MECEP Staff Bios

Sarah Austin, Policy Analyst

Sarah is MECEP’s policy lead on tax and budget issues. She conducts research and impact analyses, writes educational materials, and collaborates with partners. Sarah is skilled in data collection, research, and statistical and policy analysis. Sarah holds a master’s of public affairs from the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s La Follette School of Public Affairs and a bachelor’s of science in environmental policy from Maine’s Unity College.

Tel: 207.620-1104          Email: saustin[at]mecep[dot]org

 

Jody Harris, Associate Director

Jody provides financial management, oversees grants administration, and manages board relations, and serves as MECEP’s policy lead on consumer finance protections. She has 30 years of experience in public management serving in policy roles in Maine state government under four governors and as town manager in two Maine towns. She has a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Maine.

Tel: 207.620.1105          Email: jharris[at]mecep[dot]org

 

Garrett Martin, Executive Director

Garrett provides oversight and guidance for MECEP’s policy development, research methodologies, and analytical techniques, forming conclusions and determining policy solutions. Garrett has extensive experience in economic research, policy development, community economic development, and philanthropic fund management. He holds a master’s degree in public affairs from Princeton University with a concentration in economics and public policy analysis.

Tel: 207.620.1102          Email: gmartin[at]mecep[dot]org

 

Megan Michaud, Director of External Affairs

Megan provides project and event management and assists with implementing communications and development strategies. Megan is experienced in policy development and legislative advocacy having worked for nearly 10 years on Capitol Hill as legislative staff. Megan graduated from Colby College with a degree in anthropology and a minor in math.

Tel: 207.620.1128          Email: mmichaud[at]mecep[dot]org 

 

Mario Moretto, Communications Director

Mario manages MECEP’s communications program, including strategic planning, media relations, and coordinated campaign work with MECEP’s partners. His background is in journalism and political communications. Prior to joining MECEP, he was communications director for the Maine Senate Minority Leader. He holds a bachelor’s degree in international relations and anthropology, with a minor in political science, from the University of Maine.

Tel: 207.620.1101           Email: mario[at]mecep.org

 

James Myall, Policy Analyst

James is MECEP’s lead on labor and workforce issues and education and health care policy. He conducts research and impact analyses, writes educational materials, and collaborates with partners. James is skilled in data collection, research, and statistical and policy analysis. He has a master’s degree in public policy and management from the University of Southern Maine and a master’s degree in ancient history and archaeology from the University of St. Andrews in Scotland.

Tel: 207.620.1103          Email: jmyall[at]mecep[dot]org

 

Cara Scozzafava, Digital Communications and Campaigns Strategist

Cara develops and executes MECEP’s digital communications program. Her role includes strategic planning, coordination with MECEP’s partners, and the creation of digital content to educate and mobilize voters on issues that promote shared prosperity. Her background is in digital communications and organizing, and she holds a bachelor’s of science in media, culture, and communications from New York University.

Tel: 207.620.1138         Email: cara[at]mecep[dot]org

 

Ellen Skakalsi, Development Associate

Ellen works with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to implement MECEP’s annual Development Plan, which includes individual and corporate giving strategies, grants, and events. Ellen assists with donor cultivation and solicitation and is responsible for managing the fundraising database and monitoring fundraising progress and outcomes. She brings more than seven years of experience in nonprofit management consulting in the areas of fundraising and strategic planning. Ellen holds a master’s of public administration from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public & International Affairs (GSPIA) and a bachelor’s degree in policy management from Dickinson College.

Tel: 207.557.5988         Email: ellen[at]mecep[dot]org