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Updated: 5 hours ago / 2025 40 Under 40 honorees

40 Under 40: Katie Jones is recognizing the economic power of workplace culture

Photo / Tim Greenway Katie Jones, 35: CEO, Nimble Group

Greatest achievement: Transforming Nimble Group into a Certified B Corporation and expanding our HR events into a nationally recognized brand — all while protecting the small-but-mighty team culture and work-life balance I’m proud of. We’ve proven you can grow without losing your soul, and that HR done right isn’t paperwork — it’s the strategy that keeps Maine’s best talent here.

Passion project: Empowering young leaders. I’ve served as an advisor for the Olympia Snowe Women’s Leadership Institute, a big sister for Big Brothers Big Sisters and on the alumnae advisory council for Pi Beta Phi’s West Virginia Alpha chapter — each focused on helping the next generation build skills, resources and networks to thrive.

Lightbulb moment: Realizing HR events could be more than compliance lectures or cookie-cutter networking — they could be immersive experiences that connect, inspire and equip leaders to make better decisions about their people. Workplace culture isn’t just a perk, it’s an economic driver that shapes retention, growth and innovation.

Influential book: “The Art of Gathering,” by Priya Parker

Favorite TV shows: “Gilmore Girls” and “Succession”

Personal hero: My mother, a working single mom of three girls who never graduated from college, but climbed the corporate ladder and built a life through grit, resourcefulness and showing up for people without fanfare. She taught me that resilience isn’t loud; it’s steady, relentless and deeply human.

Favorite quote: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” — Ralph Waldo Emerson

Best way to recharge: I host themed gatherings with friends and family. I also do puzzles, card games and explore Maine’s coast — curating memories for my 2-year-old daughter. My favorite moments are when laughter is loud, phones are down and no one’s in a rush to leave.

Maine’s biggest challenge: Balancing economic growth with preserving Maine’s character and natural beauty. Key to that is attracting and retaining young, diverse talent and tackling housing affordability. The future belongs to the places that can welcome newcomers without losing their roots and workforce strategy is a critical part of that equation.

Dinner party guests: Ina Garten, for the magic of a warm welcome and a perfect roast chicken. Andy Warhol, to discuss art, culture and why ordinary moments matter. Nellie Bly for her daring spirit, investigative grit and the kind of storytelling that could keep us laughing and learning

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