Meet Our Board of Directors
Meet the dedicated individuals behind The Store Next Door. Our Board of Directors brings together a diverse group of community leaders, each committed to our mission of supporting students in need. Their expertise, passion, and dedication make it possible for us to provide essential goods, academic support, and emotional services to students in Lewiston.
Thomas Giberti
President of the Board of Directors
(207) 576-2765
thomv454@gmail.comTom serves as the President of the Board of Directors and is committed to ensuring students facing housing instability and other basic-needs challenges have access to food, hygiene items, clothing and school supplies.
A lifelong resident of the Lewiston-Auburn region, Tom grew up immersed in the local community and began his career more than two decades ago at the bowling alley and youth-league hub Just‑In‑Time Recreation. He has held various roles there for 20 + years, connecting with generations of young people across the area.
In October 2023, Tom confronted unimaginable adversity: during the mass shootings in Lewiston, he instinctively shepherded a group of youth bowlers to safety. In the process, he was shot five times in both legs. His quick thinking and calm under pressure helped save several children’s lives. Determined to keep serving his community, he returned to work and used his recovery experience as a catalyst for deeper involvement in youth and educational outreach.
On the Store Next Door board, Tom brings his steady mentorship, front-line experience with young people, and a genuine commitment to ensuring that barriers to school participation, whether due to housing, hunger or instability, don’t derail a student’s future. He believes that with the right support, every young person in Lewiston has the potential not just to stay in school, but to thrive.
In his spare time, Tom bowls in a local league, mentors youth participants, and contributes to rebuilding community spaces so that children and families in Lewiston have safe, supportive places to gather.
Ron Potvin
Vice President/Chief Financial Office
(207) 346-1079
ronpotvin2@aol.comWith deep roots in the Lewiston-Auburn community, Ron has helped scale the organization’s mobile and school-based outreach to serve hundreds of students across the region.
Ron brings over two decades of leadership experience in the greater Androscoggin County area, combining a passion for civic service with hands-on operational savvy. He is respected for putting boots on the ground, literally, operating out of his car or local cafés while coordinating donations, logistics, and student support efforts.
His vision for The Store Next Door extends beyond simply meeting immediate needs. Ron emphasizes that staying in school, building self-sufficiency, and preparing for adult life are core outcomes for the students served.
In his role at the nonprofit, Ron also advocates for minimal overhead, maximizing donor impact, and forging partnerships across schools, businesses, and service providers.
When he’s not working to expand The Store Next Door’s reach, Ron serves as a committed resident and community voice for Lewiston. His experience in civic engagement strengthens the organization’s connection to local schools, families, and youth-serving systems.
Megan Parks
Executive Vice President
(207) 344-7577
meganparksladc@gmail.com
Megan Parks is a dedicated behavioral health and public health professional with extensive experience serving diverse populations across healthcare, carceral, nonprofit, and public systems. As a licensed social worker, licensed alcohol and drug counselor, and certified clinical supervisor, she brings a comprehensive understanding of trauma, mental health, substance use, and the systemic barriers impacting vulnerable populations. Her deep commitment to this work is grounded in her own lived experience as a homeless youth in Lewiston, a perspective that fuels her unwavering passion for improving access to housing, support, and dignity for those experiencing homelessness. As a member of this board and a committed social change agent, Megan continues to advocate for equitable, trauma-informed care and is devoted to uplifting marginalized youth and families through compassionate, community-driven solutions.
Ryan Donovan
Director of Logistics
(207) 576-1044
ryan@ryancaptureslife.com
Justin Fortier
Assistant Treasurer/IT
(207) 891-8874
justin.m.fortier@gmail.com
Justin Fortier, settled back in his hometown of Lewiston after graduating from the University of New Hampshire with his degree in Communication. Before that, he attended and graduated from Lewiston High School (class of 2011) where he is committed to doing his part--personally and professionally--to help to reduce barriers for the youth of Lewiston in attending school. In alignment with the goals of the Store Next Door, we aim to help and to inspire those affected by homelessness or housing instability in the community so that they can build a strong foundation towards their future. Justin joined the board of directors in January of 2023.