PORTLAND, Maine — On February 26, 2026, the Maine Real Estate and Development Association (MEREDA) recognized four remarkable individuals for their significant and lasting contributions to real estate development in the state of Maine. The awards were presented at this year’s Forecast Conference at the Holiday Inn By the Bay, which was attended by nearly 900 real estate professionals.
Jason Favreau of BerryDunn was selected for this year’s Robert B. Patterson Jr. Founder’s Award, for his meaningful contributions to MEREDA.
For more than two decades, Jason has been the tax strategist behind some of Maine’s most significant real estate developments. As a Principal leading BerryDunn’s Real Estate Tax practice, he’s become the go-to expert for everything from historic tax credit planning to complex partnership structures. But his technical brilliance is only part of the story.
Jason served on MEREDA’s Board of Directors for twelve years—and he didn’t just show up. He chaired the Membership and Marketing Committee for a full decade, bringing new energy and fresh faces into our community. He was named Volunteer of the Year in 2015, and most recently stepped into the role of Vice President in 2023. What sets Jason apart isn’t just his expertise—it’s his hands-on approach and his willingness to say “yes” when others might step back. He’s been an invaluable asset to MEREDA!
The MEREDA Public Policy Award is presented each year to an individual whose efforts have made a significant impact on public policy changes that benefit responsible real estate development and ownership in Maine. MEREDA presented the 2025 Public Policy Award to Jason Howe of Preti Flaherty.
As Chair of MEREDA’s Public Policy Committee, Jason has proven to be both a brilliant legal strategist and a masterful political navigator. He’s been instrumental in crafting legislation that brings real predictability and practicality to the development process—helping to create the conditions where housing can actually get built in Maine.
Jason’s knowledge runs deep, his attitude stays positive, and his advocacy never wavers. Whether he’s working on the WIN Act or tackling complex regulatory challenges, he brings the same tireless commitment to solving Maine’s housing crisis. Jason, your leadership has made MEREDA more effective, and Maine more livable.
The Volunteer of the Year Award is awarded to those who generously share their time, talents, and energy with MEREDA. This year we honor the contributions of Jessamine Pottle.
As Vice President and Marketing Director at Haley Ward, Jessie leads business development across five states. But her impact extends far beyond her day job. She’s currently Chair of Heart of Maine United Way, a past Chair of Fusion: Bangor, and has served on boards throughout the Bangor region—always working to help her community thrive.
For MEREDA, Jessie has been a driving force behind our recent Bangor events. As a member of the Conference Committee, she’s brought vision, energy, and meticulous attention to detail. She doesn’t just volunteer—she dives in, takes ownership, and delivers results that elevate everything we do. Jessie, your expertise and generosity haven’t gone unnoticed. This award is well-deserved, and we can’t wait to see what you accomplish next.
The President’s Award is given by MEREDA’s current President in recognition of someone who has made significant contributions on MEREDA’s behalf. This year’s President’s Award goes to Joe Wishcamper.
Joe is one of MEREDA’s founding figures. For more than forty-five years, he’s been shaping responsible development across Maine—and across the country. His companies have developed more than fifteen thousand units of affordable housing in twenty-five states, always with a commitment to resident services, ethical partnerships, and long-term stewardship.
But Joe’s influence goes beyond bricks and mortar. He’s been a policy advocate at the federal and state levels, a civic leader, and a philanthropist. He’s chaired the Maine State University System, served on the board of Maine Medical Center, led The Nature Conservancy’s Maine Chapter, and supported countless other organizations working to strengthen our state.
What makes Joe truly remarkable is his ability to bring people together—to bridge perspectives, build consensus, and foster the kinds of conversations that lead to real solutions. MEREDA simply wouldn’t be what it is today without his vision, his wisdom, and his unwavering belief in building a stronger future for Maine’s communities. Joe, we are deeply grateful for everything you’ve given to this organization and to our state. Your legacy is all around us.
MEREDA congratulates these award winners, and thanks every volunteer whose contributions of time and talent make the association’s continued success possible.
Take a look at their award recognition video!