Sam is responsible for research, writing, editing, submission, and reporting of the Institute’s grant requests to private, corporate, and public foundations. As part of the Philanthropy Team, Sam works closely with program staff who facilitate the Island Institute’s major initiatives to help fund their work in the community. With his career spent running development departments for nonprofits in Midcoast Maine, Sam brings knowledge and experience on all-things fundraising with him to the Institute.  

Sam grew up in the Midcoast. Summers spent swinging a hammer, farming, and landscaping gave him an appreciation of the family businesses that keep Maine going. He left Maine to study journalism in 2011 and earned a B.A. in Creative Writing from Hampshire College. Sam marks the decision to return home as one of his best — second only to proposing to his fiancée Elizabeth on Matinicus Island in 2021. 

Outside of the office, Sam can be found organizing sports, running a river, or hiking with his dog, Friend.