Representative, Maine State House of Representatives, 2008-2016

Former Member, Environment and Natural Resources Committee, Maine State House of Representatives

Deputy Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine, 2004-2008

Director, Academic and Student Affairs, Rockport College, 2002-2003

President/Chief Executive Officer, Hurricane Island Outward Bound, 1991-2000

Associate Director, Colorado Outward Bound, 1986-1991

Associate Director, Pacific Crest Outward Bound, 1985-1986

Executive Director, Boulder County Safehouse, 1979-1985

Board Member, The Community School, 2010-present

Board Member, Maine Media Workshops, 2007-present

Vice Chair, Center for Furniture Craftsmanship, 2006-present

Chair, Knox County Committee, Maine Community Foundation, 2005-present

Board Member, Common Good Ventures, 2002-2008

Board Member, Maine Woman's Fund, 1995-2002

Board Member, Maine Development Foundation, 1995-2001

Awards:

Volunteer of the Year Award, Boulder County Women's Resource Center, 1979
Governor of Colorado proclamation of Joan W. Welsh Day, July 26, 1985 for her "professional expertise, creativity, energy and knowledge that serve as a model of excellence for human services".

Current Car:

2006 Toyota Prius

Father's Name:

Roy Nichols Whittington

Father's Occupation:

General Contractor

Favorite Author:

Laurance Van Der Post

Favorite Book:

"Story Like the Wind" Van der Post
War and Peace, Tolstoy

Favorite Musician:

Yo Yo Ma

Favorite President and Why:

Franklin Roosevelt. He helped working people during very hard times.

Favorite Quote:

I have two:
"Let What you do, be what you love, there are hundreds of ways to kiss the earth." (a sufi saying)
"I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve (or save) the world and a desire to enjoy (or savor) the world. This makes it hard to plan the day." E.B. White

Favorite TV Shows:

The Jim Lehrer News Hour and Masterpiece Theatre

Favorite Type of Music:

I like classical, jazz, folk and soft rock.

Favorite Vacation Spot:

Trekking somewhere adventurous.

Favorite Websites:

New York Times

First Car:

Volkswagen bug

First Job:

Life Guard

Hobbies or Special Talents:

Reading, gardening, knitting, hiking, kayaking, sailing, swimming

Mother's Name:

Beatrice P. Whittington

Mother's Occupation:

Retired public school music teacher

Name one thing you would most like to do before you die:

Serve in the Maine State Legislature!

Names of Grandchildren:

Anna Elizabeth Welsh, James Joseph Welsh, Cameron Cunningham Welsh, Nicholas George Sturr, Benjamin Donald Sturr, Emily Beatrice Sturr

Personal Hero and Why:

Eleanor Roosevelt. She did incredible work for the people of our country and carried their concerns to the president.

Pets (include names):

Tucker the yellow cat

Priority Issues:

The economy, Health Care, The Environment, and a Well Educated Work Force

Publications:

Leadership The Outward Bound Way, part IV. Mountaineers Books, 2007, Seattle, WA

Reason for Seeking Public Office:

I have worked with Legislatures in Colorado and Maine and see how important it is to have people serving who can bring people together to solve problems. I believe that I can bring that skill to Maine's Legislature.