Michael through this brief question and answer:
What is your role with the State of Maine?
I work for the Maine Commission for Community Service, a partner agency of the Maine DOE. My role with the Commission is as the Program Development & Training Officer. In this role I provide outreach to community agencies regarding the opportunities the Commission provides (grants, National Service support, training) and I am the trainer and technical assistance provider for Service Enterprise and for our grantees, among other things.
What do you like best about your job?
I love helping community agencies build their capacity to engage and utilize the skills of volunteers and to help them develop more volunteer opportunities here in the state.
How or why did you decide on this career?
I was a public educator for 2 decades and then moved into nonprofit management. I became connected to the work of the Commission as a grant recipient and then moved to the Commission as grants Officer ten years ago. I appreciate the value of service and the importance of volunteerism in keeping communities healthy, vibrant and resilient so it is rewarding work.
What do you like to do outside of work for fun?
I love to hike and to read, to spend time with my three children; and cooking is a passion of mine.