27 May Driving the Future: NorthEast Charter Welcomes Two Industry Veterans to Strengthen Training and Client Experiences in Group Travel.

Lewiston, Maine — In transportation, the most important investments are rarely made in steel or engines.

They are made in people.

During the past month, NorthEast Charter has expanded its team with two talented professionals whose experience, leadership, and local roots will help continue driving our mission forward.

We have officially added Bob Patnaude as Driver Trainer and Jim Mercier to the Charter Sales team, strengthening both driver development and customer support as demand for professional group transportation continues to grow throughout the New England Market.

For NorthEast Charter, a company recognized year after year as one of Maine’s Best Places to Work, the additions represent more than expansion — they represent investment in people.

Bob Patnaude brings decades of transportation, emergency response, safety, and training experience to the organization. With nearly 40 years in the motorcoach and transportation industry, Patnaude has logged millions of accident-free miles while mentoring and evaluating new drivers throughout his career. His background spans emergency management, public safety, instruction, and professional motorcoach operations across Maine.

“Bob brings something incredibly valuable to our organization — experience paired with a genuine desire to help others succeed,” said Scott Riccio, President and CEO of NorthEast. “As the need for professional CDL drivers continues to grow across the country, we are excited to increase our training capacity right here in Maine. Bob understands what it means to mentor, to teach confidence, and to help shape the next generation of safe, professional motorcoach operators.”

The addition of Patnaude will allow NorthEast Charter to further expand its in-house driver development initiatives and continue investing in local workforce opportunities within the transportation industry.

Joining NorthEast’s Charter Sales division is longtime Lewiston-area professional Jim Mercier, whose background includes nearly two decades of customer service, sales, event operations, and guest experience management. Mercier has held leadership positions at the Androscoggin Bank Colisée and has extensive experience working with event coordination, customer relationships, and operational support.

“Jim understands people, relationships, and community,” said Christa McCusker, VP of Sales & Business Development at NorthEast Charter. “As our charter activity continues to grow, we are thrilled to expand the capacity of our sales team with someone who understands customer experience at such a high level. His energy and professionalism are a wonderful fit for our organization and for the clients we serve every day.”

Together, the two new hires reflect a continued season of momentum for NorthEast Charter — a company deeply rooted in Maine while serving destinations and groups throughout the New England area and beyond. From school trips and sports teams to corporate events, weddings, tours, and community travel, NorthEast Charter continues to focus on what has guided it for decades: safety, professionalism, and creating meaningful experiences along the way.

At the end of the day, transportation has never simply been about getting people from one place to another. It has always been about the people trusted to lead the journey, with a focus on delivering a safe and memorable experience.

For more information about NorthEast Charter, visit goNECT.com