The board of trustees at Coastal Studies for Girls (CSG) in Freeport has formally announced that Jennifer Mathews has been unanimously selected as the school’s interim head. Mathews had served at the school as business and outreach manager for four years, overseeing the business and development offices, admissions strategy, marketing, outreach and public relations. Prior to her work at CSG, Mathews served as publicity manager at the Metcalf Institute for Marine and Environmental Reporting at the Graduate School of Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island. People in the Midcoast Maine area will know her as the founder and owner, for 27 years, of On Board Fabrics in Edgecomb. She has also been active in education oversight in Lincoln County serving as a member of the board of trustees of The Juniper Hill School for Place-Based Education in Alna. Mathews served as a member of the CLC YMCA Board of Directors in the early 2000s, and held leadership roles in the Edgecomb Comprehensive Planning process in the early 1990s.

Susan Goodell, president of the board of trustees, said of Mathews’ appointment, “After we had interviewed both internal and external candidates, it was clear to us that Jen was the right fit for the school. Her vision for the future of CSG was well thought out, including a solid background in business and a deep knowledge of the school’s operations. We are delighted Jen accepted our offer, and look forward to continuing success of our focus on educating girls in STEM and Leadership.”

Coastal Studies for Girls invites local residents and friends of the school to a gathering at the FARMS Community Kitchen above the Rising Tide Market in Damariscotta to introduce Mathews to her new position. The event is Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 4 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided. The gathering is an opportunity to hear about Coastal Studies for Girls, and to hear Mathews’ plans for the school moving forward.

Since the program opened seven years ago, 11 Lincoln County students from Lincoln Academy, Boothbay Region High School and Wiscasset High School have studied at Coastal Studies for Girls.