Roger Young – Chair MEABT

This is the first in a series of biographical articles about each of the Trustees for the Maine Education Association Benefits Trust. It is intended to introduce you to our leadership as well as to demonstrate the breadth and variety of experience of the people on the board.

Roger is a lifelong resident of Maine. He grew up in Cumberland, a bedroom community 10 miles north of Portland. He attended public schools including Greely High School. A three sport athlete he also did other activities such as lighting and sound for some school plays. Science was always an interest and he majored in Biology at USM. Roger held many jobs during his school years, which allowed the tuition to be paid. Perhaps the most interesting employer he ever had was B&M baked beans in Portland.

In 1977, after graduating, Roger took a science position at Hodgdon High School just outside Houlton, Maine. After 4 years, Roger and family returned to Southern Maine to teach at Falmouth for a year. Then he found a permanent home in Windham. At Windham, Roger has taught physical and life science with most of his assignments being some version of Biology. He was Science Department Chair for many years and spent many years coaching sports. His greatest success as a coach was culminated in 1993 and 1994 with back-to-back Class B girls state soccer champions.

Roger has been a continuous member of MEA since his first teaching position at Hodgdon. Shortly after arriving at Windham, he became involved in the WEA and has been president of the local association for over a decade. Roger got involved at the state level and was elected to MEA Board and served two terms as MEA Treasurer. More recently, he has been teaching evening sessions in Anatomy & Physiology to pre-nursing students for SMCC.

Roger is currently on his second round of service on the MEABT. His greatest interests in health care are wellness and quality of care. He says he is honored to be Chair of the Trust in these challenging times as the Trust tries to develop components of the plan to promote wellness and improve quality of care while containing costs and maintaining the affordability of our excellent plan.

Roger currently lives on the shores of Thomas Pond in Casco.  He is an avid golfer and plays regularly at Point Sebago. Comments and concerns about the MEABT can be directed to him at ryoung2@maine.rr.com