Page 13 - Fall 2024 Newsletter

Spotlight on Alumni

Sharon Campbell, Class of 1981

By Richard Nickerson, ‘81

It often seems that some of the most successful people
are also some of the humblest people. It also might
surprise many to know many Houlton High alumni are
working behind the scenes for some very high-profile
people. Such is the case with Sharon Campbell, ’81.

Currently, Sharon is the State Director for Senator
Angus King. She has worked on the political scene at
the federal level for over 25 years.

After high school, she went straight to work, working
two jobs at Boston Shoe Store and WHOU - and the
summer following her graduation she also worked
nights at Drakes Dairy Bar. She recalls that there were
many great lessons learned from her amazing bosses
and co-workers

Sharon worked as a victim advocate at a domestic
violence project for 10 years until, in 1999, she went to appointment so they can go or an elderly person
work for then Senator Olympia Snowe. When Senator who is having trouble with Medicare. Each case
Snowe retired in 2012, she was fortunate enough to be challenges me and I love feeling like I’ve made a small
able to stay with the Senate and work for Senator King.
difference in the lives of Maine people. I also supervise
There are many aspects to her current job. state operations so that is more administrative work
and being a liaison to our DC office, but it is all so
“My job is a little different every day which I love. I may interesting!”
be filling in for the Senator at a meeting to bring the
local issues back to him for collaboration or resolution. The twists and turns of life took her to Presque Isle
I maybe be at a groundbreaking for a new business or in the late 80’s where she stayed until about 2 years
listening to a town manager explain how some federal ago when she moved back to Houlton to help, along
support may improve local infrastructure. Other times with her siblings, to ensure her mother aged well and
I may have him with me, and I am always so proud to thrived in her sunset years staying independent and
show him the hard work and resilience of our friends still living alone in her apartment where she had been
and neighbors in Maine.” for over 30 years.

She says that one of highlights of her job is helping “It was so great to be back in Houlton - taking walks
individuals navigate red tape and get their issue with by the Rec thinking back of after school antics, school
the federal government resolved. dances and driving through that parking lot to make
yet another loop around town. I truly smiled thinking
“Whether it be veterans who need help with their back to all of us as teenagers!”
benefit claims, someone who is going on the trip of a
lifetime but while packing realize they forgot to renew She also enjoyed seeing old friends in the grocery store
their passport, and we can help get an emergency or out for a meal somewhere that was just priceless. “I

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