National Football Foundation

A man of many talents and interests, Howie Vandersea's contribution to the game of football has been significant and his influence on generations of young men will be felt for many years to come throughout the Northeast Region of the country.
 
An active member of the NFF for more than 30 years, Howie founded the State of Maine Chapter in 1988, and he continues as its president today. In 2001, he assumed new responsibilities as the NFF Northeast regional coordinator, helping other chapters expand their membership base and promote their events.
 
"It's been a joy and an honor to have been associated with the NFF for over 30 years," said Vandersea. "The growth of our chapter has served amateur football in Maine very well. The associations and friendships I have developed with the Northeast chapter leaders have been very rewarding."
 
Howie's commitment to education and learning began at Northbridge (Mass) High School where he captained the football team. He attended Bates College in Lewiston, Maine, becoming a four-year starter and captain for the Bobcats. He earned All-Maine accolades three times at linebacker and center and was named to the Williamson All-America team. A testament to his all around athletic prowess, he also started all four years for the baseball team.
 
Following college, he signed as a free agent with the Chicago Bears in 1963 and 1967 and played and coached on numerous semi-pro football teams. After serving in the Army and rising to the rank of 1st Lieutenant, Howie began a coaching career that would span four decades, including stints as an assistant coach at Tufts and Brown and then as head coach at Springfield College for eight years and at Bowdoin College 16 years, winning seven Colby-Bates-Bowdoin Championships.
 
"Howie Vandersea is the perfect choice for the role of Northeast Region Coordinator," said Bill O'Brien, the president of the Gene Casey Chapter in New Haven, Conn., who has worked with Vandersea for many years. "Being a longtime chapter president with the State of Maine Chapter, Howie's experience with chapter issues regarding membership, finance and events make him an amazing resource."
 
Howie chaired the Brunswick High School athletic department fundraising effort, and his numerous awards include the Carens Award for Contribution to New England Football, the Citation of Honor from the Football Writers Association of America and the John Vaught Lifetime Achievement Award.
 
An avid film buff, Howie is a charter member of the John Ford Film Society. Retired from coaching, Howie lives in Brunswick, Maine, with his wife of 40 years Sara Jean. He has two children and two grandchildren.