The Muskie School’s Shannon Chisholm and Isabelle Oechslie were honored with the Edward Dow Award at Maine Town City County Management Conference for their commitment to local government service. Edward Dow helped promote the town manager form of government in Maine and professional training of town managers. The award provides $1,000 to each student.
Shannon began her public service when she completed an internship with the Town of Yarmouth on affordable housing as part her coursework for Managing Cities Towns and Counties. Inspired by her time in Yarmouth, she interned with the town of Wells on budget preparation including creating infographics and charts and then worked on lodging issues with Code Enforcement. Wells saw a valuable worker and hired her as an HR generalist.
Isabelle’s honor came through another route. Upon completing her undergraduate degree, she worked in planning in various communities. She now works for the City of South Portland as Community Planner with a focus on affordable housing. Part of the job is making presentations to the Planning Boards. She also provides support to the City’s Affordable Housing Committee, Public Arts Committee, and Historic Preservation Committee.
Photo: Isabelle Oechslie and Shannon Chisholm