Cara Romano | Executive Director

Cara Romano is a non-profit leader passionate about community building and economic development. Her approach is collaborative, inclusive, and goal-oriented. Romano grew up in Downeast, Maine, and attended the University of Maine at Machias, earning a degree in Interdisciplinary Fine Arts with a traditional metals focus. She pursued a career as a studio jeweler, establishing her studio in 2005 and showcasing her work nationwide. From 2011 to 2015, Romano served as President of the Maine Crafts Association, where she discovered her passion for arts administration and community development. Operating a small retail store, (KōT) Contemporary Craft, from 2013 to 2019 in Downtown Ellsworth, Cara immersed herself in her local main street as a merchant. In 2016, she became the first Director of the Downtown Ellsworth Merchants Association, leading its transition to become a 501c3 nonprofit, Heart of Ellsworth. Under her leadership, Heart of Ellsworth achieved Main Street designation in 2024, becoming Maine's eleventh Main Street community. Romano serves on the National Heritage Area steering committee, sits on the Downeast Area Regional Tourism board, and is a member of the Maine Community Foundation Advisory Council. Romano continues to expand Heart of Ellsworth through volunteerism, programs, and events.

Zabet NeuCollins is a dynamic community builder with a proven track record in program development. Originally from a small town in Iowa, she graduated from College of the Atlantic in 2015 with a B.A. in Human Ecology. She focused on Sustainable Business and Food Systems during her studies. 

For nearly seven years, Zabet has worked in the public and nonprofit field. As the Assistant Director of Women for Healthy Rural Living, she was pivotal in shaping transformative initiatives such as OWL: Outdoor Women Lead, a program that strengthens women's and girls' confidence in the outdoors. Zabet worked closely with Maine Outdoor School to develop and lead this program, reflecting her collaborative and inclusive approach.

A Master Gardener Volunteer and outdoor enthusiast, Zabet blends her love for nature with her professional endeavors. She believes that meaningful outdoor experiences improve our quality of life, health, and social well-being, which in turn leads to communities that are place-based and rooted in sustainability. 

Rachel Yves moved from Denver, CO to Ellsworth in the summer of 2020. She travels with her home office, creativity, and experience as a corporate digital content marketer. Working in isolation in the for-profit sector took its toll; after two years, Rachel changed her career path to connect with the downtown community and put her skills and passions to work for the Heart of Ellsworth. Currently residing in the Midwest, Rachel’s heart is still in Downeast Maine.