Strategic Planning in a Time of Change
Responding to the opportunities of a changing
demographic and economic landscape

dedicated to a series of presentations by four thought leaders, each offering distinct insights into the implications of an aging population from the vantage points of economics, health care, municipal management, and business. Drawing from economic analysis, health care, municipal governance, and business, the speakers challenged Agency leaders to consider both the immediate and long-range implications of demographic change in northern Maine — and to approach planning not only as a responsibility, but as an opportunity to lead. Their perspectives served as a catalyst for deeper conversation among Agency leadership, providing valuable context for the actions that we will take in the coming year.

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How an Aging Population Affects The County, Viewed Through Multiple Lenses

 

The morning’s first speaker, Denise St. Peter, Economic Analyst for the Office of the State Economist, shared highlights of the demographic and economic trends shaping Maine — and particularly rural regions like Aroostook County. Her analysis emphasized the intersection of aging with population decline, workforce shortages, and outmigration and  painted a picture of an aging state.  St. Peter also discussed the specific context of rural regions of the state – like Aroostook County – where workforce shortages, shifting migration patterns, and evolving community needs are converging. She encouraged attendees to think systemically and act locally, using data to identify leverage points for smart investment and inclusive planning.

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From a public health lens, Deborah Deatrick, MPH, emphasized the vital role of prevention, systems alignment, and equity in supporting healthy aging. Drawing on decades of experience in community and public health leadership, Deatrick described aging not just as a clinical issue, but as a social one shaped by access to – or lack of – the basic social needs people need to thrive, including housing, transportation, food security, and social connection. When these needs are unmet, they have a profound impact on health outcomes.  As a result, Detrick called upon stronger partnerships across public health, clinical care, and social services organizations (like the Agency on Aging) to better integrate healthcare and community-based services and to collaboratively address the root causes of poor health outcomes.  In closing, she urged the Agency to be bold in leading these kinds of collaborations and to center older adults in broader health and prosperity strategies. (As a side note, Deatrick was one of the advocates for funding for the Aroostook County Health Improvement Partnership, which brings together nearly twenty cross-sector partners to tackle these unmet needs in our communities – so we’re already putting some of her advice into action!)

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Sonja Eyler, City Manager of Presque Isle, brought a municipal voice to the discussion, reflecting on the role of local government in shaping age-friendly communities. Drawing inspiration from geriatrician Dr. Samir Sinha’s observation that human life expectancy has nearly doubled in the past century, Eyler emphasized that this remarkable achievement brings with it a collective responsibility: to ensure members of our communities age with dignity, health, and connection. She spoke candidly about the issues that municipalities face in creating communities in which people can live for a lifetime and highlighted the need for creativity and community involvement to help solve related challenges in public infrastructure and housing.  Eyler, who is committed to ensuring that Presque Isle addresses accessibility and livability in ways that reflect the needs of every generation, stressed the importance of including older adults in decision-making across departments, boards, and planning committees.

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Rounding out the panel, Matthew R. McHatten, President & CEO of MMG Insurance, spoke to the economic implications of demographic shifts and aging through a business lens. He celebrated the contributions of older adults to the workforce and described MMG’s view of aging not as a liability, but as an asset to organizational resilience and community strength.  MMG has taken an intentional approach to building an intergenerational workplace that retains experienced employees while developing the next generation of leaders.  Fostering this culture had created opportunities for people of different ages and backgrounds to learn from each other, leading MMG to increased innovation, productivity, and engagement. In a time of change, McHatten also emphasized the value of collaboration across sectors to sustain regional vitality and affirmed the important role nonprofits like the Agency play in that broader ecosystem.

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Planning FY26 with Purpose and Perspective

 

With these powerful insights as a foundation, Agency leaders spent the remainder of the day reflecting on progress and refining priorities for the coming fiscal year. The themes that emerged through the presentations and, subsequently, in discussions between Agency leaders and Board members, will be central to shaping the Agency’s FY26 strategic plan.

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Executive Director Joy Barresi Saucier shared her thoughts with the team, noting, “The insights shared with us this morning will help guide our work, not only in how we adapt to the challenges of aging, but in how we embrace the possibilities. Learning from thought leaders across sectors grounds our planning and helps us to better anticipate and address the needs of the people we serve.”  Board Chair Barbara Robertson concurred, expressing her gratitude for a team that is committed to meeting the moment with vision and determination.  “What we heard today reminds us that while aging brings challenges, it also brings tremendous opportunity —  to re-imagine our systems, to strengthen community connections, and to lead with vision. I look forward to doing just this as we plan our ongoing work.”

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