Celebrating:   John Shoos   
2026 Champions for Children - Lifetime Achievement Giraffe Award Winner!  

 

We are proud to celebrate John Shoos, one of MCA's 2026 Champions for Children Giraffe Award Winners, and to honor a remarkable leader who has truly “stuck his neck out” for Maine’s children and families. 

John joined the Sam L. Cohen Foundation as executive director in 2013, following a long and distinguished career at United Way of Greater Portland, where he served as senior vice president of community impact. Throughout his career, John has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to building equitable communities and creating opportunities for all. 

A graduate of Syracuse University, John earned a master’s degree in public policy and management from the Muskie School of Public Service at the University of Southern Maine. His leadership and service have extended throughout Maine, including work with the Maine Children’s Alliance, Konbit Sante, Maine Philanthropy Center, Spring Harbor Hospital, and the Institute for Civic Leadership. He also continues to give his time as a volunteer tutor at Portland Adult Education. 

John’s commitment to the community is matched by his devotion to his family. He and his wife, Lisa Merchant, live in South Portland and are the proud parents of two grown sons, two wonderful daughters-in-law, and grandparents to their grandson, Wesley. 

When he’s not championing Maine communities, John enjoys adventures with his family, travel, fly fishing, gardening, and playing guitar and harmonizing with his 317 Main group. 

For his decades of compassionate leadership, his steadfast commitment to equity, and his tireless efforts to strengthen Maine communities, we are proud to celebrate John Shoos as a 2026 Champions for Children Giraffe Award Winner —someone who has consistently stuck his neck out to make Maine a better place for children and families.