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 Board of Directors, 2011
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.
Mike Gibson of Barnet, Vermont
Mike Gibson brings a diverse skill set and some relevant life experiences to our organization.
A lifelong Vermonter, he has made several opportunities to step beyond the Green Mountains. Some time working on oil rigs in the Gulf, a cross-country wander in an old bus, buying and restoring a home in Arizona along with working some movies with Ozzie and John. Highly mechanical he became a licensed plumber and HVAC technician and eventually worked as the head of maintenance of a medical center that has 6 facilities in 5 towns. In that role he carried out hands on work, but also oversaw multiple subcontractors on a variety of projects. Now retired, he is updating his own rental properties and restoring his 19th century cape. He also worked as a substance abuse counselor further expanding his communication skills and continues to support that community through various informal opportunities.
A lifelong Vermonter, he has made several opportunities to step beyond the Green Mountains. Some time working on oil rigs in the Gulf, a cross-country wander in an old bus, buying and restoring a home in Arizona along with working some movies with Ozzie and John. Highly mechanical he became a licensed plumber and HVAC technician and eventually worked as the head of maintenance of a medical center that has 6 facilities in 5 towns. In that role he carried out hands on work, but also oversaw multiple subcontractors on a variety of projects. Now retired, he is updating his own rental properties and restoring his 19th century cape. He also worked as a substance abuse counselor further expanding his communication skills and continues to support that community through various informal opportunities.