From Downtown Revitalization to Tech Innovation: Joshua Devou Returns to Advance CMGC’s Multi-Sector Economic Strategy
Devou hits the ground running, coordinating municipal development in Winslow, Oakland, Fairfield, and Waterville while accelerating the growth of startups within the Dirigo Labs ecosystem
Waterville, ME – December 18, 2025 – The Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Joshua Devou as its new Economic Development Specialist. In this role, Devou will advance CMGC’s mission to strengthen workforce development, foster innovation, and accelerate economic growth across the Mid-Maine region. Joshua will also join forces with Dirigo Labs, Mid-Maine’s Entrepreneurial Accelerator which is currently recruiting for its next cohort.
Devou brings extensive experience in building strategic partnerships, cultivating innovation ecosystems, and leading digital marketing initiatives. He is an Adjunct Business Professor and was the Program Coordinator for The Harold Alfond Institute for Business Innovation at Thomas College, where he helped coordinate professional development opportunities for area employers and coordinated signature events like Converge and Create Weekend, Pardon the Innovation.
“I am honored to return to Mid-Maine, the place where I launched my professional career,” said Joshua. “Economic development is a collective endeavor. I’m thrilled to champion CMGC’s efforts to support small businesses, empower Dirigo Labs’ next generation of startups, and advance critical downtown revitalization efforts.”
As Economic Development Specialist, Joshua will play a pivotal role in driving municipal growth and strategic planning. His mandate includes supporting downtown revitalization, business recruitment, expansion, and retention objectives, and program capacity within the management and establishment of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) districts, redevelopment plans, and grant and finance programs across Fairfield, Oakland, Waterville, and Winslow. Beyond municipal support, Joshua will cultivate the next generation of industry through Dirigo Labs, providing high-level guidance within the Accelerator, Incubator, and Financial Modeling programs. Furthermore, he will contribute to efforts to bridge the regional talent gap by coordinating workforce development partnerships with local institutions and training programs. This dual approach—strengthening both the business climate and the labor force—ensures the community has the skills to thrive and regional businesses have the talent to scale. By joining the CMGC team, Joshua reinforces the organization’s position as the trusted architect of Central Maine’s economic future.
“Having collaborated with Joshua since 2017, I am delighted to welcome a professional of his caliber back to our community and to our team at such a defining moment for Mid-Maine. Joshua has already hit the ground running, providing immediate strategic support to our municipal partners and jumping into key projects with a strong start. As we look toward 2026 and the opening of new innovation infrastructure at Levine’s Discovery Headquarters in 2027, Joshua will be integral to our continued regional economic transformation. He will provide key technical assistance for CMGC’s municipal portfolio while supporting high-impact initiatives like the Trafton Road recruitment and expansion. By bridging the gap between municipal economic development and the high-growth potential of our Dirigo Labs startups, Joshua will ensure our economic ecosystem remains vibrant, scalable, and resilient,” said Garvan Donegan, President and CEO of the Central Maine Growth Council.
About CMGC
Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC), located in Waterville, Maine, is a public-private collaborative regional economic development partnership funded by municipalities and businesses who share a common vision of economic prosperity for our region. CMGC is committed to fostering a robust regional economy. Our belief is that the standard of living and quality of life of our citizens is best served by a vibrant, healthy economy. This is accomplished with a strong successful business community. To find out more about how CMGC can help your business succeed, give us a call at (207) 680-7300 or visit centralmaine.org.
Last modified: December 18, 2025
