Harpswell resident Marshall Shepherd, a leader in the Brunswick business community, has joined the board of Harpswell News, the nonprofit publisher of the Harpswell Anchor.
Shepherd is a managing partner of Wild Oats Bakery & Cafe in Brunswick. He has overseen rapid growth at the family business, including a move from the Tontine Mall to a much larger space at Brunswick Landing in 2020.
Shepherd is active in the community as a board member at the Brunswick Downtown Association and as board chair at both the Brunswick Community Education Foundation and SAFE Maine. He previously served on the board of Housing Resources for Youth and on the Landing YMCA Advisory Committee.
A 2009 graduate of Brunswick High School, he holds a Master of Business Administration degree and bachelor’s degrees in business administration and computer science from the University of Vermont.
Shepherd lives in North Harpswell with his wife and three children.
“I’m excited to join the board of the Harpswell Anchor because I deeply believe in the vital role that local journalism plays in strengthening communities,” Shepherd said. “The Anchor is a trusted resource that connects neighbors, amplifies local voices, and keeps residents informed about the decisions and events that shape our lives.”
Shepherd said Harpswell is lucky to have the Anchor in an era when many small towns have lost their local news outlets.
“I believe strongly in the power of a free and independent press to promote transparency, accountability, and civic engagement,” he said.
Greg Bestick, president of the Harpswell News Board of Directors, said the board is delighted to welcome Shepherd.
“He runs an important local business, has a deep knowledge of technology and operations, and knows what it’s like to raise a young family in Harpswell,” Bestick said. “He’ll be a valuable resource during this next phase of the Anchor.”
Harpswell News, an independent, nonprofit organization, promotes civic engagement and serves its community by providing nonpartisan, trustworthy, in-depth news and information.
