PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – Twelve professionals from 11 different prominent Aroostook 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 21 when members of the Epsilon graduating class presented their team projects to community business leaders with recommendations for future actions aligned with strategic goals of Aroostook Partnership. The project teams addressed two pressing challenges facing County businesses: responsible AI adaptation and improving workplace culture and employee retention.
“Leadership Aroostook continues to demonstrate the power of local leadership, innovation, and collaboration in strengthening our region. The Epsilon Class took on meaningful challenges facing Aroostook County businesses today — from responsible AI adaptation to improving workplace culture and employee retention — and their work reflects the forward-thinking leadership our communities need,” Kiersten Purington, president and CEO of Aroostook Partnership, said.
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.
“As we celebrate the fifth year of Leadership Aroostook, we are proud to see the continued impact this program has had in developing current and emerging leaders across Northern Maine. Leadership Aroostook reflects Husson University’s Institute for Strategic Leadership and Workforce Development commitment to strengthening communities through collaboration, innovation, and leadership development. Over the past five years, participants have built meaningful connections, expanded their leadership capacity, and created lasting value for the organizations and communities they serve. We are honored to partner with Aroostook Partnership in this important initiative and look forward to the next generation of leaders who will help shape the future of Aroostook County,” Hansen said.
Participants also reflected on the impact of the program.
“Aroostook Partnership, Husson University, and local organizations effectively demonstrated the profound impact that intentional leadership development can have on leaders throughout The County, bringing together a diverse group of individuals to think creatively and collaboratively, and to present meaningful solutions to the challenges our organizations and communities face every day,” Jacob King, finance director at Northern Maine Development Commission, said.
“It was a challenging and incredibly rewarding experience, one that we are bringing back to our workplaces with a renewed sense of collaboration, energy, a deeper understanding of what it truly means to work as a team, and new friendships that will continue beyond this program,” Ruba Haddad of Katahdin Trust Company said.
The sixth year of 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 graduates who completed the 2026 Leadership Aroostook program are: Derek Baker, Huber Engineered Woods; Heather Bouchard, Northern Maine Development Commission; Taylor Bradbury, MMG Insurance; Brooke DeMerchant, Loring Job Corps Center; Krystle Gadaire, McCain Foods; Ruba Haddad, Katahdin Trust Company; Jacob King, Northern Maine Development Commission; Hollie McAfee, F.A. Peabody Insurance; Eric Sanderson, City of Caribou; Carrie Smith, Versant Power; Morgan Stevens, NorState Federal Credit Union; and Michelle York, Thompson Financial Group.
For more information about Leadership Aroostook contact Aroostook Partnership at kpurington@aroostookpartnership.org.
