CARIBOU – The man who has been running Aroostook Partnership for Progress since its inception will become the organization’s first president and CEO, the organization announced Friday.

The partnership is a joint creation of the Northern Maine Development Commission and Maine Public Service Co.

Dedicated to economic development, it was launched in the fall of 2003.

Walter J. Elish, who has been the partnership’s executive director and Maine Public Service’s economic development director, will start his new position Sept. 30. He has more than 20 years of economic development experience.

In a statement Friday, APP Chairman Jon Prescott said the organization was “delighted” that Elish had accepted the offer.

A host of organizations have supported APP, contributing well over $1 million. The organization held its inaugural board meeting and completed its strategic plan last March.

The partnership has worked “to get investors in place, strategies set, and partners lined up to accomplish our goals of facilitating the creation of at least 1,500 quality jobs and attracting at least $50 million in new capital investments,” according to APP.