Westbrook Spotlight Interviews
-----WESTBROOK has many strong leaders, talented and devoted individuals and caring community members. This Community Spotlight section will give readers a chance to get to know more about individual community members. WESTBROOK'S NEW MAYOR COLLEEN HILTON COLLEEN HILTON grew up in Westbrook and comes from a large family that you may know. She is the daughter of Malcolm and Mary Jane Noyes and the sibling to 2 brothers and 4 sisters, 18 neices and nephews and 5 greats (children of nieces and nephews). She has been married for 27 years to William Hilton and together they have 3 children, all graduates of Maine colleges. When asked about her public service commitments she will readily acknowledge her parents had a great influence instilling values that place the needs of others before self and making a difference in the community by serving the public. Her father was a City Councilor when they were called Alderman. Malcolm continues to serve on the Westbrook Housing Authority as he has for 18 years. Her siblings serve on other boards and committees in Westbrook. Her sister in-law Gloria Noyes, was the Maine State Teacher of the Year. This is a person who comes from a rich family tradition of commitment to the city of Westbrook. Colleen Hilton, RN is the CEO for VNA Home Health & Hospice. In this capacity she also serves as the Vice President for Home Health and Hospice for Mercy Health System of Maine. Colleen completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Southern Maine. She holds a Certificate of Graduate Studies in Health Policy and Management from the Muskie Institute of USM. Colleen is a graduate of the 2008 class of Health Leadership Development, a partnership between the Daniel Hanley Center for Health Leadership and the Institute for Civic Leadership. Colleen has served in administrative capacities for the past 15 years. She has been a passionate advocate for home health and hospice serving on the Home Care Alliance of Maine Board of Directors in several capacities. She is a member of the Organization of Maine Nurse Executives as well as serving on several Professional Advisory roles in health care. She has also currently serves on the Board of Directors for a local nursing home, St Joseph’s Manor. She was the Chair through 2008 and now is the past Chair seeing that organization through significant challenges. Colleen is also actively involved in her local community. She recently joined the efforts spearheaded by Chief Baker to bring together diverse members of our community by serving on the Westbrook Human Relations Committee. She has served as a member of the Westbrook School Committee for the past ten years. Serving for many years as the Chair, and most recently as the Vice Chair. She was a 2007 recipient of the Department of Education Commissioner’s Recognition award for her work in Truancy, Dropout and Alternative Education. How long have you lived in Westbrook? Most of my life, with the exception of about 15 years, I’ve lived in Portland,Windham, Raymond and Casco. Favorite place to go or activity to do in Westbrook? My parents house…it’s a wonderful home to drop in for a visit, to catch a nice meal or cup of tea and visit with family. It seems that someone is always stopping by, so you always have good conversation. What were some of the contributing factors that interested you in running for Mayor? I’ve served on the Westbrook School Committee for the past 10 years and thought it would be exciting to try something new, yet stay involved. What do you see yourself doing within the first 30 days of being Westbrook’s new Mayor? I have already started getting to know the various leaders in our city government and the program/service directors to identify our strengths and areas in need of development. I have some important appointments to make when I am sworn into office, and than I have to get right to work on the upcoming budget. What changes would you like to see for Westbrook over the next few years? I hope that we can improve our services to the residents and do so in an efficient, productive way as well as to focus on economic development and revenue enhancing programs. I hope to move Westbrook forward and be recognized for the outstanding community that we are. Three words that describe your character would be? Honest, fair, hardworking. Your proudest achievement? My proudest achievement is being a Mom and wife and having three great kids who are all college graduates. Hobbies or special interests? Anything sports related, walking, biking, reading, I’m always moving. Your favorite movie? Tough to decide…..my favorite seems to be the last movie I saw. What is your favorite memory from childhood? Camping with my family and hiking with my family. Sebago State park, all the State Parks, Yonder Hill in Skowhegan. Biggest pet peeve? Mean spirited conversations. Who are your heroes? My Parents. Any New Year’s resolutions? Lose twenty pounds... Is there any other? Would you share your favorite recipe with us? No, I would recommend the following: Frog and Turtle, Profenno’s, Mr. Bagel, Portland Pie, Burrito’s, and any of the other great eateries in Westbrook….who has time to cook. Anything else you would like to share with us? That’s all for now! Prides Corner News thanks Colleen for her time! December's Interview |
