UPCEA Updates

Jessie Daniels

UPCEA is pleased to announce the hiring of Jessie Daniels, MBA, as the association’s new Vice President of Finance & Administration. Daniels, formerly of the University of Maine, joins the UPCEA staff as of September 15. 

As Vice President of Finance & Administration, Daniels is responsible for the overall management of financial, business and administrative functions of the association. Reporting to the CEO and part of the association’s senior management team, Daniels plays a critical role in developing and implementing the financial strategy for UPCEA. 

Daniels steps into the senior role in the association’s finance department following the departure of former Chief Financial Officer Opal Hawkins.  “We are deeply grateful for Opal’s wisdom and guidance over the last few years,” said CEO Bob Hansen. “Never more so than during the pandemic, as the association pivoted to new realities.  We wish her the best in her exciting new role at Prosperity Now.”    

Prior to joining UPCEA, Daniels served as the Director of Finance and Operations for the Division of Lifelong Learning (DLL) at the University of Maine, where he led business and financial operations, and provided innovative and practical approaches to managing both financial and operational needs. Daniels previously served as Director of Finance and Administration for the Town of Orono, Maine, and as Assistant Director of Student Financial Aid at the University of Maine.

A lifelong Mainer, Daniels earned a BS in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and an MBA with a concentration in Management, both from the University of Maine. He grew up in the coastal village of Eastport, Maine, which is the easternmost city in the United States. Daniels volunteers for the Eastern Area Agency on Aging.

“Jessie brings to UPCEA an ideal mix of financial background and senior level experience in a PCO setting,” said Hansen.  “We are thrilled to welcome Jessie to the UPCEA team.”