Members of the Commission are appointed by the Governor for staggered terms of 5 years each. No more than 3 of the members may be of the same political party. The members are subject to review by the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over judiciary and confirmation by the Legislature. The Governor designates one member to be the chair.
Commissioner Edward David
Edward David of Farmington was appointed to the Commission by Governor Mills in February of 2020, to fill an expired term that began on August 1, 2019; his term will expire on August 1, 2024. A longtime Farmington attorney, Ed established his own firm in 2014 with a focus on family law and alternative dispute resolution. Ed received his undergraduate degree from the University of New Hampshire and his Juris Doctor degree from the University of Connecticut School of Law. Ed is a registered Democrat.
Commissioner Julie Ann O'Brien
Julie O'Brien of Augusta was appointed to the Commission by Governor Mills in April 2021 to fill a term that expired on August 1, 2021; Governor Mills reappointed Julie in January 2022 to serve a full term ending on August 1, 2026. An Augusta native, Julie received her undergraduate degree from Springfield College. During her wide-ranging career, Julie (among other things, and while raising five children): founded and served as the Executive Director of Augusta's Children's Discovery Museum; served four terms in the Maine State Legislature, representing part of Augusta; was the host of a radio talk show; was the Executive Director of the Maine Republican Party; and volunteered time and expertise serving many Augusta and Maine human service organizations. Julie's husband Mark O'Brien, who also has been active in serving the Augusta area in many capacities, currently serves as Augusta's mayor. Julie is a registered Republican.
Commissioner Mark Walker
Mark Walker of Hallowell was appointed to the Commission by Governor Mills in August 2022 to a seat vacant since August 1, 2022; his term will expire on August 1, 2027. Born and educated in Fryeburg, Mark attended the University of Maine as an undergraduate, and then at its School of Law. From 1982 – 2008, Mark worked as Vice President and in-house counsel for the Maine Bankers Association, a statewide banking trade association; during this time, he also served as Chair of the Maine Bar Association’s Section of Consumer and Financial Affairs. In 2009, Mark formed a law practice in Hallowell which focuses on corporate law, wills and estates, non-profit organizational issues, and mediation. Mark also lives in Hallowell, where he served on City Council (2008-2013) and as Mayor (2013-2020), and which he continues to support in nonprofit, trade, and historic preservation efforts. Mark, who has four children in their 30's and five grandchildren, is a registered Republican.
Commissioner Thomas Douglas
Tom Douglas of Cumberland was appointed to the Commission by Governor Mills in August 2022 to a vacant seat with a term starting in August 2020; his term will expire on August 1, 2025. Prior to moving to Maine in 2004, Tom attended the University of Massachusetts as an undergraduate and then the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. After eight years practicing litigation with a Portland firm, in 2013 Tom opened a new practice in Westbrook; he has successfully handled complex matters at multiple state and federal administrative and court arenas. Tom enjoys spending time with his family, volunteering with many nonprofit organizations, writing, playing music, and running. Tom is a registered Democrat.