CARIBOU, Maine — The Aroostook Partnership on Monday, Sept. 24, welcomed Paul Towle as the new CEO and president of the economic development organization.
Towle grew up in The County, graduated from the University of Maine and later worked and lived in the Boston and southern New Hampshire areas. After successful military and private-sector careers, he and his family returned to Aroostook County, where he has spent the last eight years as COO of the successful I Care Pharmacy in Fort Fairfield.
“The search committee was looking for someone with a broad background and work history,” said AP Chairman Jason House. “We coveted someone with great interpersonal skills, a solid reputation and private sector work experience. We needed a critical and strategic thinker who already had or could build a strong network of key stakeholders to continue to move the Partnership forward. We were fortunate to find someone in Paul that possessed all those things.”
House said Towle’s volunteer work and civic engagement are also major positives.
“We not only found a candidate that checked all the boxes we were looking for, we found a candidate already fully integrated into The County who can be a difference maker on day one on the job,” he said.
Vice chair Matt McHatten, who also served on the search committee, is also excited about Towle’s leadership as it relates to continuing the success of the collaborative efforts of the Aroostook Partnership.
“We have seen time and time again the critical need of cohesiveness as we approach the issues and opportunities impacting The County’s future,” said McHatten. “Paul’s experience and knowledge within nearly all facets of our area will certainly strengthen the network of our membership and increase effectiveness in building momentum for the future.”
Search committee member and public vice chair Robert Clark said the partnership is in good hands and remains a needed player in economic development in the region.
“The Aroostook Partnership is important to the region because it brings the talent, time and treasure of the private sector in collaboration with the public sector and higher education institutions to focus on growth for the region and to represent the region with one voice,” said Clark.
“The economic vitality of The County has always been foremost on my mind so, when I learned of the leadership position becoming available with the Aroostook Partnership, I jumped at the opportunity,” said Towle.
“By working and living away, I have developed a greater appreciation of all the advantages The County has to offer, and I am eager to use this as a foundation to promote the tremendous work and lifestyle opportunities inherent to our region,” he said.
Towle resides in Presque Isle with his wife, Jane, RE/MAX broker/owner.
He has served the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle, including as president for four years, where his efforts have helped secure long-term financial support as well as continued regional, national and international event hosting opportunities. Towle also remains an active member of the Fort Fairfield Rotary Club, Knights of Columbus and Military Officers Association of America.
Towle’s first day as CEO/President was Sept. 24. He replaced Robert Dorsey, who retired in August after almost seven years with the partnership.
The Aroostook Partnership, a private/public partnership representing nearly 100 businesses, the four institutions of higher learning in Aroostook and Northern Maine Development Commission, is committed to ensuring the economic survival of Aroostook County.
