King receives EMDC’s Tom Davis Award

Eastern Maine Development Corporation named Jennifer King, senior director of planning and development, as the recipient of the 2024 Tom Davis Employee of the Year Award. This honor highlights her exceptional leadership, dedication, and contributions to advancing EMDC’s mission to strengthen Maine’s communities.

The award is named in honor of Davis for his service as a longtime Penobscot County commissioner, EMDC board member, and businessman dairy farmer. Throughout his life, Davis worked tirelessly to give back to his community and invest in others. 

Leading the presentations for the award, Susan Cerini, senior director of business and workforce services, said, “On a daily basis, I admire and am in awe of Jenn’s dedication, leadership and inclusive approach in getting things done. She doesn’t stop until something is completed and always follows through. She lives the values and mission of EMDC every day, leading and supporting her team and the entire organization. Our programs and municipality relationships have grown thanks to her leadership and dedication.”

Since joining EMDC, King has transformed the planning department into a thriving division. Under her guidance, the department launched the Regional Planning Commission to address critical areas including climate resiliency, housing, transportation, and brownfields while maintaining high quality comprehensive municipal planning services. Her ability to bring innovation and excellence to every project has enhanced EMDC’s relationships with municipalities across the region.

“Jenn exemplifies exceptional leadership and vision, having built our planning department from the ground up,” said Kevin Anderson, regional planner, climate resiliency & energy specialist “She is a dedicated advocate for her team, encouraging innovative ideas and support. Jenn’s commitment to both her team and the community is unparalleled, and she is deeply deserving of this award.”

King’s impact extends beyond her technical expertise. Her colleagues describe her as a mentor and role model who empowers those around her. Hope Eye, regional planner, community impact specialist, shared, “Jenn saw potential in me from the start and has been instrumental in helping me grow into my role. Her mentorship and unwavering support have shaped my career while keeping the focus and impact of the department at a high level. With her dedication, we are here where we are today.”

EMDC President Lee Umphrey said that King was nominated by several colleagues adding “Jenn’s work ethic, content knowledge, passionate approach, collegiality, and community focus makes her a worthy recipient of this award and one that would be greatly appreciated by Tom Davis.”