CARIBOU, Maine – Thirteen professionals from 12 different prominent County businesses recently completed Leadership Aroostook, a professional development initiative created by the Aroostook Partnership in conjunction with Husson University’s Institute for Strategic Leadership and Workforce Development. The goal of the program is to help prepare high potential managers for more responsibility, impact, and effectiveness in leading their organizational teams and departments. The program consists of nine in-person monthly classes, as well as readings, written assignments and team-based projects.
The training culminated on May 15 when members of the Delta graduating class presented their team projects with recommendations for future actions that were aligned with strategic goals of Aroostook Partnership to community business leaders. The project teams focused on providing concrete solutions addressing workforce attraction and the lack of accessible, affordable childcare, two key issues currently impacting County businesses. Dr. Kiersten Purington, the newly appointed president and CEO of Aroostook Partnership, served as the keynote speaker and was introduced by Jennifer Buckingham, CEO of TEMPO Employment Services and the current Aroostook Partnership board president. Purington’s speech focused on the importance of believing in oneself, having the courage to make career transitions and adopting a learning mentality to grow as a leader.
“With each professional step, it took courage to change course, make hard decisions and adapt. To remain confident and not be afraid to pursue major career transitions. Taking the time to conduct a critical analysis of my experiences and to learn from them allows me to continually refine my leadership style as I progress through life,” Purington said during her speech.
The program provides significant value to both employees and employers, according to Dr. Marie Hansen, dean of Husson University’s College of Business and program facilitator.
“Leadership Aroostook provides new skills and knowledge to Aroostook County leaders for professional growth and higher levels of organizational engagement. As a result of this program, organizations have seen higher employee retention rates, new skills applied in the workplace and even promotion in roles for the participants,” Hansen said.
The fifth year of the Leadership Aroostook is now enrolling students for classes that begin in the fall.
“Leadership Aroostook is designed to give rising talent the professional tools and skills necessary to advance their careers and take on greater responsibility with their organizations. By investing in and equipping our workforce, we in turn strengthen our businesses, our communities and our economy,” Purington said.
The names, job titles and organizations of the students who completed the 2025 Leadership Aroostook program: Jenna Burress, Van Buren branch manager NorState Federal Credit Union;
Wendy Burtchell, lead underwriter personal lines MMG Insurance; Jennifer Cadigan, community banker Katahdin Trust Company; Collin Darrell, operations manager Ignite PI; Justin Dyer, imaging manager Northern Light Health AR Gould; Chelsea Henderson, VP human resources F.A. Peabody Insurance Company; Brad Kinney, purchasing manager Columbia Forest Products; Jennifer Howe, human resources and safety coordinator Maine Woods Company; Katie Putnam,
HR specialist McCain Foods; Shelby Raymond, personal lines account manager Caribou team lead United Insurance; Kendyl Reis, assistant branch manager The County Federal Credit Union; Madison Staples. financial advisor assistant Thompson Financial; Julie Tutt, manager of Quality and infection prevention Northern Light Health AR Gould.
For more information about Leadership Aroostook or to inquire about enrolling in the program, please contact Dustin Graham (Dustin.graham@countyfcu.org) or Casey Gove (c.gove@katahdintrust.com).
