Leading Women: Rising local leaders, in their own words.

Emily Lane, Vinalhaven

Owner, Blue Lobster Consulting

With over three decades of experience across the seafood industry, Emily Lane is dedicated to building a sustainable future for the working waterfront.

I’m one of the few women in the industry. I started back in the mid-’80s, running the fish-processing facility here on Vinalhaven. I think my success has been in the fact that I’ve always been transparent and I’ve always been painfully honest about what my goals are, as well as trying to make people understand the supply and demand — the lobsterman gets x and the restaurant in New York City gets y in terms of serving up a $100-a-plate lobster — and where’s the disconnect? That’s been my challenge since the ’80s. I want to see Vinalhaven to continue to thrive, to be an active port as well as a thriving business community. I think there are lots of opportunities that are still untapped.