Charlie French is the Chief Community Development Officer at the Island Institute, where he leads efforts to strengthen coastal communities through the organization’s Climate & Community and Marine Economy initiatives.

Charlie brings more than 30 years of experience in community and economic development, most recently having led the University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension’s Community and Economic Development division. In that role, he and his team worked with over 100 cities and towns across New Hampshire to grow downtown businesses, improve walkability, enhance access to recreation opportunities, and foster vibrant downtowns.

His expertise spans community-based economic development, rural innovation, and regional economic analysis, with a focus on helping communities adapt to change and seize new opportunities. Earlier in his career, Charlie served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in rural Panama, where he helped farmers adopt sustainable agriculture practices.

Charlie holds degrees from Dartmouth College, Western Illinois University, and the University of New Hampshire, where he earned his Ph.D. in Natural Resources Policy. French grew up in Maine and has a home in St. George, which he shares with his wife, three children, and two dogs.