Board Member
Why Did You Get Involved in the MIHC?
Since moving back to the Portland, Maine area after a 40 year absence, Karen O’Maxfield wished to connect with the Irish community, and to utilize her skills and knowledge for the benefit of the Center.
Experience
Karen owned a marketing, graphic arts and photography company with clients ranging from individuals to international corporations to the U.S. Government. She was also heavily involved in community organizing in her native city of Hartford, Connecticut, for which she has won accolades and awards.
Irish Roots
Karen was born O’Brien whose ancestry traces back to counties Cork, Waterford and Kerry. She has had the privilege of visiting ancestral sites, including the location of where her 2nd great-grandmother was born in Ballynona North, County Cork, and the location of the tailor shop owned by her great-grandfather in Portlaw, County Waterford. Her ancestral tree has revealed a variety of individuals including a Capuchin Monk, a professional stage/screen actor and a professional baseball player.
Interests & Hobbies
Irish genealogy, history and culture pursuits led Karen to obtaining Irish citizenship in 2020. She enjoys traveling with her husband and always brings her bodhrán which she has been playing for over a decade in seisiúns in Ireland, the North of Ireland, and across the United States.