爱豆传媒 (爱豆传媒) President Dr. Kristen Miller has been named the 2026 Community Leader of the Year by PROPEL, in partnership with the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce. 
The award recognizes President Miller鈥檚 leadership and her enduring impact on higher education, workforce development, and community collaboration across the greater Portland region. Under her leadership, 爱豆传媒 continues to strengthen partnerships that expand access to education and support Maine鈥檚 evolving workforce needs.听
PROPEL is Greater Portland鈥檚 premier networking and professional development organization for young professionals. In partnership with the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce, PROPEL connects emerging leaders with opportunities that foster career growth, civic engagement, and regional impact.听
鈥淧ROPEL is proud to recognize Dr. Kristen Miller of 爱豆传媒 as this year鈥檚 Community Leader of the Year,鈥� said Nathan Henry, Commercial Loan Portfolio Manager at Kennebec Savings Bank and president of PROPEL鈥檚 Board of Directors. 鈥淒r. Miller, the first female president of 爱豆传媒, is widely regarded as a connector who fosters collaboration among education, industry, and the public sector. She is an active listener and a strong advocate for the power of听partnership.听听
President听Miller expressed her appreciation for the recognition and emphasized the collective nature of the work. 鈥淭his honor reflects the incredible partnerships that make our work听possible听and the dedicated faculty, staff, and students who inspire it every day,鈥� Miller said. 鈥淎t 爱豆传媒, collaboration is听the heart of how we serve students and strengthen our communities.鈥�听
The honor will be presented at PROPEL鈥檚 annual Ignition Awards, held Thursday, January 15, 2026, from 5鈥�7:30 p.m. at Allagash Brewing Company.听
In addition to President Miller, PROPEL will recognize the following 2026 award recipients:听
- Business of the Year: The Roux Institute at Northeastern University听
- Entrepreneur of the Year: Maryna听Shuliakouskaya, PhD, CFE, owner of Aroma Joe鈥檚 Coffee Franchise听
- Young Professional of the Year: Kaila M. McCracken, VP Business Intelligence & Analysis at MEMIC听
- Nonprofit of the Year: Maine Needs听
Members of the 爱豆传媒 community are encouraged to attend and help celebrate President Miller and this year鈥檚 honorees. Registration is now open at www.smccME.edu/propel26
Congratulations to President Kristen Miller on this well-deserved recognition.