WINTHROP — The Bank of Maine has named Norm Rodrigue, a Kennebec Land Trust board member and Manchester resident, as one of five finalists for its 2011 Leadership and Luminaries Award.  An independent committee appointed by the bank selected the finalists. More than 80 nominations were submitted from organizations across the state for individuals who represent outstanding vision and leadership in a nonprofit organization.

Rodrigue has been on the board of the Kennebec Land Trust for 20 years, and has served as its president, vice president, secretary and chair of the Development Committee.  Theresa Kerchner, Kennebec Land Trust executive director, noted that “Norm is being lauded for his commitment to land conservation and for his focus on issues of governance and financial stability – work that ensures KLT has a solid foundation today and for the future.”

In addition, Rodrigue has committed himself to protecting central Maine’s natural resources professionally. In the 1980s his work at the Maine Department of Conservation helped push forward some of the department’s greatest achievements. Dick Anderson, DOC Commissioner between 1981 and 1987, said Rodrigue “was involved in the consolidation of the public lots, the enhancement of state parks, the development of public boat launch facilities and the writing of the legislation that created the Land for Maine’ s Future Program.”

On Dec. 1, The Bank of Maine will honor each of the award winners with $2500 for their organizations at a philanthropy forum at the Harraseeket Inn in Freeport. One of the nonprofit groups will be recognized with a $10,000 gift.

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