FAME’s Vision, Mission, and Core Values
Vision: A Maine where all people have access to improved economic outcomes through business growth and education attainment.
Mission: To enrich business and educational outcomes through relevant, timely financial support to Maine’s people.
Core Values:
- Service: FAME is, above all else, committed to serving Maine people and businesses in support of our Mission and Vision to improve economic outcomes throughout the state.
- Trust: We take pride in our stewardship of Maine’s financial resources and work hard to earn and keep the trust of Maine people through our actions.
- Customer-Focused: We respect all our constituents and seek to understand their needs and goals. We empower our employees to provide exceptional customer service both internally and externally.
- Professionalism: FAME is committed to operating with the utmost professionalism and takes pride in our organization’s expertise, integrity, and reliability.
About FAME
To meet the financing needs of Maine’s business community, FAME offers a wide array of business assistance programs, ranging from traditional loan insurance programs for both small and larger businesses, to investment tax credits. FAME has also established taxable and tax-exempt bond financing programs that allow strong, creditworthy firms in Maine to access capital at favorable rates and terms.
FAME also administers Maine’s higher education finance programs. Through a variety of loan, grant and scholarship programs, FAME helps Maine students and families meet the costs associated with higher education. To aid in this important effort, FAME oversees an extensive outreach and counseling program designed to encourage young people to aspire to and pursue higher education. FAME serves as administrator for the state’s Section 529 Plan—NextGen 529®.
In addition, FAME offers financial education programs and outreach for individuals looking to improve financial well-being, for parents interested in saving for education, and for educators or employers looking to build financial wellness in their classrooms or organizations.
FAME is committed to innovative, flexible solutions that address the needs of Maine individuals and companies in a changing economic landscape. With a core competency in finance and a highly experienced staff, FAME is the place to turn to for resources that build success.
FAME Celebrates 40 Years of Maine Success Stories
We’re celebrating 40 Years of Maine business and family success stories. It’s our honor to work with our dedicated partners to create financial solutions so you can grow your businesses and reach your higher education goals. As we mark this milestone, we proudly commit to another 40+ years of adapting and innovating to address Maine’s future needs. Congratulations to the Maine businesses and families for all of your successes. We are grateful for your trust.
Carlos Mello, CEO
Carlos has over thirty-five years of banking, lending, investment, finance, and accounting experience. In addition to his role as FAME’s CEO, he has served as the chief risk officer at the agency. Prior to joining FAME, Carlos served as the president and CEO of Prudential Bank & Trust, FSB, and held other leadership positions at Prudential Financial. He also held senior vice president and managing director positions at People’s United Bank. Carlos is a certified financial planner and has held investment representative, investment advisor, and securities principal licenses. He is a former certified public accountant and received his B.S. in accounting from Boston College. Carlos currently serves as chair of the CEI Ventures Board of Directors and is an active member of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine, serving as a trustee of diocesan funds and recently as senior warden at St. Thomas’ Camden. Carlos and his wife live in Camden and are the parents of three adult children.
FAME’s Board
FAME is overseen by a 15-member board of directors. See our members, a schedule of upcoming meetings, and meeting minutes.
Annual Reports
FAME’s success is in helping Mainers reach their business and higher education goals. Read our Annual Reports.
Careers
FAME was again named one of Maine’s Best Places to Work in 2020. Work for FAME, work for Maine’s future. View job openings.
History
Since 1983, FAME has been helping Maine people reach their business and higher education goals. Read about the organization’s history.
Rules
View the rules governing FAME and its programs.
