Penny Thompson, city manager for Caribou, has reached a significant milestone by graduating from the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute this October. Alongside her, Johanna Johnston, executive director of the Southern Aroostook Development Corporation, and Christina Kane-Gibson, Mi’kmaq Nation economic development director & interim CEO of Eltueg Corporation, are on track to complete the program in 2025, having attended their respective sessions earlier this year.
Thompson expressed her excitement about bringing fresh insights back to Caribou, “I can’t wait to bring what I’ve learned back to my community. Our potential is enormous, and I’m eager to use these new tools to help us grow, create opportunities, and ensure a bright future for everyone.”
Johnston, who is halfway through the program, emphasized the importance of community collaboration, “One of the biggest takeaways for me is how vital it is to work closely with our partners and have key information ready for businesses. Leaning into what makes Southern Aroostook special will help us attract the right opportunities to our region.”
Kane-Gibson, who attended the May session in New Orleans, shared a similar commitment to growth, “The knowledge and networking gained from this program will be crucial in fostering sustainable development for the Mi’kmaq Nation. I’m looking forward to using what I’ve learned to drive impactful change for our community.”
Economic development is about more than attracting new businesses — it’s about empowering communities to thrive. All three leaders are committed to creating jobs, enhancing partnerships, and improving the quality of life for the people they serve. By working together and applying their new expertise, they aim to ensure a prosperous future for Caribou, Houlton and the broader Aroostook region.
The OU EDI, founded in 1962, has trained over 6,000 professionals and remains the premier global institution for economic development education. Fully accredited by the International Economic Development Council, OU EDI’s courses empower graduates to be effective leaders in their regions.
As they apply what they’ve learned, Thompson, Johnston, and Kane-Gibson’s work is expected to have a lasting impact, helping local communities become even more vibrant and resilient in the face of changing economic landscapes.
