The Board of Directors of York County Shelter Programs, Inc.

President

Clay Graybeal

Board President Clay Graybeal joined the board in 2018. He lives in Arundel with his wife Deb, and works at the University of New England as a professor in the School of Social Work. He has been there for 30 years, where he has held director’s positions, and also served as an Associate Dean.

Clay was elected President in the fall of 2019, and shortly after, he served as the agency’s interim Executive Director, until Megan Gean-Gendron was hired several weeks later.

Working at YCSP every day as the director gave Clay a heightened sense of the agency’s operations.

“I have always been impressed with the agency, but through my unique experience as interim director I was able to spend many days on site, meeting staff and clients, and gaining a deeper understanding of the various programs,” Clay says. “Each day I was impressed by the profound commitment of staff, their dedication to service and unfailing willingness to go the extra mile to assure the health and safety of those in greatest need. They set a great example for us all.”

clayg@ycspi.org

Secretary

Sharon Secovich

Sharon Secovich has been on the board since 2018, and currently serves as Board Secretary. She also volunteers at the Food Pantry, the Pet Food Pantry and at special events. The Alfred resident became involved with YCSP by volunteering at the Food Pantry prior to becoming a board member. In 2021 she created a Pet Food Pantry, which has seen a huge response from community members in need.

Sharon is retired from her career as an environmental geologist, which was followed by a stint working for the Animal Welfare Society in West Kennebunk. She has volunteered with other agencies, as well. “Public service has been part of my life since I left home for college,” she says.

She is passionate about her work at YCSP. “I am astounded and proud of all that YCSP does for our community,” she says. “I am especially proud of the commitment that each individual YCSP employee has to their clients. The staff go above and beyond what is in their job descriptions to make sure that YCSP clients are provided with what they need to be healthy, successful, and independent."

Treasurer

Jeremy Ray

Members

Brother Jerome Lessard

Brother Jerome is now in his 13th year as a YCSP Board member.

Brother Jerome feels it is vital for the Brothers to contribute to the board and the agency. Brother Jerome’s Christian faith asks that he serve those in need – and he and the other Brothers are happy to help YCSP with its numerous outreach programs, he says. He cites the guiding principle of St. Mother Teresa, which was: “What you did to the least of my brothers, you did to me.” Over the years, Brother Jerome was a high school teacher in the Brothers’ schools and an academic adviser at Walsh University in Ohio. He has also served two terms as a province superior. He is currently the local superior for the Brothers’ retirement community on Shaker Hill.

Joe Hanslip

Joe Hanslip believes in community service, and as a result, he joined the YCSP Board of Directors in 2021. He had previously served as a Board member for 10 years. “I have kept in touch since then, and was delighted to be considered for membership again,” he says.

 Joe has been concerned about homelessness since the early 1980s, when he was working as a police officer. Unfortunately, he was injured in the line of duty and retired, due to a permanent disability. It didn’t deter him from serving local communities, however. He was a York County Commissioner for eight years, a Sanford City Councilor for 15 years, and a member of the York County Budget Committee for 10 years.  Joe notes: “During these years I advocated for both funding and policy changes that would support the shelter, as well as assist in any way homeless folks and anyone else marginalized by society.” Joe notes.

 Dr. Meghan May

 Meghan May joined the YCSP board in early 2022.

 “When Executive Director Megan Gean-Gendron approached me about joining the board, I was ecstatic,” Meghan says. “The multi-faceted ways that YCSP supports residents as they face challenging circumstances not only fills critical needs, but seems to keep providing a sense of normalcy and dignity as a priority. I am overjoyed to be able to contribute to such an outstanding organization.”

 Meghan is a professor of microbiology and infectious diseases at the University of New England’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. She has served, and is currently serving, on the boards of several organizations connected to her profession. “While the missions of these organizations are very different from YCSP, many of the strategies and skills transfer right over,” she says. The Cape Neddick resident is also active in serving her local community. “I have also enjoyed volunteering to judge kids’ science fairs and contributing food and baked goods to community fridges and fundraising events,” she says.  

 She looks forward to contributing to YCSP. “People experience homelessness for so many reasons, none of which make anyone undeserving of shelter, safety, and compassion,” Meghan says. “YCSP provides a critical safety net and invaluable resources for residents as they work toward regaining stability. “

Walter Leffler

Shelley Cohen Konrad

Christopher Indorf

Meredith Schmid, Esq.

Kelli Deveaux