MANP Connects: The Future of Digital Inclusion in Maine
Zoom
Event Details
Access to reliable internet is only part of the connectivity story. Join the Maine Connectivity Authority for a conversation about their statewide engagement efforts and what they’ve learned from communities across Maine. We’ll discuss the findings from their outreach and survey work, what barriers remain, and how nonprofits and community organizations can help ensure that connectivity investments reflect the needs of the people they serve.
New this year: We’re carving out time just for your questions! Come ready with one in mind, or jot them down as the conversation unfolds, and get a chance to ask them at the end of the session!
Event Sponsor
For More Information:
Cost + Registration
- $0-$15 for MANP Members + Nonmembers
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MANP Connects is remaining free in 2026! Optional donation revenue from our events supports the work we do on behalf of all nonprofits in Maine, and we are grateful for any financial support from those who are able to provide it.
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- Register to receive access to the live event and to receive the recording + other resources in follow up.
- Registrants will receive a confirmation email as well as a reminder email that will be sent one day prior to the event.
- This MANP-hosted webinar will be hosted in Zoom Meeting and we ask participants turn off their cameras and mute themselves when joining.
- Watch previous MANP Connects on our Youtube Channel!
About the Panelists
Laura van der Lugt, PhD is Chief Engagement Officer at the Maine Connectivity Authority, where she leads statewide strategy for communications, development, policy and government relations, and community engagement. A fifth-generation Mainer, Laura works at the intersection of public policy, community collaboration, and systems change, helping organizations and communities shape Maine's next chapter of connectivity. Before joining MCA, she spent more than 15 years leading cross-sector initiatives in justice reform and public policy. Laura holds a PhD in Criminology and Justice Policy from Northeastern University, a master's degree in Criminology from the University of Pennsylvania, and a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Bates College. She lives in Hallowell with her husband and two dogs.
Andrew Butcher is the President of Maine Connectivity Authority. With over 15 years of experience in community and economic development, social entrepreneurship and connected infrastructure, Andrew Butcher supports Maine communities by leading the statewide strategy for broadband expansion and digital opportunity. Andrew Butcher has served as the inaugural president of the Maine Connectivity Authority (MCA) since 2021. As MCA’s first employee, Butcher was charged with starting up the agency and scaling capacity to receive, deploy and administer close to $500M of federal and state funding. Since 2021, he has built a high-performing organization which has designed and deployed 12 distinct funding programs delivering nearly $300M in investments, including over 100 grants to effectively bridge Maine’s digital divide. He previously served as Director of the Maine Broadband Coalition, Director of Innovation and Resilience for The Greater Portland Council of Governments, and founding CEO of GTECH Strategies (Now Grounded Pgh). He has also served in a number of advisory capacities most recently on Maine’s Artificial Intelligence Task Force and Press Forward Maine. He lives in Portland with his family.