With more than two decades of experience, Kristine Logan steps into the role of executive director of FirstPark with the belief that FirstPark’s biggest strengths are the foundation in place and the people behind it.

“I was especially drawn to the collaborative spirit around FirstPark and the shared commitment to strengthening the region’s economic future. It felt like the right place to bring energy, ideas, and leadership in a way that builds on what’s working, while helping move the park and the authority into their next chapter,” Logan said.

The Kennebec Regional Development Authority, a regional partnership made up of multiple communities that combine to support economic development through FirstPark in Oakland, recently hired Logan following the retirement of the previous executive director, Jim Dinkle. 

She recognizes that the business park has room for growth and improvement, which she plans to do with the foundation that is already there. She wants to deepen engagement with existing businesses, strengthen the park’s identity and culture, and tell the FirstPark story more clearly and consistently.

Logan said there is an opportunity to be more intentional about business attraction, focusing on companies that align with the park’s values, support the regional economy, and want to be part of a connected business community.  

A key part of that approach is maintaining good relationships with the 16 companies already located in the park.

She said she will learn from businesses already in FirstPark to understand what they need to remain successful, what challenges they may be facing, and where opportunities for growth are, because their success is the foundation of the park’s success.

Logan also wants to grow a positive, fun and connected business culture and wants FirstPark to be a place that businesses want to come.

Logan said she believes the park is positioned to play a meaningful role in the broader economic development of central Maine.

“FirstPark is a regional asset that brings multiple communities together around a shared economic goal,” said Logan. Her approach for the development in the park will be rooted in partnerships with the member communities, state agencies and regional partners in order to leverage resources that will then support business growth, workforce development, and targeted industry attraction. 

Logan intends to focus initially on getting to know the FirstPark businesses, the KRDA board, member communities, and partners to understand what’s working and where there’s opportunity for growth. She also hopes to improve communication, engagement, and the sense of connection in the park while working with the board to clarify priorities and update their strategy for growth.

Logan brings lessons from her previous roles in economic development she believes will be valuable in her new position. She emphasized that in her work in economic development, she is always learning and nobody successfully develops alone.

“The partnerships and the sharing of successes is how we move things forward. I’m also a firm believer in having a plan and then implementing with the flexibility to pivot if necessary. We can’t plan for the unexpected, but we can be aware that it is coming in some form or another, and flexibility is the key,” said Logan. 

Workforce development is also another area Logan sees room for improvement. She believes that KRDA can play an important role as a connector between the businesses at the FirstPark and the workforce partners and programs.

As for FirstPark’s position along the  I-95 corridor — both regionally and internationally — Logan pointed out the park’s competitive advantages, from its Foreign Trade Zone designation to its shovel-ready plots.

With a skilled regional workforce supported by nearby institutions like Colby College, Thomas College, Kennebec Valley Community College and Mid-Maine Technical Center, Logan said she is optimistic about what lies ahead.

“FirstPark is ready to bring great new businesses to join our community.”