The Maine Islands Coalition (MIC) is a collaboration of island communities, facilitated by Island Institute staff, that discusses and, when possible, reaches consensus on issues brought forward by its appointed community representatives.
Initiated at a meeting hosted by the Institute in the fall of 2002, and formally organized in 2003, the Maine Islands Coalition sets its own agenda and schedules meetings four to five times a year. The purpose of the group is to provide a consistent—if not always unified—voice for islands in Augusta, to the press, and to outside groups. Since islands are generally sparsely populated, this provides a group of citizens with common interests and problems a stronger voice at the state level.
Maine Islands Coalition representatives are selected by town officials in order to make sure that the representatives are somehow accountable to the people they represent. A term of appointment lasts three years, and there are no term limits.
MIC Representatives
MIC representatives and alternates are appointed or elected by the governing officials of the town or in the case of non-municipal islands, a local association or civic group of the community.
- Roger Berle (Co-Chair) – Cliff Island
- Rachel Bishop (Rep) – Frenchboro
- Michelle Brown (Alt) – Peaks Island
- Kendra Chubbuck (Co-Chair) – Isle au Haut
- Shey Conover (Rep) – Islesboro
- Cheryl Crowley (Alt) – Cliff Island
- Donna Damon (Rep) – Chebeague
- Andy Dorr (Alt) – Vinalhaven
- Mott Feibusch (Rep) – Monhegan
- Ingrid Gaither (Rep) – Cranberry Isles
- Arch Gilles (Alt) – Islesboro
- Donna Wiegle (Rep) – Swans
2023 Meeting Schedule
Dates could be subject to change depending on speaker availability.
- January 20, 10 a.m.- 11 a.m. (virtual)
Topic: GLIA Summit Learning and Lessons
- February 24, 10 a.m.- 11 a.m. (virtual)
Topic: Lobster, Mid-Winter, and More
- March 29, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. (in-person in Augusta)
Topic: GOPIF/Island Updates - April 21, 10 a.m.- 11 a.m. (virtual)
Topic: Department of Education Commissioner
- May 19, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. (virtual)
Topic: Life Flight/Island Updates - Summer Break
- September 22, 10 a.m.- 11 a.m. (virtual)
Topic: TBD
- October 20, 10 a.m.- 11 a.m. (in-person in Rockland)
Topic: TBD - November 17, 10 a.m.- 11 a.m. (virtual)
Topic: TBD
Meeting Notes
2023
- March 29 – GOPIF/Island Updates
- January 20 – GLIA Summit Learning and Lessons
- February 24 – Lobster, Mid-Winter, and More
2022
- November 18 – Fellows
- October 21 – Lobster
- September 22 – Creative Housing and Workforce Solutions
- May 20 – Emergency Services
- April 22 – Electrifying Ferries (Casco Bay Lines Presentation)
- February 18 – Island Stores
2021
- November 11 – Housing
- October 29 – Succession Planning
- September 17 – Island Broadband
- May 21 – Maine Won’t Wait Climate Report
- April 23 – American Recovery Act
- February 19 – Vaccine Prep
2020
General Meetings
- October 16 – Great Lakes Islands Alliance
- September 18 – Education and Community Support for Schools
MIC Coronavirus Response Meetings
2019
2018
For more information about the Maine Islands Coalition, please contact:
Kate Tagai
Senior Community Development Director
Island Institute
Email: ktagai@islandinstitute.org
Phone: (207) 594-9209, ext. 116