Maggie Catanese, Executive Director
Maggie Catanese has been a noteworthy leader in the financial management industry, serving the government and public sector for over 15 years. Her acumen has led to success in the defense, healthcare, and energy technology industries. She is a small business owner in Southern Maine and an outspoken advocate for Veteran rights and benefits.
A third-generation Veteran, Maggie served in the United States Air Force during Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. She is a recipient of the Air Force Achievement and Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, along with numerous other awards and distinctions.
Maggie lives in Eliot with her husband (also a United States Air Force Veteran) and two children. She is a constant presence on the community athletic scene, often coaching youth programs, fundraising, and volunteering.
Maggie can be reached via email at outreach@vet2vetmaine.org or by phone at 207-579-4017.
Judie Alessi O’Malley, Program Director and Volunteer Coordinator
Judie Alessi O’Malley spent most of her career telling the stories of University of Southern Maine students, faculty and staff in USM’s Office of Public Affairs. While there, she enjoyed interacting with local and national reporters, but her joy was mentoring the many interns who worked in the office, many of whom now have successful careers in public relations themselves. Following her departure from USM, she served as a Resource Coordinator for 2-1-1 Maine at the Opportunity Alliance, and then Volunteer Coordinator at the Southern Maine Agency on Aging, where she came to know some of Vet to Vet Maine’s volunteers. Her interaction with V2V volunteers brings the same joy she experienced while mentoring her USM interns. Judie’s Dad was a WWII Army veteran who served in Europe. She was inspired by a V2V Memorial Day Celebration to visit Husinec in the Prachatice District of the Czech Republic in 2019, where her Dad spent some time with local residents during his service.
Judie can be reached via email at director@vet2vetmaine.org or by phone at 207-579-4024.
June Budrow, Administrative Assistant
June spent her career in the non-profit, local government and education sectors. She served as the Administrator for United Maine Craftsmen; a non-profit membership organization established in 1969 to provide opportunities for Maine artisans; as the Clerk of Committees for the City Council in Gloucester, Massachusetts and as Executive Assistant to the Superintendent of the Augusta School System.
June has the utmost respect for veterans and the sacrifices they and their families made to keep our country safe. She is the proud daughter of a decorated 22-year Navy veteran. Chief Petty Officer on the USS Hissem (DER-400), June’s father did tours in both Korea and Vietnam. June spent three years living with her mother and sister in Yokosuka, Japan while her father shipped out to Vietnam. A vivid memory that sticks with her is the day her best friend’s father was captured on the USS Pueblo.
June lives on Lake Maranacook in Winthrop and enjoys boating, crafting, crocheting, gardening, reading, kayaking, and spending time with her grandkids.
June can be reached via email at office@vet2vetmaine.org or by phone at 207-441-3238.
Jen LaPalme, Volunteer Coordinator
Jen LaPalme is the proud wife of a currently serving Airman and mom to two wonderful children. She volunteers with the Maine National Guard Youth Program and has previously been a part of Team RWB. She is a former speech therapist where she worked mainly with preschool children to help improve their communication skills. She left her job as a speech therapist to raise her children but now that they are older hopes to use some of her time helping to improve the lives of Veterans. In addition to being a Volunteer Coordinator, she is also currently a local Realtor, specializing in Military Relocation. She cares deeply about the Veteran and currently serving populations and looks forward to helping Veterans and companions find lifelong friendships and ensuring they receive the benefits they have earned.
Jen can be reached at jlapalme@vet2vetmaine.org or by phone at (207) 451-5082