The Piscataquis County Economic Development Council (PCEDC) is pleased to announce Donna Hathaway and the late James “Jim” Macomber, both of Dover-Foxcroft, as the recipients of the 2026 Warren “Pete” Myrick Community Service Award.

Presented annually by PCEDC, the Myrick Award recognizes a Piscataquis County resident, business or organization that exemplifies an outstanding commitment to education, economic development and/or civic leadership in the region.

The award honors the legacy of Warren “Pete” Myrick, a Guilford resident and longtime educator in SAD #4 who was deeply committed to the people and communities of Piscataquis County. Myrick was one of the founders of PCEDC and served as the Council’s president in 2001 before his death in 2002.

The award is intended to recognize service that extends beyond professional responsibilities. Recipients are selected based on the overall impact of their accomplishments, the duration of their community service and the breadth of their involvement in the community, with particular emphasis on education, economic development and civic leadership.

This year, PCEDC will present two awards in recognition of two individuals whose decades of service have strengthened organizations, businesses and communities throughout Piscataquis County.

Donna Hathaway

A lifelong Dover-Foxcroft resident, Donna Hathaway has spent decades quietly providing leadership, financial expertise and stewardship to many of the institutions that serve Piscataquis County.

A 1966 graduate of Foxcroft Academy, Hathaway earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with highest distinction from the University of Maine. After more than two decades working as a legal assistant and paralegal, she returned to school to study public accounting and became a licensed CPA in 1988. She operated her own accounting practice for nearly 20 years before retiring in 2006.

Her record of community service is extensive. Hathaway served 23 years as trustee treasurer of Foxcroft Academy and has served organizations including the Piscataquis Regional YMCA, Pine Tree Hospice, Mayo Regional Hospital Administrative Services and the Maine Community Foundation’s Piscataquis County Committee. She also served for several years as Treasurer of Piscataquis County and has been a director of the University of Maine Foundation.

Hathaway’s connection to PCEDC is also longstanding. She has provided accounting oversight for the organization, bringing the same financial knowledge and commitment to responsible stewardship that she has contributed to numerous organizations throughout the region.

Her commitment to Piscataquis County extends into her philanthropy as well. Hathaway has made provisions through the Maine Community Foundation for charitable giving that will continue supporting organizations she has worked with in Piscataquis County for generations to come.

James “Jim” Macomber

The second 2026 Myrick Award will be presented posthumously to James “Jim” Macomber, a lifelong resident of Dover-Foxcroft and Piscataquis County who died May 1 at the age of 61.

A 1983 graduate of Foxcroft Academy and an Eagle Scout, Macomber demonstrated a commitment to service from an early age, working with Mayo Regional Hospital as an EMT while still in high school. After attending Eastern Maine Vocational Technical Institute, he returned to Dover-Foxcroft and worked for many years as a photographer and advertising salesman for the Piscataquis Observer.

Macomber later spent more than 20 years with Penquis and MaineStream Finance, where his work had a direct impact on entrepreneurs, small businesses and families throughout the region and across Maine. As a business advisor, housing counselor and financial coach, he helped individuals develop business plans, access resources and financing, and take the steps necessary to start and grow businesses.

He was instrumental in programs such as Incubator Without Walls and served on regional transition teams that assisted displaced workers as they explored new employment opportunities and, in many cases, business ownership. Penquis credited Macomber with helping countless people start new businesses during his career.

Macomber’s service extended well beyond his professional responsibilities. He was a longtime member of the Milo Kiwanis Club, worked closely with the Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce and served on the board of the local food cupboard.

He was also an active member of PCEDC, serving on the Council and as Treasurer of its Executive Committee. His combination of professional expertise, deep knowledge of Piscataquis County and genuine interest in helping local people succeed made him a valued partner in economic development efforts throughout the region.

“Donna and Jim represent community service in its truest sense. Neither sought recognition for what they did; they simply saw places where their knowledge, time and talents could make a difference and they stepped in, again and again,” said PCEDC Executive Director Angie Arno. “Donna’s steady leadership has strengthened some of the most important institutions in our county for decades. Jim spent his career believing in people and their ideas, helping entrepreneurs and families see possibilities and find a path forward. Both have also been tremendous friends and partners to PCEDC. It is especially meaningful for us to honor two people who have given so much of themselves to this organization and to Piscataquis County.”

PCEDC Board Chair John Simko said the two recipients embody the qualities the Myrick Award was created to recognize.

“Pete Myrick believed that strong communities are built by people willing to invest themselves in the places they call home, and Donna Hathaway and Jim Macomber have done exactly that,” Simko said. “Their contributions span decades and touch education, economic development, nonprofit organizations, local institutions and countless individuals. Much of that work happened quietly and without fanfare, but its impact can be seen throughout Piscataquis County. We are proud to recognize Donna’s lifetime of service and to honor Jim’s memory and the tremendous legacy he leaves behind.”

Annual Dinner and Award Celebration

Hathaway and Macomber will be honored during the PCEDC Annual Dinner and Warren “Pete” Myrick Community Service Award Celebration on Monday, October 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Central Hall Commons in Dover-Foxcroft.

Community members, business leaders, municipal officials and friends of PCEDC are invited to attend and help celebrate the recipients and their contributions to Piscataquis County.

Advance ticket purchase is required.

Tickets and registration:
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