OWLS HEAD — Starting on June 1, John Bottero will take the position as the Owls Head Transportation Museum’s new Director of Operations. Kevin Bedford, Owls Head Executive Director made the announcement last week.

“John has been involved with the museum for years, from working as a volunteer as a teenager, to taking on the roll as a trustee,” said OHTM, in a news release. “He will bring an important perspective to the museums operations, events and The New England Auto AuctionTM, which he has served as auctioneer for the past several years.”

John Bottero will be leaving his current position as Vice President of Thomaston Place Auction Galleries where he has served for nearly three decades, appraising and offering at auction, fine art, antiques and real estate.

“I am excited for John as he takes on this new venture,” said owner Kaja Veilleux. “He has a special connection with the museum and a passion for the preservation of the Maine culture and the items from past generations.”

Bottero is a Navy veteran with a background in manufacturing engineering, and as auctioneer at Thomaston Place has helped thousands of Midcoast Maine families evaluate and place their most cherished and valuable items in the hands of the next generation of owners to ensure their survival, according to the release.

Over the years, Bottero has donated his time to countless Maine nonprofit organizations acting a auctioneer, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars, and has no plans to stop giving back in this way.