Stephen Cole
Coastal Enterprises, Inc.
Stephen is Director of Natural Resources & Sustainable Communities at Coastal Enterprises, Inc., a long-established Maine community development corporation. CEI’s staff of 85 is active in Maine’s natural resource sectors, business lending, small business counseling, workforce development, affordable housing and socially responsible venture capital. Cole oversees CEI’s small farms, fisheries and working waterfront efforts and does project-based work in renewable energy and community development. His work background includes history and preservation, land use planning, and community & economic development. Stephen has made trips to New Orleans to volunteer in the recovery effort, and offers invaluable advice and insight into the recovery mission of lowernine.org.
Michael Hickerson, MSW, RSW
In This Together, Inc.
Michael is a native New Orleanian, and is the founder and Executive Director of In This Together, Inc., an agency providing HIV/AIDS and other health-related services in the Treme neighborhood. Michael has also worked for or directed Healing Healthcare, Inc., the Great Expectations Foundation and the New Orleans Office of Public Health.
Paul Eisemann
Building Contractor
Paul, famous in NYC as “the Brownstone Whisperer,” has over 30 years of contracting experience, and has been involved as a volunteer helping in New Orleans’ recovery since shortly after Katrina. Paul has been instrumental in funneling supplies and skilled volunteers into New Orleans, primarily through his association with First Unitarian-Universalist Church and their volunteer center, as well as All Congregations Together.
