Candidate, Maine State Senate, District 11, 2018

Representative, Maine State House of Representatives, 2006-2010

Member, Women in Government, present

Member, Appropriations Committee, Maine State House of Representatives, 2006-2008

Principal, Giles Consulting, 2016-present

Community Banker, Machias Savings Bank, 2008-2018

Director of Development, Broadreach Family and Community Services, 2016-2017

Chief Executive Officer, MaineStream Finance, 2010-2017

Vice President/Market Manager, Camden National Bank, 2000-2008

Vice President/Commercial Banking Officer, Machias Savings Bank, 2008

Lending Management, Key Bank, 1978-2000

Board Member, Abnaki Girl Scout Council, 2003-present

Incorporator, Waldo County General Hospital, 1998-present

Vice Chair/Board of Directors, Waldo County Young Men's Christian Association, 1997-present

Member, Commission to Develop Strategies to Increase Postsecondary Access, Retention and Completion for Low-Wage, Low-Skilled Adults

Former Member, Maine Small Business Administration Advisory Council

President/Member, Belfast Rotary Club, 1996-2008

Board Member, Broadreach Family Services Personnel Committee, 2005-2008

Member, City of Belfast Business Development Committee, 2002-2008

Board Member, Scholarship Committee, Waldo County General Hospital, 2005-2008

Board Member, United Mid-Coast Charities, 2004-2008

Vice Chair/Chair/Board Member, Waldo County YMCA, 1997-2008

Member, City of Belfast Retail Review Commission, 2006

President/Board of Directors, Belfast Area Chamber of Commerce, 2000-2005

Committee Member, City of Belfast, Industrial Park Committee, 2002-2003

Chair/Vice Chair/Board of Directors, Finance Authority of Maine, 1982-2000

Board Member, Maine's Small Business Administration, 1994-1998

Awards:

1) America's Promise Award, Maine Banker's Association, 2002
2) US Small Business Administration, Women in Business Advocate, 1992

Favorite President and Why:

Abraham Lincoln was my favorite president. He led our country at such a difficult time preserving the United States of America. He never lost sight of his dreams, though, he lost many elections before becoming President. I recall reading a book when I was young about a girl who wrote to him and suggested he grow a beard. The girl felt he would appear more distinguished, and potentially, more Presidential. As the story goes, he grew the beard and went on to become President. The lesson learned is that Abe Lincoln listened to so many, including this young lady, so that he was able to become one of our truly great leaders.

Person Most Want to Meet (Dead or Alive):

The person I would like to have met is Mabel Bell, wife of inventor Alexander Graham Bell. Mabel was deaf having lost her hearing from scarlet fever at a very young age. She was a great supporter of education and established a Montessori school in her home while raising her two children. Her 45-year marriage to Alexander was filled with love and adventure. He relied on her to handle the family finances, plus, she was his confidante on many projects. She was an integral part of his wide range of work from inventing the telephone to his interests in flight and aeronautics. Together, they have both been recognized for their work with the deaf. I had the opportunity last year to visit the Bell Museum in Baddeck, Nova Scotia near their summer home. I was fascinated at Mabel's truly exciting life and her ability to do so much. I would have liked to have met her.

Reason for Seeking Public Office:

I am running for the Waldo County Maine Senate seat to make a difference. I have lived most my life and raised my family here. I want to use my years of banking, volunteer and legislative experience to help Waldo County move forward.