Our Team

 

Cara Romano | Executive Director

Cara is a non-profit leader with a deep passion for community building and economic development. Her approach is collaborative, inclusionary, and goal orientated. Cara grew up in Downeast Maine, attended the University of Maine at Machias. After earning a degree in Interdisciplinary Fine Arts with a metals focus, she pursued a career as a studio jeweler. In 2005 she established her own studio and began traveling the country showing her work. From 2011 - 2015 she served as President of the Maine Crafts Association (MCA). This volunteer opportunity proved to be career-altering.  During her time with the MCA, Cara found her true calling - arts administration and community development. From 2013 - 2019 Cara operated a small retail store in Downtown Ellsworth (KōT) Contemporary Craft. In 2016 she became Executive Director of the Downtown Ellsworth Merchants Association. Along with the founding board of directors, Cara worked to transition the organization to become a 501c3, Heart of Ellsworth. Cara continues to grow the organization and build community one volunteer, program, and event at a time.  

 
 

Zabet NeuCollins | Program Coordinator

Zabet NeuCollins is a dynamic community builder with a proven track record in program development. Originally from a small town in Iowa, she graduated from College of the Atlantic in 2015 with a B.A. in Human Ecology. She focused on Sustainable Business and Food Systems during her studies. 

For nearly six years, Zabet has worked with the nonprofit Women for Healthy Rural Living (WHRL) in Milbridge, ME. As its Assistant Director, she was pivotal in shaping transformative initiatives, including OWL: Outdoor Women Lead, a program that strengthens women's and girls' confidence in the outdoors. Zabet worked closely with Maine Outdoor School to develop and lead this program, reflecting her collaborative and inclusive approach.

A Master Gardener Volunteer and outdoor enthusiast, Zabet blends her love for nature with her professional endeavors. She believes that meaningful outdoor experiences improve our quality of life, health, and social well-being, which in turn leads to communities that are place-based and rooted in sustainability. 

She is thrilled to work with Heart of Ellsworth as their Program Coordinator and is excited to collaborate with others to continue making Ellsworth a vibrant and dynamic place to visit, work, and live in.

Missi Potter | Bookkeeping and Finance

Missi is passionate about small business and assists Heart of Ellsworth with all finance-related projects and programs. Through her own small business on Main Street, Accubooks she focuses on the success of her clients through integrity, commitment to community, dedication to small business, and passion for downtown Ellsworth.

 
 
 

Rachel Yves | Creative

Rachel Yves moved from Denver, CO to Ellsworth in the summer of 2020. She brought her home office, creativity, and experience as a corporate digital content marketer. Working in isolation in the for-profit sector took its toll; after two years, Rachel changed her career path to connect with the downtown community and put her skills and passions to work for the Heart of Ellsworth.