Richard Davies, Public Advocate

Richard (Dick) Davies earned both B.A. and M.A. degrees in History from the University of Maine, and was awarded a Ford Foundation Fellowship, serving as Staff Historian for the Ford Foundation’s interdisciplinary investigation into the environmental degradation of the Penobscot River in Maine. His Masters thesis was entitled, "An Environmental History of the Penobscot River".

While in graduate school, Dick was elected to the first of four terms in the Maine House of Representatives, representing the town of Orono. During his eight years in the House he chaired both the Committee on Energy (1 term) and the Committee on Public Utilities (2 terms).

In 1982 Dick left the Legislature to become Legislative Director for Governor Joseph Brennan; taking on responsibility for the Governor's legislative program and liaison with several state departments and agencies.

Upon Gov. Brennan's departure from the office of Governor in early 1987, Dick joined the Maine State Housing Authority as director of the development division and, later, as director of governmental and community relations.

In late 1990 he founded Public Policy Associates, Inc., a consulting and lobbying firm specializing in such issues as energy, utilities, housing, education, telecommunications, nonprofit organizations, and economic development.

In 2003, Dick joined the staff of newly-elected Governor John E. Baldacci as a Senior Policy Advisor, with a focus on natural resource issues, housing, energy and utilities. In early 2007, Governor Baldacci nominated Dick to become the state’s Public Advocate, and he was confirmed for this position in March 2007. The Public Advocate represents the interests of consumers of utility services in proceedings before the Maine Public Utilities Commission.

The Office of Public Advocate has, during the past 25 years saved utility ratepayers an estimated $247 million as a result of the arguments and advocacy made by this office. Dick may be reached at his email address Richard.Davies@maine.gov.

William C. Black, Deputy Public Advocate

Bill Black has been General Counsel in the Public Advocate office since 1987. After three years of private practice in Camden, Bill started to represent ratepayer interests at the Attorney General's office, then moved to the Public Advocate upon its opening. Bill and Wayne Jortner focus on telecommunications issues. A graduate of Stanford University and Boston University, Bill also handles water rate cases and cases initiated by customer petition. Bill may be reached at his email address William.C.Black@maine.gov

Wayne R. Jortner, Senior Counsel

Wayne R. Jortner has been counsel for the Public Advocate since 1991. He came to this office with eleven years of general legal practice and supervisory experience. Wayne received his B.A. from Queens College of the City University of New York and his law degree from Rutgers University. Wayne is currently the Treasurer and Board Member of the Federal Universal Service Fund representing all the US telephone service consumers. Wayne may be reached at his email address Wayne.R.Jortner@maine.gov

Eric J. Bryant, Senior Counsel

Eric Bryant took his position with the Public Advocate in August of 1993. Before that he served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Maine, and has also worked in private practice for a Portland Maine law firm. He received his law degree from the University of Maine School of Law in 1986, and his undergraduate degree from Harvard University in 1979. Eric may be reached at his email address Eric.J.Bryant@maine.gov

Agnes Gormley, Senior Counsel

Agnes Gormley accepted her position with the Public Advocate as of July 2007.  Before joining the office she worked primarily as an attorney with state and federal government.  She received her law degree from the University of Richmond Law School and her undergraduate degree from McGill University. Agnes may be reached at her email address Agnes.Gormley@maine.gov

Patty J. Moody-D'Angelo, Research Assistant

Patty has worked for the Public Advocate Office since 1982. Patty received her B.S. degree in Public Administration from the University of Maine of Augusta and her Masters in Public Administration from the University of Maine at Orono.  She functions as a research assistant to the staff of the Public Advocate and also manages budgetary and personnel administrative tasks. Patty may be reached at her email address patty.j.moody-dangelo@maine.gov

Mary L. Campbell, Business Services Manager 

Mary has worked for the Public Advocate Office since October 1999.  Prior to joining the office she worked 13 years at the Maine Public Utilities Commission.  Mary has an Associates Degree in Business Management from UMA.  She performs administrative and financial tasks.  Mary may be reached at her email address Mary.L.Campbell@maine.gov

Deborah A. Tondreau, Special Assist. to Public Advocate 

Debbie has worked for the Public Advocate Office since June 1998. She provides support services to the staff attorneys. Previously employed by the Department of Labor within the Administrative Hearings Division as a Senior Legal, Debbie brings with her many years of valuable state services of this office. Debbie may be reached at her e-mail address Deborah.A.Tondreau@maine.gov