The Island Institute, a community development nonprofit serving Maine’s island and coastal communities, has hired Anthony (Tony) Chatwin as its new president.
Emily Lane, chairwoman of the Institute’s board of trustees, noted that Chatwin’s background matched the organization’s priorities.
“With more than 20 years of experience in building sustainable communities, developing solutions for carbon reduction, and forging public-private partnerships, Dr. Chatwin is extremely well-suited to lead the Island Institute as it addresses the most urgent issues facing Maine’s coast,” Lane said. “We are delighted to have Tony at the helm as we redouble our efforts around climate action, the coastal economy, and investments in community infrastructure and leadership.”
Prior to joining the Institute, Chatwin led the science and evaluation team at the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) where he worked to grow the impact of its grant programs and projects and developed strategies for marine conservation and nature-based solutions for carbon reduction.
He also established several public-private partnerships including the Fisheries Innovation Fund, which supports the effective participation of fishermen and fishing communities in the implementation of sustainable fisheries in the U.S.
Prior to working at NFWF, he led the implementation of strategies to improve the sustainability of coastal communities at The Nature Conservancy and Conservation Law Foundation.
“I’m thrilled to be joining the Island Institute’s exemplary team of staff and board,” Chatwin said, “and I look forward to working with its many community members and partners in service to Maine’s island and coastal communities.”
The Institute emphasis on sustainability especially appealed to him.
“I’m truly passionate about sustainability—for communities, economies, and the environment—and I can’t think of an organization better suited to address these opportunities on Maine’s islands and coast than the Island Institute.”
Chatwin, whose children were born in Boston, is looking forward to returning to New England and making Maine his home.
“It’s an exciting time for the Island Institute,” Lane added. “We are in a unique position to help Maine’s coastal communities, just when they need it most, and we are confident that Tony’s experience and leadership will strengthen our ability to build resilience along the Maine coast.”
Based in Rockland, the Island Institute—publisher of The Working Waterfront—was founded in 1983 by Philip Conkling and Peter Ralston. Chatwin is the organization’s third president.
