HOULTON, Maine — The Southern Aroostook Development Corporation has announced the appointment of Johanna Johnston as its new executive director starting March 13.
“Twenty-five years later the need for a strong economic development arm for our community and region remains as important as ever and the Board of Directors for SADC is committed to continuing the long legacy of work that has been done to date” said Board President Josh McLaughlin.
The SADC executive committee conducted interviews with six outstanding candidates and after careful consideration was happy to recommend Johnston to the full board for a vote and ultimately their approval. “We look forward to continuing the work of SADC by capitalizing on the organization’s diverse board member makeup and continuing to be an economic tool for the region with Johanna at the helm of the organization,” stated McLaughlin.
Johnston, who moved to Houlton two years ago, has a bachelor’s degree in business administration/marketing from California State University Monterey Bay. She has more than 15 years administrative experience in a variety of industries. The executive board felt she would have valuable knowledge for working with a diverse Board of Directors that represent businesses across the southern Aroostook region. Most recently, Johnston held the position of Eclipse Event Coordinator which will be a festival weekend celebrating the 2024 total solar eclipse, a joint effort between the SADC, the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce and the town of Houlton. Johnston is also on-air talent, hosting a radio segment on Saturday mornings on 98.3 the Fox called Our Community Rocks. The purpose of the show is to highlight the people, businesses and organizations that are doing outstanding work for their community.
Johnston says, “In such a short time, I have grown to love The County and look forward to being a part of building up our region’s economy and bringing more jobs to the area. We have so much to offer new businesses like fertile land, abundant water, the lowest electric rates in the state, high speed fiber optic internet, not to mention that small town feel.”
Southern Aroostook Development Corporation is an economic enhancement organization, founded in 1998, to develop and expand the economic base of Southern Aroostook County. 30 Business and community leaders from throughout the area working together to help coordinate, promote, and guide new business creation.
For more information please contact Johnston at johanna@sadcaroostook.com or call 207-521-0157.
