Worthington Scholarship Foundation Welcomes New Board Members

The Worthington Scholarship Foundation Board of Directors has elected two new Board Members:  Laurie Lachance, President of Thomas College and Tony C. McKim, President and CEO of First National Bank.     In addition, Larry Barker, President and CEO at Machias Savings Bank has joined as an Advisory Board member.  Both McKim and Barker head Maine financial institutions that have partnered with the Worthington Foundation to increase accessibility to and information on the scholarship to students and parents in the communities they serve.  

Board member Laurie Lachance is Thomas College’s 5th President and the first female and alumna to lead the College in its 125-year history. Laurie has served as President and CEO of the Maine Development Foundation and served three governors as the Maine State Economist.   A frequent author and speaker on leadership, education, and the economy of Maine, she holds an undergraduate degree from Bowdoin College, an MBA from Thomas College and an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Laurie is a member of both Maine Women’s and Maine Business Hall of Fame and has been recognized by Maine Magazine as one of “the 50 Mainers Charting the State’s Future.”  Laurie chairs the Board of Educare Central Maine, is a Trustee of Foxcroft Academy, a Board member of Educate Maine, served on the New England Board of Higher Education’s Commission.  Thomas College is a partner college with the Worthington Scholarship Foundation. 

Board member Tony McKim leads First National Bank, the fourth largest Maine-based financial institution.  A long-time community volunteer, McKim serves as the Chair of the Maine Bankers Association and is an Executive Committee member of Friends of Traditional Banking, a nationwide grassroots organization; he is also a board member of the Ellsworth Business Development Corporation President of the Board of Harbor House, a community service organization.   In addition to board involvement, McKim is passionate about youth sports and has coached basketball and baseball at a variety of levels.  He co-founded an organization, Acadian Youth Sports, to promote youth sports in the Mount Desert Island and Trenton communities.

McKim is honored to be asked to join the board of the Worthington Foundation.  “I know first-hand how a college education can help our Maine youth achieve their dreams.  With scholarships and guidance, the Foundation can have a great impact on Maine’s future.”

Advisory Board member Larry Barker grew up in Down East Maine.  His connection to Machias Savings Bank, the fifth largest bank in Maine with a footprint spanning Portland to Caribou, goes back to his early days of raking blueberries for the Bank’s former CEO. He began his official career at the Bank in 1991, moving through various roles and promotions till he became CEO in 2012.   Personifying the legacy and spirit of Machias Savings Bank, Larry has a passion for community impact. He has served on Boards for organizations including the Sunrise County Economic Council, The Washington Hancock Community Agency and Washington Academy. He is also a board member of several banking associations.  He earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Maine Machias and proudly resides with his family in Washington County. 

Laurie LaChance, President of Thomas College

Tony McKim, President, CEO, First National Bank

Larry Barker, President, CEO Machias Savings Bank