BUCKFIELD – Michael J. Harder has been named chief financial officer for Oxford Networks. Harder has over 30 years of corporate financial and executive management experience.

“Mike brings to us the financial horsepower that we need as we continue to convert our company from a 100-year-old utility to a fast-paced, telecom growth company,” said Rick Anstey, president of Oxford Networks. “Mike has both international and local experience, and that’s important to us.”

Harder comes to Oxford Networks after 10 years at Jordan’s Meats of Portland, including the last two as CEO. For 20 years prior to joining Jordan’s, Harder worked for the Colgate Palmolive Co., completing assignments in the United States, Asia and Africa.

Harder holds an master’s degree in business administration in international finance and economics from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey and a bachelor’s degree in business administration in accounting from Pace University in New York.

He resides in Yarmouth with his wife and three sons.

Founded in Buckfield in 1900, Oxford Networks serves a territory from Bangor through Portsmouth, N.H., with its own high-speed fiber optic network.

OptionsOE from Oxford Networks represents the first fiber-to-the-home technology in Maine, and will bring competitive choice to consumers in cable TV, local- and long-distance telephone and high-speed internet.

Gilbert earns Banknorth post

PORTLAND – Barbara A. Gilbert has been named an officer in the commercial loan administration department at Banknorth Group Inc. in Portland.

A commercial project specialist, she will provide support by coordinating and managing projects and by ensuring compliance with applicable regulations.

Gilbert joined Banknorth in 1994 and has 17 years in banking. She has previously served as an application support analyst, a commercial loan administration lead and a commercial loan administrator.

A Wells resident, she is a volunteer with the March of Dimes and the United Way. A native of Lewiston, she’s a 1986 graduate of Lewiston High School.