Leadership Aroostook

Leadership Aroostook began in 2021 and is an annual professional development program 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. Starting in September, the program consists of nine in-person monthly classes which are held at different business locations across The County. Students also complete readings, written assignments, and a culminating team project. Class topics include critical thinking and decision making, strategic planning, leadership, and financial management.

Participants are professionals from a wide range of small and large area businesses including the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, education, financial services, healthcare, hospitality, insurance, municipalities, and non-profits. The diversity of class participants allows for more in-depth interactions and exchange of ideas.

Dr. Lee Speronis, Interim Dean, College of Business, Associate Professor, School of Business and Management at Husson University believes that the program provides significant value to both employees and employers.

“Leadership Aroostook is more than a professional development program—it is an investment in the future of Aroostook County. By bringing together leaders from diverse industries and organizations, the program strengthens individual leadership capabilities while fostering the relationships and collaboration needed to address regional challenges. It demonstrates what is possible when higher education, employers, and community leaders work together to build the leadership capacity our region needs to thrive.”

Final Projects

The class is divided into 2 groups who work together over the course of the year to develop a final paper and presentation addressing a topic with relevance to The County business community. This allows students the opportunity to work collaboratively and draw on individual strengths to develop a collective project.

The final project is presented to area business leaders and sponsoring organizations which provides the opportunity to highlight participant talent. Final project topics have included:

Adaptation of a Responsible AI Framework in the Workplace
Aroostook Solutions for Targeted Leadership Development
Unveiling Transportation Solutions for Aroostook County’s Workforce
An Operationalizing Plan for Instituting a Tourism Survey and Creating a Tourism Ambassador Program in Aroostook County, Maine
A Regional Marketing RFP
Aroostook County Workforce Housing Strategic Plan
Increasing Tourism and Visitor Satisfaction: Creating and Promoting Economic Development in Aroostook County
Rebranding Proposal for Opportunities Aroostook

Members of the Leadership Aroostook 2026 Epsilon Class with Dr. Marie Hansen and Dr. Kiersten Purington.

Steering Committee and Advisors

Our Steering Committee is comprised of past participants who volunteer their time to help answer questions, facilitate enrollment, connect with participants, and ensure that lunches sponsored by area businesses are delivered on class days. Their commitment to the community is what makes this program so special. Members of the Aroostook Partnership Executive Committee serve as Advisors.