An L.L. Bean executive and a Portland entrepreneur have been appointed to the advisory council of the Federal Reserve of Bank of Boston.

Kierston Van Soest, CFO of Freeport outdoor gear retailer L.L. Bean, joins the New England Advisory Council, which convenes at the request of Boston Fed President Eric Rosengren. Members advise the bank about underlying trends in the economy as viewed through their own companies and respective industries, according to release announcing the appointments.

Also joining the council is Oliver Smith, CEO of O.& Co., a mergers and acquisitions advisory firm on Exchange Street.

Smith, a native of Machias, has worked with more than 100 companies in the New England region and serves as an adviser in the areas of operations, finance, legal, turnarounds, exits and strategic acquisitions.

Van Soest held executive finance roles with Time Inc. in New York City, and the public accounting firm Arthur Andersen. A licensed certified public accountant, she has held various board positions with community organizations in southern Maine and most recently was appointed to the board of directors of United Way of Greater Portland.

The other members appointed to the council were Carol Conway Bulman, CEO and president, Jack Conway & Co.; Karen Colberg, co-CEO, King Arthur Flour; Brad Hittle, founder, CEO and president, Two Roads Brewing Co.; and Gregory Janey, president, Janey Construction Management and Consulting Inc.

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