THE GUARDRAIL GAZETTE
We Serve Maine by connecting customers, communities, and commerce through a safe and reliable toll road experience.
A Letter from the Executive Director
Andre Briere Executive Director
Turnpike Teammates,
Happy New England Spring! At the top of this issue, I wanted to take a moment to thank our outstanding Highway and Equipment Maintenance teams who served Maine in a flawless, safe, and outstanding way this winter. This was one of the snowiest winter maintenance seasons in recent memory, and I can’t tell you how many compliments I’ve heard from the public and our colleagues in sister states about how great our roads looked this year. So…job well done!
On the topic of safety, I also had the opportunity to present my core safety message to all maintenance camps over the past few weeks. That message is simple, but I wanted to make sure that each of our maintainers had the opportunity to hear it directly from me. Specifically, that each and every Turnpike employee has not only the right, but the obligation to speak up when they identify a potentially unsafe practice or an outright safety hazard. Any employee bringing up a safety issue has the right to be heard and to be taken seriously. But this isn’t just a message for those who work in traffic every day… it is for every directorate and individual at MTA.
The procedure is very straight-forward. Please take a look:
SAFETY - What to do when a safety issue comes up.
1. "Call Safety": A safety issue is identified by anyone, at anytime, anywhere.
2. Set Safe NOW!: Secure the site and all personnel will get to a safe space or area to discuss the issue.
3. Can it be Resolved Locally?: The safety condition will be resolved through discussion and evaluation of the team at the job. If it cannot be resolved, it will immediately be elevated up the chain of command. Under no circumstances will work continue if the issue is not resolved.
4. If Not...ELEVATE!: This elevation up the chain will continue until all parties involved agree the safety issue has been resolved, or the risk of completing the job has been assumed at the appropriate level.
This process needs to be well understood by each MTA teammate, because safety is the responsibility of each and every one of us. Please speak to your supervisor or Director if you have further questions on this guidance.
Allowing every one of you to go home to your families and loved ones safely each night is my highest responsibility as your Executive Director. Here’s to a great Spring season, and to a quick thaw! Let’s accomplish our mission expertly and safely as "We Serve Maine" together.
Executive Director Briere
A Letter from the Chief Operations Officer
Peter Merfeld P.E. Chief Operations Officer
Retiring May 29, 2026
Peter Merfeld has been with MTA for nearly 30 years. Below, he reflects on his many roles and time at the Turnpike.
I started in the Building Maintenance & Engineering Department in 1997 and spent many early mornings at the Sign Shop, learning about the day’s issues and plans. I became a big fan of the Sign Shop—I could even recite the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices from memory at one point. Our engineering department was small then, with only one engineer (me), and what I enjoyed most (besides the signs) was the chance to visit every building up and down the road and meet so many great people. Those experiences, along with time spent at all our construction sites—including a couple of weeks inspecting the night paving project—gave me a strong perspective on the Turnpike in
When I became COO in 2000, I had the privilege of hiring Brenda Libby. At her retirement celebration in 2011, she gave a speech that moved me so deeply I saved it. She rejected the notion that working here was merely a job and not a family. Since then, Jacquie Hansen and I became a great team.
I’ll admit I struggled during the times Jacquie was out on leave over the years. But I also have photos of me holding her newborn babies—so my temporary challenges were more than worth it. Spending time with Jacquie and others during team-building moments after hours that mixed work and fun brought us all closer together. After 29 years, I can say that Brenda was absolutely right. I have gained many new family members here. I would be remiss not to mention that my wife and kids have been incredibly supportive as well, and I am deeply grateful for them.
As I look forward to life after retirement on May 29, it has dawned on me that I will have to start paying tolls on the Turnpike and will be happy to. I know my toll payments will go directly into our Turnpike, and the value it brings to the state is almost immeasurable—plus, our toll rates are some of the lowest in the country.
While there have been many successes over the years, there also have been anxious moments and gut-wrenching times. I specifically remember, and will never forget, Jeff Abbott and Glen Dunlap, who both died while on the job. Those were my lowest moments. The safety of our employees and patrons is crucial, and more needs to be done—and is already in progress. My role as COO has grown dramatically since 2000, and new challenges lie ahead. I have full confidence that Kristi Van Ooyen and John Cannell will meet them. I am pleased that they, along with the entire Turnpike family, will continue serving Maine for many years to come.
I hope they—and you—continue to make me proud and keep the Turnpike one of the safest and most reliable roads in the country.
Be safe, be kind, and take care of each other.
Peter Merfeld
These 4 plaques are placed on the main floor at MTA headquarters in memory of Turnpike employees who have lost their lives on the job
The Operations Team
Back Row, Left - Right
Ben Bolduc, Steve Tartre, Jamie Mason, Peter Merfeld, Gerry Ouellette, Ryan Leavitt, Ralph Norwood, Sean Donohue, Jason Thyen
Front Row, Left - Right
Jacquie Hansen, Kristi Van Ooyen, Trevin Cobb, John Cannell, Steve Winship, Scott LaChance
Left - Right
John Branscom, Peter Merfeld, Shawn Laverdiere, Jeffery Nadeau, Greg J. Stone
Left - Right
Peter Merfeld, Lauren Fleming, Brian Taddeo
A Letter from the New Director of Human Resources
Rick Stewart Director of Human Resources
Rick Stewart started at MTA in February 2026, you can learn more about him here:
I am originally from Mexico, Maine, and have a distinguished background of leadership and service. I’ve spent 22 years on active duty in the United States Marine Corps, retiring at the rank of Sergeant Major (E-9). Following my military career, I transitioned into Human Resources leadership, where I held a variety of senior HR roles including HR Manager, HR Business Partner, and HR Director.
My civilian career includes extensive HR experience in the manufacturing sector, with organizations throughout Maine such as NewPage paper mill in Rumford, Verso paper mill in Jay, ABB, and MS Ambrogio component manufacturing in Auburn, as well as a multi-location bottled water company in the state of New Mexico. I’ve also served as Director of Human Resources for a language and interpreter services organization that supported U.S. military personnel during combat operations.
My leadership philosophy is straightforward: people are the most valuable asset in any organization. I believe that without dedicated employees, organizations cannot achieve their mission. I strongly value open, two-way communication and employee engagement as the foundation for building strong relationships across the organization. Drawing on the leadership principles I’ve developed throughout my career, I emphasize honesty, integrity, leading by example, truthfulness, and taking care of people.
In addition to my people-focused approach, I’m committed to modernizing HR systems and processes, including implementing updated HR technology and automation, reviewing policies and procedures, and ensuring fairness, consistency, and equality across the organization.
I am pleased to be joining MTA.
Rick Stewart
New Engineering Inspector Training Opportunity
MTA is seeking letters of interest from temporary and permanent employees. This training is intended to provide the skills and experience required for the position of Engineering Inspector in Training.
Interested applicants can find more information on the bulletin boards at MTA locations. Contact Director of Human Resources Rick Stewart, rstewart@maineturnpike.com
Department Highlight: Building Maintenance Meeting a Remarkable Range of Needs
By: Shawn Laverdiere
Every mile of the Maine Turnpike relies on systems most drivers never see—heating and cooling units, roadway signage, lighting, and more. Ensuring all of this operates safely is the responsibility of the MTA's Building Maintenance Department, a highly skilled team dedicated to keeping both employees and motorists safe.
A major part of the department’s mission is proactive inspection and state and federal regulatory compliance in plumbing, HVAC, electrical, and life safety requirements. This team ensures that every Turnpike facility—from administrative offices to service plazas—meets the highest standards.
Tracy Pomerleau, Scott Purcell, Joe Chase, Jeff Brown, Brian McLellan, Mike Scott, Kevin McLellan, David McCourt, Scott Pomerleau, Shawn Laverdiere
The scale of the department’s work is vast. Building Maintenance oversees approximately 100 Turnpike-operated buildings. Within these facilities, the team services roughly 300 gas or electric heating and air conditioning units, over 1,200 light fixtures/structures, 30 automated barrier gates (with more on the horizon), a vast fire safety system including alarms, extinguishers and suppression systems, and of course many, many traffic signs. Too many to try and count! Additionally, we operate, program and maintain the automation systems controlling the HVAC of ten highway and toll buildings and five heavily utilized service plazas.
One of the department’s most visible contributions to the Turnpike is the Sign Shop. Here, new
Women's History Month
Throughout March, our social pages have been highlighting women at Maine Turnpike who have made history in the organization.
Individual spotlights are posted on MTA's LinkedIn page
There are many more women making history at the Turnpike today. Here is a impromptu photo from earlier this March. This photo shows women across engineering, finance, customer service, and more
Get Involved in Your Local Communities
Want to support your communities? Consider these volunteering opportunities below.
Employees interested in volunteering outside of work hours are encouraged to scan the QR codes above to explore opportunities with these organizations.
The Public Perception & Engagement Work Group has also created a Public Service Subcommittee working toward offering opportunities for employees to volunteer.
In the meantime, we encourage employees to look for ways they can support the communities around them.
For more information contact Piper Wetherby: pwetherby@maineturnpike.com
Auburn
Portland
Campaign Gains Momentum
Video delivers over 1 million impressions in its first two weeks
Two new educational videos for the We Serve campaign were filmed this winter and now streaming on Spectrum and across our social media. A huge thank you to our snowplow drivers for allowing us to capture the incredible work you do to keep Maine’s roads safe. The footage is already receiving fantastic responses. By the time this issue of GG reaches you, the next video—featuring Maine State Police Lieutenant Jodell Wilkinson and Toll Operator Jack Redmond— is scheduled to air mid March.
Early campaign performance is strong. The snowplow safety video, featuring Auburn Maintenance Foreman Nicole Chase, has already surpassed 1 million impressions and generated more than 4,700 clicks across YouTube, Meta, and TikTok.
These videos wouldn’t be possible without the many employees who contribute far beyond what viewers see on screen. Participation in these projects takes safety coordination, time, and a genuine willingness to help us understand the realities of your work. Learning your stories, hearing about day-to-day conditions, and gaining insight into the “why” behind safety practices has made these videos more authentic and thus more powerful.
Thank you to everyone who has supported filming days, shared your expertise, and helped us tell our story with accuracy and heart.
Jack Redmond, toll collector featured in State Trooper segment
Behind the scenes of State Trooper Video Segment
Season of Strong Media Engagement
Winter coverage underscored dedicated employees who make safety possible
From December through February, Maine Turnpike Authority received notable media coverage underscoring leadership in safety, technology, and winter roadway management.
This visibility—and the broad reach these stories received—celebrate an agency wide accomplishment made possible by all of you.
Across the organization—from Traffic Management Center to our maintenance camps and engineering teams—employees generously took time out of their days to support tours, explain complex systems, offer demonstrations, conduct interviews, shoot video and give journalists genuine behind-the-scenes access to safety operations. The willingness to share their expertise not only strengthened media relationships, but it also helped Mainer's better understand the importance behind the work we do every day.
Media coverage for this winter issue of Guardrail Gazette began in early December with stories marking the MTA’s 78th anniversary, offering historical context on the Turnpike’s longstanding role in connecting Maine. Later in December, the Portland Press Herald published an in-depth look at how MTA manages snowy condition communications, by spending a full day at the Traffic Management and Communications Center. This feature reinforced the Turnpike's reputation for dependable winter operations.
January brought attention to MTA’s use of innovative technology. Two widely viewed stories on January 14 and 15 explored both aboveground and underground weather sensors and the real time data they can provide. These pieces included expert interviews and offered a rare look at the advanced systems that support safety.
On January 27, the Hall of Flags event at the State Capitol drew statewide television coverage. A press conference on work zone safety connected reporters with experts and state partners across the transportation sector.
In February, a Portland meteorologist visited winter operations with an in-person tour of the Crosby Maintenance Camp, giving the public a closer look at storm preparation.
Notably, two MTA stories reached national news desks this winter, positioning Maine Turnpike as a leader in snow and safety management.
Together, this coverage reflects the dedication and professionalism of MTA employees strengthening public understanding and trust.
Thank you to everyone who shared their knowledge and insight to help tell the story of how We Serve Maine.
Engineer Brian Taddeo (right) with Channel 13
Highway Maintence Foreman Andrew Dyke at Crosby Maintenance Camp (right) with News Center Maine
Highway Supervisor Jeffery Stevens interviewed by News Center Maine at LD 1457 Press Conference
2026 Legislative Session Update
The second session of the 132nd Maine Legislature began session in early January and is scheduled to adjourn in mid April. MTA's primary focus has centered on the Operational Budget and advancing the Work Zone Safety bill.
MTA partnered with The Associated General Contractors (AGC) of America to host an event at the Maine State House on January 27 in The Hall of Flags. The event highlighted work zone safety and emphasized the importance of the passage of LD 1457.
Meanwhile, our Government Relations team has actively monitored legislation that has potential to impact MTA operations.
Key Highlights
• LD 1457 – Automated Speed Control Systems in Highway Work Zones
Supported by MTA, proposing a pilot program to install speed cameras in active highway work zones. MTA is working closely with lawmakers and stakeholders to clarify the bill purpose and highlight safety benefits. Recently, the Transportation Committee held a work session and voted with bipartisan support advancing LD 1457. Next steps are, the bill moves to the Senate Chamber and then the House of Representatives for further consideration.
• LD 2152 – MTA’s Operational Budget
This bill passed unanimously in the Transportation committee, the House of Representatives and the Senate. The Governor is expected to sign the bill next week.
Contact Government Relations Manager Sean Paulhus, spaulhus@maineturnpike.com
Maine Turnpike Authority will be participating in 2026 National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW).
To show your support, we encourage all employees to wear orange Wednesday. April 22. Additional details and activities to be shared as the week approaches.
Hall of Flags LD 1457 event
March
Updates from Payroll & HR
04.01.26 – 03.31.27 Aflac Open Enrollment
April
04.02.26 Annual Group Life Insurance (GLI) Premium Adjustment
04.15.26 Maine State and Federal Tax Filing Deadline
04.20.26 Patriots Day – Office Closed
May
2027 Annual Open Enrollment – Health, Dental & Vision
05.25.26 Memorial Day – Office Closed
June (Date TBD) – Quarterly VALIC/Corebridge Financial HQ Meeting with Mark Roberts & Stephanie Fecteau
06.19.26 Juneteenth – Office Closed
July
07.02.26 Semi-Annual Heath Waiver Payment – (Form & Required Documents due during May Annual Enrollment)
Introducing Stephanie Fecteau: VALIC/Corebridge's New Financial Advisor
Since retiring from MainePERS in 2019, she has continued her work with VALIC/Corebridge, bringing extensive experience in retirement systems and financial planning. During her time at MainePERS, she served as the PLD Pension Plan Administrator, Defined Contribution Plan Administrator, and the State’s Social Security Administrator. Her deep knowledge and experience make her a valuable resource for employees planning for their financial future.
If you would like to updated your tax forms see Kaela White or Michael Haines.
HR & Payroll will be making scheduled visits to the maintenance camps for informational presentations on various topics.
As always, if you ever have any benefits or pay questions do not hesitate in asking anyone in Payroll and HR. We are here to help.
Congratulations to the Following
December 13, 2025 to March 09, 2026
Retirements
Kevin Evans | Highway Maintenance III Kennebunk | January 31 | 11+ Years of Service
Bryan Kimball | Automotive Mechanic III Kennebunk | February 28 | 29+ Years of Service
New Hires
Laurence Smart IV | Toll Collector I | Falmouth |December 14
Barbara Scott | Toll Collector I | Falmouth | December 14
Patricia Prescott | Toll Collector I | Biddeford, | December 14
Louisa Radtke Rowe | Toll Collector I | Falmouth | December 21
Tonya Blake | Highway Maintenance III | Auburn | December 29
Jeffery Buoncristiano | Toll Collector I | Wells | January 18
Nathan Dayken | Highway Maintenance III | Crosby | January 26
Allen Blake | Highway Maintenance III | Gray | February 2
Richard Stewart | Director of Human Resources | February 9
Elanea Turcotte | Toll Collector I | New Gloucester Barrier | February 15
Terry Hodgdon | Toll Collector I | Rand Road | February 15
Jonathan Diotalevi | Toll Collector I | Rand Road | February 15
Alivia Truehart | Toll Collector I | Biddeford | February 15
Jeffery Beecher | Highway Maintenance III | Crosby | February 23
Dean Carrier | Violation Image Review Processor | February 23
Danielle Gassman | E-ZPass Customer Service Rep | March 2
Anika Lord | Toll Collector I | Saco | March 8
Laura Tompkins | Toll Collector I | Scarborough (295) | March 8
Frederick Ricketts III | Highway Maintenance | York | March 9
Promotions
Rebecca Barr | E-ZPass Business Account Processor | February 15
Jennifer Chen | Business Accounts Processor | February 22
Go Paperless
MTA employees can now opt-in to paperless pay stubs.
Scan the QR code to download the ADP app today to create an account.
Survey Says...
- Spending time at the lake
- Being able to transition easily from indoor to outdoor, without having to bundle up
- Concert Season
- Get ready for beach season, it starts in Spring.
- Golf (2)
- Hearts of Pine
- Fishing (3)
- Race Cars
- Picnics and days at the park with my friends!
- Maine Maple Weekends (2)
- Baseball
- Vacationing!
- Longer days
- Setting up the pool
- Time with kids
Survey Says...
Employees were encouraged to send a landscape photo showing what they've been up to this winter, and any hopeful signs of spring!
Check them out!
