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Tess Gionet is the Communications Outreach Specialist at Coastal Enterprises, Inc, a Maine-based community development financial institution with a mission to build just, vibrant and climate-resilient futures for people and communities in Maine and rural regions by integrating finance, business expertise and policy solutions in ways that make the economy work more equitably.

As CEI’s Communications Outreach Specialist, Tess leads strategic communications across multiple channels, managing the organization’s social media, digital marketing initiatives, and newsletters that reach stakeholders, partners, and community members throughout Maine. She has a strong passion for content creation in all forms – from uncovering the heart of why a client started their business, to developing creative video that resonates with audiences and drives engagement. Working collaboratively with CEI’s business development services, lending, state policy, and corporate development teams, Tess helps execute critical projects and builds lasting relationships with clients and peers.

Prior to joining CEI, Tess developed and led social media campaigns at Bustle Digital Group for Fatherly magazine and managed content strategy at Pulp+Wire, where she worked closely with Maine entrepreneurs to grow their businesses through compelling storytelling and social media engagement. Her passion for sustainability and community development began at the US Green Building Council in Washington, DC, where she started her career and later volunteered abroad with their Vietnam chapter.

Outside of work, Tess is an accomplished violinist who once played first chair for the Portland Youth Symphony Orchestra and now performs with a local dad rock band. She channels her creativity into printmaking and runs a seasonal yurt rental in western Maine.

Education

• Hobart and William Smith Colleges, B.A. in Environmental Studies
• Hobart and William Smith Colleges, B.A. in Urban Studies