Introducing our Newest Board Members
Andy Abrams
Andy Abrams is a strategic technology and operations leader with a 23-year career dedicated to strengthening the mission and impact of nonprofit organizations. Andy’s expertise is highly relevant to Furniture Friends' needs for efficiency and scalability. He spent 15 years as Vice President of IT at United Way of Greater Portland (now United Way Southern Maine) and eight years as Senior Director of Security and Privacy at United Way Worldwide. In these roles, Andy drove critical initiatives in IT strategy, AI governance, data integration, fundraising CRM implementation, and
organizational operations across finance and marketing, all of which are essential for Furniture Friends’ capacity-building goals. Since September 2025, Andy has been applying this expertise as a Senior Strategy Consultant at Heller Consulting, working with mid- to large-sized nonprofits across the U.S. and Canada. An established community leader, Andy previously served as a longtime board member and former Board Chair of Portland Trails. He was also Chair of the Casco Bay High School Parent Advisory Group and a member of the Portland School Family Partnership Advisory Council. Andy is eager to serve on the Furniture Friends board because he deeply believes in its mission and the tangible impact it has in the community. His strategic background will directly empower the organization to enhance its operational effectiveness and data-driven sustainability.
Bryan O'Connor
Bryan O’Connor brings over 20 years of specialized financial expertise, having led finance teams exclusively for Maine nonprofits. He currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Woodfords Family Services, providing Furniture Friends with high-level proficiency in nonprofit fiscal management, budgeting, financial compliance, and strategic planning. His dedication to community service extends to hands-on involvement, as he also volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine and Cumberland North Yarmouth Little League. Bryan's deep understanding of the unique financial challenges and regulatory environment facing Maine's social service sector is an invaluable asset to the Furniture Friends board, ensuring the organization maintains sound fiscal stewardship and maximizes the impact of its resources. Bryan lives in Cumberland with his wife, Jill, and two teenage kids. A pickleball enthusiast, he’s pretty sure he can still dunk a basketball, but it’s probably best not to try to prove it.
Saphire Ensworth
Saphire Ensworth is a dedicated student blending essential skills in healthcare and community service. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at the University of Southern Maine and an Emergency Medical Services major at Southern Maine Community College, Saphire has cultivated strong time management, ethical decision-making, and high-stakes problem-solving abilities vital for nonprofit governance. Her minor in Dance and experience with Portland Youth Dance provided training in team collaboration and diverse team dynamics. Saphire’s commitment to service is extensive. She was actively involved in Portland Youth Dance's outreach program, facilitating dance opportunities for underserved youth, and volunteered with Youth Led Justice, a nonprofit focused on restorative and transformative justice to help youth avoid the school-to-prison pipeline. Additionally, Saphire founded an Al-Alateen meeting at her high school, demonstrating a personal commitment to building supportive community structures. Saphire’s connection to Furniture Friends began during her involvement with her high school’s "Interact" Club, where she first volunteered. Since graduating, she has consistently donated her time, bringing both operational familiarity and a deep-seated drive to champion kindness and service.
Toho Soma
Mr. Toho Soma provides expertise in program evaluation and public health strategy, skills critical to demonstrating Furniture Friends' social impact to grant funders and stakeholders. He currently focuses on program evaluation for various projects within the Center for Excellence in Public Health, with a particular focus on behavioral health and workforce development. This background is vital for helping Furniture Friends establish measurable metrics and validate its role in improving housing stability, a key determinant of health. Mr. Soma also serves on the Board of the Maine Health Access Foundation (MeHAF), providing him with direct, high-level insight into the funding priorities and systemic challenges within Maine’s public health landscape, which is essential for maximizing Furniture Friends' strategic partnerships and funding potential.