ROCKLAND — AIO Food & Energy Assistance announced September 30 the appointment of Vera Roberts as Chair of the Board of Directors and the addition of Jake Miller to the nonprofit organization's Board of Directors.

"I am honored to lead AIO during this exciting and challenging time," said Roberts, in a news release. "Outgoing board president Liz Jenkins has laid the groundwork for the growth of programs and service to our community. I am inspired by all that Liz has done for AIO, and I am delighted to continue our organization's important mission."

Vera Roberts joined AIO’s Board of Directors in 2020 after working for Camden National Bank for almost 28 years, having retired in June 2018 as a Senior Vice President and the Midcoast Region Commercial Manager. Over the past 30 years, she has been affiliated with many nonprofit organizations in the Midcoast. Currently, in addition to AIO, she serves as president of the Board of Directors of New Hope and as a Finance Committee member for the Ashwood Waldorf School. She also volunteers for the Methodist Conference Home’s Meals on Wheels program. In addition to AIO's Board, Roberts is the Monday day shift manager at the AIO Food Pantry and is the Board liaison for the Energy Assistance Program.

New AIO board member Jake Miller was born in Rockland and raised in Midcoast Maine. After high school, Jake attended the University of Maine at Farmington.

His professional career began 23 years ago at MBNA, and he is now Vice President, Senior Business Development Officer at First National Bank.

“Miller's unwavering commitment to customer service, dedication to community involvement, and a solid listening ear round out his experience and underscore his commitment to building relationships,” said AIO.

Miller is past Board President and Organization Committee Chair of Rockland Main Street Inc. and currently serves as Board President and Welcome Aboard Committee Chair for the St. George Business Alliance. Other community affiliations include Midcoast Municipal Association, the Vinalhaven Chamber of Commerce Restructuring Committee, Penquis Steering Committee for Knox County, the Membership Committee for the Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce and is the Chair for the Camden Connect over Coffee Committee.

"I truly appreciate the innovative approach and compassion AIO brings to each and every individual and family our programs serve," Miller says. "I am grateful for the opportunity to apply my skills and experiences to give back to the community in such meaningful ways" said Miller.

About AIO Food and Energy Assistance:

For over 30 years, AIO has provided nutritious food and heating assistance to Knox County families. Funding and access to AIO's programs are more critical than ever, as food insecurity in Knox County is projected to increase 46% overall. Knox County currently has the 4th highest food insecurity rate in the state. Child food insecurity is projected to reach 28% (a 52% increase). Over the past year, AIO has supported 1650 individual households and has distributed 8,160 Weekend Meals for school students. AIO's Energy Assistance Program helps families with heating assistance or electrical disconnection intervention.

AIO programs are made possible by donations, financial support, special events and grants. To provide funding to help support AIO programs, please see www.AIO4me.org or call 207-596-1043.