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Commission names commissioner as CEO to Northeastern Workforce board; EMDC outlines youth, training programs
Summary
The commission appointed Commissioner Marshall as the county’s chief elected official (CEO) to the Northeastern Workforce Development Board and heard Eastern Maine Development Corporation describe youth and workforce programs, including a college-credit badging program and expanded employer linkages.
The Penobscot County Commission on March 11 voted unanimously to nominate Commissioner Marshall as the county’s chief elected official (CEO) for the Northeastern Workforce Development Board (the local workforce area’s CEO role). Commissioners said the appointment will help the board complete certification tasks, finalize an infrastructure funding agreement for the Bangor Career Center and update the local workforce plan.
Representatives from Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) — including Samantha Gieson, director of youth services — briefed commissioners on current programs and partnerships. Gieson described monthly cross-team meetings that link EMDC business-relations staff with career-center personnel to match employers with job seekers and to coordinate follow-up services.
EMDC highlighted a basic technology-skills group intended to reduce barriers to program enrollment and employment (email, internet safety, online applications). The agency also described partnerships opening again for summer youth cohorts (Upward Bound, Maine Construction Academy) and a new “opportunity ready” curriculum co‑developed with Eastern Maine Community College that provides micro‑badges and one college credit when participants complete a three‑part set of modules.
EMDC also said the board is finalizing an infrastructure funding agreement to run the Bangor Career Center; two signatures remain. The Northeastern Workforce Development Board is updating its four‑year local workforce plan with an aggressive June 15 completion target and conducting employer and youth surveys and focus groups across the five‑county area.
Commissioners agreed to the nomination of Commissioner Marshall and asked for follow-up communication about the state‑level appointment process for the statewide workforce board, which the county understands may require a separate gubernatorial action.
