ADVISORY COUNCIL MEMBERS

BONNIE POTHIER | Bonnie is a well-known Biddeford native who became the city’s first female mayor in 1989.

She graduated from Biddeford High School in 1971, then earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine Farmington and did graduate work at Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government.

Bonnie was once a downtown business owner when downtown was facing very challenging times. She also served as president of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce.

Bonnie spent many years working as a teacher in local schools and was once the branch manager for Key Bank in Saco.

She retired last year after working many years as a regional representative for U.S. Senator Angus King.

JOHN GOLD | John began his journalism career fresh out of the University of New Hampshire in 1985 as a reporter for the Journal Tribune, scrutinizing the local governments of Wells and Ogunquit as they issued clamming licenses and building permits. He soon moved up to the big leagues, covering the “city beat” – the day-to-day activities of Biddeford, Saco and Old Orchard Beach that included everything from the school board to armed robberies.

With the arrival of the Internet, he developed the Journal Tribune’s first website and then moved on to become a content developer for Maine Today, the digital arm of the Portland Press Herald. He eventually joined Custom Communications, the editing and design company founded by his wife Susan. Since then, he has focused on print and digital design, as well as content development for local small businesses and nonprofit organizations.

A former president and board member for Saco Bay Trails, John has volunteered for a number of local and statewide organizations including the Summit Project, Land for Saco’s Future and Age Friendly Saco where he takes part in the CHAT bike program.

John is honored to be a part of the Biddeford Gazette project, believing that a dedicated and vibrant news media are a critical part of a successful society.

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CRAIG PENDLETON | A native of Saco, Craig was raised by a well-known family in the tight-knit Camp Ellis neighborhood, where he developed a deep love of the ocean as a young boy.

He graduated from Thornton Academy in 1978 and then graduated from the University of Rhode Island, earning a degree in Commercial Fishing and Marine Technology.

In addition to working many years as the captain of a commercial fishing trawler, Pendleton was also co-founder of the Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance, a non-profit organization focusing on collaboration between fishermen, government regulators and researchers.

Craig also served many years as the executive director of the Biddeford-Saco Chamber of Commerce; and also served as transportation director of the Biddeford-Saco Transit District. Today, Craig continues to serve on the PeoplesChoice Credit Union board of directors, a position he has held for nearly 30 years, including 20 years as board chair.

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VICTORIA GORDON | Victoria is a Maine-based graphic designer and longtime participant in the Biddeford arts community.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Lesley University and works in automotive marketing. Outside of work, she loves reading, writing, painting, playing music, spending time with her two cats, and overthinking various topics beyond reason.

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BILL SOUTHWICK | Bill is now retired from a management career that had him moving all over the northeastern United States before returning to Maine.

Born at the former Trull Hospital in Biddeford, Southwick was raised in Old Orchard Beach before joining the U.S. Navy in 1967.

Southwick has dabbled in local politics, most notably a failed bid against Mayor Jim Grattelo’s quest for a second term in the mid-1990s. Since then, Southwick has remained active in his adopted hometown of Biddeford, serving on various committees and boards, including three terms on the Biddeford Planning Board.

Bill is also known for his volunteer work with both the Salvation Army and a local non-profit organization that was established to help people who were impacted when a local fuel oil dealer unexpectedly closed their business, leaving many of their pre-paid customers in the cold.

Bill was also a founding member of Biddeford Tomorrow, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing a calming, positive and professional atmosphere back to City Hall, where personality clashes and chaos often boiled over during the mid-1990s.

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VASSIE FOWLER | For more than two decades, Vassie Fowler of Biddeford has been an outspoken advocate and champion for those who find themselves struggling with food insecurity, housing and mental health problems.

Today, Fowler serves as executive director at the Seeds of Hope Neighborhood Center on South Street in Biddeford, a community resource for those who are struggling with homelessness, hunger and other issues.

Fowler has a long history of community service that dates back to when she and her husband owned and operated Union House Pizza in one of the former downtown mill buildings.

Over the years, Vassie has served on several boards and commissions, including the Joyful Harvest Neighborhood Center, Toys for Tots in Northern York County, and she was elected to serve on the Biddeford School Committee.

She is also a member of the Biddeford-Saco Elks Club and served two terms as the ‘Exalted Ruler’ of the local Elks lodge. At the state level, she was named officer of the year in 2023.

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BEN NEVEUX | Ben is a proud Biddeford native and a 1981 graduate of Biddeford High School. After attending the University of Southern Maine, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, where he later earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Resources from New School University.

Following a 21-year Air Force career, Ben pursued graduate studies in Government and Globalization at Harvard University Extension School while working for a Cambridge-based government contractor.

In 2007, he returned home to Maine and, within two years, settled back in Biddeford. After a career transition in 2012, he joined the Maine Department of Labor, where he managed programs to help employers in York and Cumberland Counties recruit, train, and retain their workforce.

Since leaving state service in 2020, Ben has published a career advice blog and provided résumé services for job seekers and career changers.

Proud of his hometown and passionate about photography, Ben created the Facebook photo blog Biddeford, My Hometown to showcase his street and landscape photography and celebrate the city he calls home.

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KAYLA J. LEWIS | Kayla is an executive search and recruitment leader who began her professional career in journalism after graduating from Saint Joseph’s College of Maine in 2011 with a degree in communications and a focus in journalism. She spent several years reporting and writing for regional publications in Maine, covering local government, business, and community affairs, where she developed a strong foundation in research, communication, and relationship building.

For more than a decade and counting, Kayla has built her career in the recruiting industry, partnering with organizations and professionals to make thoughtful, long-term hiring decisions. She continues to value the principles of strong journalism, including curiosity, integrity, and service to the community, and remains actively engaged in the people and organizations she supports today.

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ANNIKA SOVETSKY | Annika is a Biddeford native and a raising junior at the University of Maine, where she is studying psychology with a focus on early childhood development.

Since early childhood, Annika has enjoyed horseback riding and was recently elected as president of the UMaine Equestrian Team. “I’m very passionate about learning, and I am excited for this opportunity to serve on the Gazette’s Community Advisory Council.”

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