MDF’s prominent Champion Awards recognize exemplary leadership toward economic improvement and systematic change necessary for each and every Mainer to thrive and prosper
ELLSWORTH — Heart of Ellsworth is pleased to share that Phyllis Young, Heart of Ellsworth founding board member and second board president, was awarded the William F. King, Jr., Downtown Champion Award from Maine Development Foundation. Phyllis and five other individuals and organizations were honored on Sept. 27 at “Aspire: Unlocking the Potential of Maine to Thrive and Prosper,” MDF’s 45th annual meeting & Champion Awards Celebration held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bangor.
Phyllis was recognized for her tireless advocacy and strategic leadership that has helped diversify and grow both the culture and economy of her beloved hometown of Ellsworth. This includes countless hours of hands-on volunteering and mentoring dozens of community leaders and entrepreneurs.
“I can think of few as deserving as Phyllis to receive this award,” said Cara Romano, executive director of Heart of Ellsworth. “She was one of the primary catalysts for launching Heart of Ellsworth to support our downtown’s revitalization. We are grateful for her unwavering dedication which has helped make Ellsworth a beautiful and vibrant city.”
“These awards honor individuals, organizations, and businesses who are involved day in and day out in innovative and critical work that is helping Mainers, thrive, prosper, and realize all that they aspire to,” says Yellow Light Breen, MDF’s president and CEO. “Each of our awardees is leading actionable and scalable efforts that help drive systemic change toward a more equitable, inclusive Maine economy and ensure Maine continues to be a great place to live and work for all.”
Phyllis, now retired, brings her broad work experiences from Child and Family Opportunities, Acadia Senior College, Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce and Woodlawn to the Heart of Ellsworth Board. When asked, she still says that her greatest work (with her husband, Reg) was the raising of her two girls in Ellsworth.
