The Executive Committee of the Piscataquis Development Council is pleased to announce that Angela Arno of Bowerbank has been selected as the new leader of the organization. The Director seat has been vacant since April 8th, and PCEDC has continued operations with Board President Denise Buzzelli serving as interim.

Arno, who is well-acquainted with the work and mission of PCEDC after serving on the board of directors for eight years and remaining an active member of the council, was selected by unanimous vote after a six-week search. The search committee was impressed by her passion for the region, her experience in non-profit management, and her understanding of rural economic development, Buzzelli said. “Angela is a local. She knows this region like the back of her hand. She knows what we’ve accomplished, what has worked and what hasn’t, and is ready to roll up her sleeves and take us into our next successful season as an organization.

The executive committee recognized that Arno comes to the table with an extensive network of statewide business and non-profit connections and has built strong relationships with state and federal agencies during her time with the Maine State Chamber; this is a key component for the success and growth of the organization, Buzzelli explained; “It’s all about relationships.”

Having worked with Angela previously, the board had the benefit of knowing the commitment and quality of work they would gain by selecting her for this role. “Whatever she was given to do during her time on the board; she got it done efficiently and with excellence”, said the PCEDC President, “and, since serving on our board, she has gained invaluable experience at the Maine State Chamber and serving as Admin. Director for the Maine Assoc. of Chamber Execs.,” she said. Buzzelli explained that Arno has recently assisted a local municipality with grant management, and has served on several non-profit boards throughout the state; “She is full of energy and has an eclectic resume; the fact that she has insane technical and marketing skills and is a master event-planner is a major bonus to our organization.”

Arno’s first day at PCEDC is May 9th. She explained, “as a Piscataquis County native, I know first-hand that whether we are looking at opportunities for attracting new growth or continued sustainability of our local assets, this county is a great place to live, work and play.  Growth of the local economy has to come from thoughtfully balancing the attraction of new businesses and residents with the many layers of nature-based tourism recreation that make Piscataquis County so special.  I look forward to working with the PCEDC board and the entire council as we continue the meaningful work we’ve done over the past decades,” adding, “I am confident the learning curve for me in this position will be a very short one, and anticipate a seamless transition for PCEDC with little to no interruption of services,” she said.