MEREDA Announces Appointments to Board of Directors

PORTLAND, Maine (July 21, 2025) – Lenny Rendell of Gorham, John Finegan of South Portland, and Justin Laverriere of North Yarmouth have been elected to the board of directors of the Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA), a statewide organization of commercial real estate owners, developers and related service providers.

Lenny Rendell, a Principal at BerryDunn is an accomplished finance professional with 16 years of experience in consulting, compliance, and advisory services, supporting business owners and executives. A recognized leader within the real estate practice at BerryDunn, with a proven track record of guiding clients – particularly hospitality and real estate developers, owners and investors – through complex financial challenges. Lenny has been active on MEREDA’s Membership & Marketing committee since January 2024.   Lenny received his M.S in Accounting from the University of New Hampshire in 2009. 

John Finegan is an Associate Broker at The Boulos Company which he joined in 2020. John works throughout Greater Portland in all areas of commercial real estate including the buying, selling, and leasing of office, retail, industrial, and multifamily family properties. John also works on ground-up development, with a particular focus on workforce development. He has a strong interest in economic policymaking at the local and state level, and he serves as the co-chair for MEREDA’s Local Issues Committee. John is a 2014 graduate of University of New Hampshire with a dual major in Finance and Accounting.

Justin Laverriere is Vice president, Commercial Banking Officer at Maine Community Bank which he joined in 2017.  Justin brings proven expertise in commercial banking and real estate finance, with a distinguished track record of managing a commercial loan portfolio exceeding $150 million while developing comprehensive marketing strategies to increase market share. His strategic approach combines cultivating professional relationships with key market influencers, comprehensive financial analysis, and specialized transaction expertise including historic tax credit projects and interest rate swap transactions.  Justin is also an active participant on MEREDA’s Conference Committee.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Lenny, John, and Justin as our newest board members,” announced Shelly R. Clark, MEREDA’s Executive Director. “Each brings unique strengths in real estate, development, and investment that will support our ability to advance MEREDA’s important work. As MEREDA continues its mission to support responsible development, these accomplished professionals will help drive our vision forward with their combined experience and unwavering commitment to our goals.”