United Way of Southern Maine leader Dan Coyne ’98 was drawn to Bowdoin’s commitment to the common good. He went on to make it the focus of his work.
How did your career unfold?
I had a few brief moments at Bowdoin when I thought about pursuing a PhD in military history, but I recognized that my real passion centered around community-wide problems that no one organization, group, or sector alone could solve. This led me to pursue a law degree and a series of positions in which I could work on complex, systemic issues. I’ve been fortunate to work in public service as well as nonprofits. In 2012, I jumped at the chance to join United Way of Southern Maine (formerly United Way of Greater Portland) when the organization created a position dedicated to public policy work. I have held several positions there since then—all fun, meaningful, rewarding, and collaborative.
What do you find inspiring, rewarding, or challenging about working with the United Way in your current position?
I am often asked, “What does the United Way of Southern Maine do?”
Many may think of us as a fundraiser that makes community investments in several dozen nonprofit partners. So, yes, we are a fundraiser. And we are so much more than that.
We are a community problem-solver. We run our own programs and initiatives, such as free tax preparation for households earning less than $70k or ensuring people in need have a 24/7 resource available to them (211 Maine) in their community. We also serve as the backbone organization for a cross-sector community-wide effort of 300+ organizations driving to make sure more kids have a strong start, our neighbors thrive not just survive, and fewer people die too young due to substance use disorder or suicide.
Working and collaborating with so many amazing staff, volunteers, and community members fills my cup—although we are working simultaneously to help meet basic needs and tackle the root causes of such issues.
Right now, we are shining a light on a population we call ALICE (asset-limited, income-constrained, employed); these individuals are our family, friends, and neighbors who work one or more jobs to make ends meet but still struggle paycheck to paycheck. These people are the foundation of our economy yet don’t make enough to survive. Almost 40 percent of Maine households walk such a financial tightrope—our challenge is to highlight this population (which I am sure includes some readers of Bowdoin Magazine) and help all those struggling with financial hardship stay afloat.
What brought you to Bowdoin?
Growing up in southern Maine, I spent some time on Bowdoin’s campus, including when my dad officiated basketball games. From an early age it held a special place in my heart. As I thought about where to go for college, there were many reasons why I ultimately chose Bowdoin, but the primary one was Bowdoin’s express commitment to advancing the common good. The common good wasn’t just an aspiration, but a necessity that we should all strive every day to make concrete.
Are there ways that your academic or extracurricular work at Bowdoin has come into play in your life or career?
The experiences I had at Bowdoin, from the classroom to friendships to social activities, have all deeply influenced me, but serving as a senior interviewer and an RA were the most influential. I believe people want to be seen—truly seen—for who they are as humans, which includes being appreciated for the unique contributions they can offer their communities and the world. And people can only be truly seen and fully appreciated if we lead with genuine curiosity and radical kindness.
Is there something about your work or life that others would find surprising?
I previously served as a host of a statewide television program.
Is there something about YOU that others might find surprising?
I am a big history buff, a fire that the faculty at Bowdoin helped ignite, especially Professor John Karl. I never imagined, though, that I would have had a front row seat to history during some of the country’s defining moments over the last couple of decades. I was working in Washington, DC, for former Congressman Tom Allen ’62 when the tragic events of 9/11 occurred and anthrax was mailed to congressional offices, among others.
Although some may have lost faith and confidence in institutions and each other, experiences like my time in DC cemented my deep and unwavering belief that people, regardless of backgrounds and experiences, hunger for community and want to be part of something bigger than themselves.
What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?
Training and “competing” in swim-runs (Casco Bay in Maine has a phenomenal course in which one runs across and swims between islands), traveling and exploring new places, reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Best Bowdoin memory, or most-lasting lesson from your Bowdoin days?
I recognize that I will have often grown up in similar circumstances as some in any given room and in very different circumstances from others in that same room. What I can do as a leader is to invite understanding, appreciation, and celebration of these differences and leverage them together to ensure we can all make a difference.
This story first appeared in the Winter 2026 issue of Bowdoin Magazine. Manage your subscription and see other stories from the magazine on the Bowdoin Magazine website.
