Sheila Douglass
Administrative Assistant I
Cooperative Extension – York County
Sheila has been the heart and soul of the York County Extension Office and the foundation of our success in developing and delivering education programs to the citizens of the State of Maine for 37 years!
From her early days of typing with six carbons and using the old metal addressograph system, Sheila has been dedicated to Extension’s mission of helping improve the lives of Maine people. Her commitment to making every Extension program the best it could be has been demonstrated in her careful attention to detail and her great pride in being able to assist clients. She always remembered our responsibility to our clients and exemplified the highest standards of customer service.
Sheila always enjoyed interactions with clients, volunteers, colleagues in the county office and across the state. She has been happiest when she could contribute in some way or make a difference. Beyond her county support role, Sheila worked hard on many organization-wide efforts to improve policies and support colleagues. She contributed to the work of developing a career ladder for classified staff, worked with the publications distributions committee, helped plan professional development conferences and served on Extension’s Equity Task Force. She supported colleagues considering applying for a job reclassification after leading the way in being the first Extension county support staff person to receive a job reclassification herself.
Sheila has had many challenges in her life and when asked what she’s most proud of, she quickly quips, simply that she has survived. Sheila has indeed come through her life and career with perseverance, resilience, strength and wisdom. Maya Angelou said “Surviving is important. Thriving is elegant.” Sheila has indeed thrived.
Thank you, Sheila, for your colleagueship and friendship over your elegant 37 career. It is with deep respect, appreciation and joy that we celebrate you and your many years of service to the people of York County and the University of Maine Cooperative Extension. Congratulations and best wishes on your retirement!