Celebrating 10 Years of Heart and the Leadership of Cara Romano

For the past decade, Heart of Ellsworth has worked to strengthen downtown, build connection, and help our community shine. At the center of that story is Executive Director Cara Romano, whose leadership has helped shape the organization from the very beginning.

As Heart of Ellsworth’s first Executive Director, Cara has been a driving force behind the mission since day one. Her vision, dedication, and steady leadership have helped turn big ideas into real progress for Ellsworth. From securing critical funding and achieving important accreditations to advancing beautification efforts on Main Street and helping build the community events so many have come to love, Cara’s impact can be seen across the organization and throughout downtown.

Over the last 10 years, Heart of Ellsworth has grown into a stronger, more connected, and more visible force in the community. That growth did not happen by chance. It has been built through thoughtful leadership, strong partnerships, and a deep commitment to the people and places that make Ellsworth special.

As we celebrate this anniversary, we are also celebrating the heart behind the work. Cara’s leadership has helped guide Heart of Ellsworth through important milestones and exciting momentum, always with a focus on community, collaboration, and long term impact.

We are incredibly proud of how far Heart of Ellsworth has come in 10 years, and we are equally grateful for the leadership that continues to guide the way forward.