Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter Expands to Meet Growing Need


The Maine Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is pleased to announce new hires that occurred in July at its Scarborough headquarters, as well as a recent promotion.


Faith Gillman has joined the chapter as Operations Manager. Gillman holds a B.A. degree in Economics from the University of Southern Maine. She has most recently worked at Salem Advisory Group, LLC in Kennebunk as a Business Development Specialist/Admin Manager. Previous positions include serving as a Market Analyst/Editor at Mark Farrah Associates, Research Assistant/Intern at the Maine International Trade Center and Production Manager at the York County Coast Star and the York Weekly. Gillman brings excellent communication, collaboration and organizational skills and will be involved with human resources, fund development, finance and constituent relations.


Jill Conover has also joined the chapter in the role of Director of Communications & Advocacy. Conover brings over 18 years of leadership experience in marketing communications, public relations and advocacy. Prior to joining the chapter, Conover owned and operated her own marketing communications firm. Previously, she served as Director of Public Affairs for the Autism Society of Maine, Director of Communications of HealthReach Community Health Centers, Sr. Production Editor of the health care division of Maryland-based Aspen Publishers, and Director of Publications of a Washington, DC-based national association. She also served the Clinton Administration as a White House staff writer. A native of Waterville, Maine, Conover earned her Bachelor of Arts degree at Hood College in Maryland. She returned to Maine in 2003, and subsequently served as a State Representative in the Maine Legislature. In her new position, Conover will develop and implement chapter communications across print, web, social media, broadcast and other media channels. She will also work with chapter Board members, colleagues, volunteers, the national association and other organizations to advance public policy initiatives that will benefit Maine families impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.


In February, Sarah Stepp was promoted to the position of Development Director. She joined the Alzheimer’s Association, Maine Chapter in 2009 as Manager, Development/Special Events. Her expertise in event management and volunteer recruitment has contributed to consistent growth of Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the Association’s largest fundraising event, as well as the addition of a new event, Ride to Remember. A native of Casco, Maine, Stepp earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Rhodes College in Memphis, TN, where she subsequently began her career. After nearly a decade in Tennessee, she returned home to Maine in 2007. Some highlights of her past experience include coordinating the largest charity auction in Memphis, executing a capital campaign for a new Humane Society facility, and overseeing the local broadcast of a nationally-televised fundraising event.


“We are excited about the expertise these new staff members bring that will allow us to increase awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and the services and support our chapter offers to individuals living with dementia in the state of Maine.Nationally, we know that an estimated 5.4 million Americans of all ages have Alzheimer’s disease. 5.2 million are ages 65+, 200,000 individuals are under age 65 and have younger-onset Alzheimer’s. This number is expected to grow to 7.7 million by 2030, a more than 50% increase over those currently affected. The Alzheimer’s Association stands ready to support all caregivers, professional or family and friends, as we prepare to meet the growing need for care and assistance that we face today and in the years to come,”says Laurie Trenholm, Executive Director of the Alzheimer Association, Maine Chapter.