Introducing the KOBI Board of Directors

Keepers of Baker Island has a five-person Board of Directors. Following are brief introductions to the founding members.

NOTE: Below is the founding board. Our current board consists of: Cornelia Cesari, Bettina Pearson, Ozzie Henchel, and Michael Gibson.

KOBI's Founding BOD (L to R): Ozzie Henchel, Cornelia Cesari, Bettina Pearson, Karl Flint, and Peter Fenton

Cornelia Cesari of Chelsea, Vermont and Baker Island, Maine

President Cornelia Cesari holds a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Champlain College. She has experience in grant writing and has served as grant coordinator, Board member and director of nonprofit organizations. Most recently she was coordinator of CARE, which served as a collaborative hub for multiple organizations and resources in a four-town area. She has also taught grades 2-8 in public schools, worked as a curriculum writer and coordinator and presented “in-the-field,” hands-on educational workshops  for children, adults and families. Mrs. Cesari’s personal commitment to Baker Island spans four decades and includes a three-generation family relationship.

Cornelia on Baker, 1974

Bettina Pearson of South Portland and Baker Island, Maine

VP Bettina Pearson, lives with her family in South Portland, Maine and has been a Baker Island resident for 45+ years. A pillar of her three-generation extended family tradition, she performs and coordinates countless hours of volunteer labor towards its stewardship. She has been involved in communication and collaborations with the National Park Service and residents of neighboring communities. She is a professional health care provider and, as a small business owner of 17 years, is familiar with the work involved in bringing a vision to fruition.

Ozzie Henchel of Barton, Vermont

Treasurer Arthur “Ozzie” Henchel was on the ground floor in establishing and operating a large 501(c)3 educational organization: the Circus Barn, Inc., (aka Circus Smirkus), an international youth circus based in Vermont. Mr. Henchel’s involvement has been multifaceted and spanned two decades; he has served as an officer on its Board of Directors and also as General Manager for about ten years. Mr. Henchel is also an accomplished independent businessman and has worked as a professional carpenter.