Deanna Sherman, Dead River Company CEO, named Portland Regional Chamber’s 2018-19 Leadership in the Private Sector award recipient

​PORTLAND, ME – The Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce announced Thursday, January 10, that Deanna Sherman, President and CEO of Dead River Company, is its 2018-29 award recipient for Leadership in the Private Sector. Sherman will receive her award at the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual event, Imagine Portland, January 30 at Brick South, On Thompson’s Point in Portland.

As President and CEO of Dead River Company, Deanna Sherman oversees one of the largest energy companies in Northern New England. Founded in 1909, Dead River Company is family-owned with more than 1,000 employees serving customers in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and northern Massachusetts.  Sherman joined the company in 1986 and has worked in leadership roles including District Manager, Region Manager and Vice President of the Energy Division.

The Leadership in the Private Sector Award is awarded to an individual or organization that contributes to the Greater Portland community through active leadership or individual efforts in civic or charitable activities, stimulates growth and prosperity, advocates on behalf of the business community, and leads through the private sector. Last year’s award recipient was Melissa Smith, President and CEO of WEX, Inc.

“Deanna has become a leading advocate for the Portland Region, and one of its staunchest supporters and economic drivers,” said Quincy Hentzel, Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO. “Deanna was selected for her tenure at Dead River, her leadership both at her organization and also within the community, her strong support for local charitable organizations such as Educate Maine and Junior Achievement and last, but certainly not least, her creativity in helping to solve work force challenges, specifically her joint program with the Department of Labor.”

Sherman earned her bachelor’s degree from Colby College, majoring in Government/Public Policy and French.  After attaining her first management position at Dead River Company, Sherman returned to the classroom and received her MBA at the University of Southern Maine. 
Sherman is active in the community through her present and past Board involvement with United Way of Greater Portland’s Women United, Educate Maine, Junior Achievement of Maine, the Maine Energy Marketers Association, the University of Southern Maine Foundation, and the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute.
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About Imagine Portland
Imagine Portland is the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual event and award presentation. Each year the Portland Regional Chamber of Commerce names an award winner in four categories: Leadership in the Private Sector, Leadership in the Public Sector, Leadership in Economic Development, and a Visionary Volunteer of the Year. Last year the event drew more than 800 people from the Portland Region.