Staff Leadership

PORTLAND — Mark Swann will know by Monday, March 12, if he will be honored by the Congressional Medal of Honor Society for his work in 21 years at the helm of Preble Street. Nominated by U.S. representative Chellie Pingree for a prestigious national award called Citizen Service Before Self, Swann probably couldn’t have imagined … Read more

Someone should give Mark Swann a medal. And later this month, someone just might. "The word I keep using to describe it is ‘overwhelming,’" said Swann, the longtime executive director of Preble Street, over a hot cup of coffee Thursday morning. "It’s been kind of a whirlwind couple of days." First the news: This week, … Read more

My talk with Preble Street Executive Director Mark Swann yesterday, after learning he was named a finalist for the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation’s Service Before Self Honors, was powerful as it always is with Mark. Preble Street Executive Director Mark Swann stands amid rennovation debris at his organization’s new teen homeless shelter in Portland … Read more

WASHINGTON — The executive director of Preble Street Resource Center is one of 20 national finalists for the Citizen Before Self Honors, chosen by recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Mark Swann of Portland is one of 10 finalists who are being recognized for "their willingness to sacrifice for others through a prolonged series … Read more

PORTLAND, Maine — When Mark Swann recalls his 20-plus years as executive director of Preble Street, he doesn’t mention accolades. “To be honest, it’s a bit overwhelming,” he told the Bangor Daily News on Tuesday. “I find myself thinking about all the people and conversations, and the memorial services and laughs. I’m almost flooded by … Read more

WASHINGTON, Feb 28, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) — The Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation today announced 20 finalists for the Citizen Service Before Self Honors, which recognizes and honors those ordinary Americans who become extraordinary through their indomitable courage and selflessness. Ten finalists have been selected for performing a single act of extraordinary heroism: — John … Read more

PORTLAND — Not a single day goes by without someone asking me about, or complaining to me about "people from away." There is a solidly entrenched, pervasive myth that poor and homeless people from all over America are flocking to Portland because we’re "too generous." This perception has been the subject of discussions among business … Read more

Inspired by those in need Donna Yellen Age: 50 Residence: Portland Occupation: Director of the Maine Hunger Initiative and Advocacy at Preble Street in Portland A friend and an advocate: The homeless, the hungry, the poor and the hurting need both. Donna Yellen of Portland is one of many such volunteers who every day not … Read more