HOULTON, Maine – The Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians has announced several new additions and promotions to its staff to further enhance the quality of life for tribal citizens.
Travis Benson has been named as the new director of its Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. The FDPIR will provide USDA foods to income-eligible households for those living on the reservation.
The Food and Nutrition Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, administers FDPIR at the federal level. The program is administered locally by either Indian Tribal Organizations or an agency of a state government.
The new program would also provide individuals with a larger amount of food than the current SNAP guidelines allow for. Some of the goals for this program are to: reduce food insecurity; improve nutrition and wellness; improve food quality; increase access to quality food; reduce obesity; and educate Tribal citizens on proper nutrition.
HBMI is currently in the process of renovating the former Leon Little property on North Road in Houlton to serve as its base of operations for this new program. The approximately 2,300-square foot building will include both a storefront with office and a food storage/distribution area.
Benson brings 22 years of experience in management from his time as the Houlton Walmart store manager. Most recently, he spent three years as the general manager for Priority Auto in Houlton.
Joining Benson is Tammy Tompkins as a warehouse lead delivery driver. Tompkins has worked in the agricultural department for HBMI for a number of years and has a degree in hydraulics management and is HVAC certified.
Krista Crouse has also been hired as an administrative planner for the tribe. The purpose of this position is to manage Housing Improvement, IHS Sanitation, and Federal Transit Authority programs.
In addition, the position provides direct clerical support to the tribal engineer and tribal grant writer to coordinate and assist in the daily operations of grant management.
The administrative planner will work with the Planning Department in long-range planning and provide research and development for HBMI infrastructure. This position will provide guidance and information on community and individual citizen development needs and requirements.
Prior to joining the tribe, Crouse spent 12 years as an importer/exporter for Priority Auto in Houlton.
Brandon Cassidy has also been selected as the manager for the Wolastoq Inn and Suites. The fully re-imagined motel, previously known as the StarDust Motel, is in the process of being completely refurbished.
Constructed in 1965, the 11-room motel remodeling includes such features as a new fire sprinkler system, upgrades to make rooms compliant with federal accessibility laws, installation of a filtered HVAC system, septic system improvements, flooring, windows and basement repair.
Remodeling work officially began in April, and included a complete renovation of every room inside the motel. Upon completion, which will be sometime in early 2024, the 672 North St. motel will feature a prominent Native American theme throughout the property.
Prior to joining HBMI, Cassidy spent five years with Frontier Airlines in flight management.
Two staff members have also been promoted to new positions with our Maliseet Housing Authority. Skylar Raymond has been promoted to the role of resident counselor, while Dan Devoe has been named maintenance supervisor.
Raymond has been essential in assisting the MIHA in building trusting relationships with its funding agencies and making significant improvements for compliance, certifications and qualifications. “I’m excited to create a relationship between Housing and Tenants and look forward to continuing to serve our community,” Raymond said.
Devoe has been with the MIHA for a few years and has shown leadership, aptitude and a commitment to our community. “I’m happy that I’m able to be serving my community in this aspect, I hope to fulfill my job with the utmost integrity,” he said.
