As a Community Development officer in the Center for Climate and Community, Emily supports island and coastal communities with climate planning projects. In this work, Emily assists communities with identifying climate-related risks, gaps in resources, and opportunities to strategically build climate resilience.

Emily joins Island Institute with a background in agricultural climate adaptation planning and connections to rural Maine communities. Emily previously collaborated with Maine farmers to build out frameworks for tackling climate-related threats to farmers’ businesses and livelihoods. In addition to providing one-on-one technical assistance, Emily also linked farmers with one another to build knowledge sharing and support networks. Beyond Maine, Emily worked with ranchers in California to build pasture resilience and adapt grazing management during a mega drought.

Emily holds a B.S. in Environmental Studies with a focus in Agroecology from the University of Vermont. She lives in Portland and enjoys exploring rocky beaches, whether she’s revisiting old favorites or finding new spots. Emily loves the Maine coast and makes art—ceramics and paper mache sculpture—with friends to celebrate community and home.