Each year, Mainebiz recognizes a select group of women whose leadership is making a meaningful impact on their organizations, industries, and communities across Maine. We are incredibly proud to see Dottie included among this year’s honorees.
For more than two decades, Dottie has played an important role in shaping the culture, values, and future of Chalmers Insurance Group.
As a fourth-generation owner, Dottie is part of a family business with roots stretching back to 1857. Today, she helps carry that legacy forward while ensuring Chalmers continues to evolve to meet the needs of its co-workers, clients, and communities.
For Dottie, preserving a family legacy isn’t simply about maintaining what previous generations built. It means carrying forward the values at the heart of the organization while continuing to grow, adapt, and prepare Chalmers for the future.
That responsibility has shaped Dottie’s approach to leadership. She has long emphasized the importance of listening, asking questions, and genuinely getting to know the people you work alongside. Speaking at the Mainebiz Small Business Forum in 2024, Dottie discussed the role that “humble inquiry” has played in her leadership style and the importance of curiosity in building goodwill and trust with employees.
It’s an approach that reflects something deeply important to our organization: putting people first.
Throughout her career, Dottie has helped Chalmers grow while remaining focused on the relationships that have defined the company for generations.
That includes creating a workplace where co-workers feel valued and supported, providing personal service to clients, and staying actively involved in the communities Chalmers calls home.
Dottie’s commitment to Maine’s family-business community extends beyond Chalmers as well. She has served in leadership roles with the Institute for Family-Owned Business, including as Chair and Past Chair, helping support and strengthen family-owned businesses throughout the state.
Her leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration, curiosity, communication, and the belief that strong organizations are built by investing in their people.
While this award recognizes Dottie’s individual accomplishments, she is quick to acknowledge the many people who have been part of her journey.
“I am honored and excited to share that I have been named a 2026 Mainebiz Outstanding Woman in Business,” Dottie said. “Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to learn from and work alongside so many talented people. Their support, encouragement, and belief in me have shaped who I am as a leader and made this recognition possible.”
She added, “Thank you to my family, co-workers, mentors, and friends for your support over the years. I am grateful to each of you and look forward to celebrating with this year’s honorees in September.”
We couldn’t be prouder of Dottie and all she has accomplished—and we’re especially proud of the way she continues to lead Chalmers into its next chapter while honoring the generations that came before her.
Congratulations, Dottie, on this well-deserved recognition!
Read Dottie’s Q&A and learn more about the 2026 Outstanding Women in Business in Mainebiz.
