Brann named 2021 Emerging Leader of the Year

WATERVILLE — Katie Brann, chair of KV Connect, the young professionals’ group of mid-Maine, and financial advisor at Golden Pond Wealth Management, has been named 2021 Emerging Leader of the Year by the Central Maine Growth Council and KV Connect.
The award was presented at CMGC’s annual meeting Nov. 10.
Brann has been involved with KV Connect since February 2020, also serving as treasurer and marking committee chair. A 2016 graduate of Boston University, she returned to Maine, her home state, to pursue a career in financial services. She supports clients in comprehensive financial planning and Environmental, Social and Governance investing. She earned her certified financial planning designation in March. In addition to her leadership of KV Connect, Brann also serves on the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce Marketing and Membership committee and is varsity field hockey coach at Messalonskee High School in Oakland.
“Katie embodies outstanding leadership, impact and performance within the region’s emerging youth workforce and is continually working to create an environment to facilitate responsible investing, creativity and innovation of young people to excel, develop and grow,” Sabrina Jandreau, vice-chair of KV Connect and CMGC development coordinator, said. “Working closely with Katie through KV Connect, her passion for the Kennebec Valley region shines through her organization of several community initiatives, including our Yoga in the Park and Pints with a Purpose series.
‘Her drive and commitment to celebrating the region’s young professionals are a testament to her dedication for making mid-Maine an attractive location to live and work in,” Jandreau said.
During a time of robust growth and development in central Maine, Brann’s stewardship has spotlighted KV Connect as an organization that champions connectivity through relationship building, community service, social media marketing and placemaking initiatives, encouraging the continued retention and recruitment of young professionals to the region. At the forefront of KV Connect’s continued growth, Brann’s passion for cultivating opportunities for networking and development will sustain further expansion of the organization’s membership and encourage greater participation by young professionals throughout mid-Maine, according to a news release.
“Waterville is an incredible community and provides a compelling site profile for those who wish to enjoy the area’s eateries, diverse recreational opportunities, or start a business,” Brann said. “Having the opportunity to bridge the gap between young professionals and networking has provided KV Connect with the tools to showcase and celebrate all the region has to offer with those who are new to the area or are just starting out in their careers.”

Central Maine Growth Council photos