MaineCTE Business Summit: Full Schedule

7:00pm EDT

Keynote Presentation: Russel McKenna, Morse Corporation

Sunday July 19, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT

For decades, a stubborn stigma clouded Career and Technical Education (CTE), framing it as a secondary path for those not bound for college. While remnants of that perception still linger across parts of Maine, Russell McKenna single-handedly redefined what the future of CTE looks like for the Midcoast region.

Russell’s journey began in the Machine Tool program at the Mid-Coast School of Technology, where he quickly became known for completing complex projects in record-breaking time. However, it was his unique ability to bridge two worlds—pairing elite skill in the shop with a rigorous workload of AP Calculus and Physics - that set him apart.

The combination of hands-on experience and theoretical depth made him the ideal candidate for the prestigious Colorado School of Mines. There, he served as a Mechanical Engineering student and Machine Shop assistant, building a formidable resume that launched his career at Morse Corp. in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Today, Russell stands as a living proof-of-concept. Because of his non-traditional path and professional success, students across midcoast Maine are no longer viewing CTE as a fallback—they are seeing it as a strategic decision to separate themselves from the competition.

Speakers

Russell McKenna

Morse Corporation

Sunday July 19, 2026 7:00pm - 8:00pm EDT

Keynote

8:30am EDT

The Trifecta: Integrating CTE, Business, and Academic Education

Monday July 20, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

Mike was hired as St. George Municipal School Unit’s first superintendent in 2015. In that role, he focused on developing partnerships with businesses, nonprofits, and civic organizations to better meet the needs of students and families.

While superintendent, Mike helped lead a community effort, in partnership with MidCoast School of Technology, to develop the nation’s first PreK-12 Career & Technical Education program. In August 2025, after a three-year campaign that raised over $4.6 million, St. George opened the GRACE Innovation Center. The project was selected as a finalist for the national Yass Prize and was featured in both national (e.g., Wall Street Journal and Fox Business News) and state and local media (e.g., News Center Maine, WABI TV, etc.).

In July 2025, Mike transitioned to the roles of Executive Director of the GRACE Innovation Center and Executive Director of the St. George Community Development Corporation (StGCDC). The StGCDC also oversees the adult education, workforce training, and telehealth/paramedicine programming happening through the GRACE Innovation Center.

With the StGCDC, Mike has the opportunity to work at the nexus of community, education, and economic development alongside individuals, groups, and institutions that are developing locally tailored solutions to the most pressing issues facing our town, state, and nation – issues ranging from food security to workforce readiness and housing to healthcare.

Speakers

Michael Felton

Executive Director, Grace Innovation Center

Monday July 20, 2026 8:30am - 9:30am EDT

Keynote

6:30pm EDT

Dinner & Evening Keynote: Topic: Building Maine’s Future Workforce

Monday July 20, 2026 6:30pm - 8:00pm EDT

Mark Brooks currently serves as the Director of the Cianbro Institute at the Cianbro Corporation headquartered in Pittsfield, Maine. He also coordinates leadership development across the Cianbro Companies.

Mark is a retired Colonel with the United States Army Reserves, serving for over 34 years and retiring in 2020. He has led soldiers at the Team, Squad, Platoon, Company, Battalion and Brigade level. He is a decorated Combat Veteran with service in Iraq. COL Brooks has been awarded the Combat Infantryman’s Badge and the Bronze Star for commanding U.S. and Iraqi soldiers in Tal Afar, Iraq. He was also awarded the Defense Meritorious Service Award for service at the Pentagon supporting contingency operations in Afghanistan. COL Brooks is a graduate of the United States Army War College, earning a Master’s of Science degree in Strategic Studies.

COL Brooks has served as a Leadership Instructor at the United States Military Academy at West Point. Mark is also a retired Troop Commander (Lieutenant) with the Maine State Police. He has served as a rural Maine State Patrol Trooper, Homicide Detective, Child-abuse Detective, Training Sergeant at the Maine State Police Academy, Patrol Sergeant and Troop Commander in both Troop F in Aroostook County and Troop C in Skowhegan serving Central Maine. He has served as Commander of the Maine State Police Crisis Negotiation Unit and also Commander of the Incident Management Assistance Team. Mark served in the Maine State Police for 25 years and retired in the fall of 2019.

Speakers