Dr. Jennifer Seavey is the Chief Programs Officer at Island Institute. In this role, she oversees strategy and supports our work in climate resilience, the marine economy, and sustainable community development.

Jennifer brings extensive experience in managing and implementing community development programs. She previously served as Executive Director of Shoals Marine Laboratory on Appledore Island in Southern Maine where she led a wide array of initiatives related to climate resiliency, sustainable engineering, applied marine science, maritime culture and history, and workforce development. Before working with Shoals Marine Laboratory, Jennifer was the Assistant Director of the Nature Coast Biological Station in Cedar Key, Florida.

Jennifer has a Ph.D. in Natural Resource Conservation from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, where her dissertation focused on the resiliency of barrier islands in the face of sea-level rise and endangered species conservation. She holds an M.S. in Wildlife Science from the University of Washington in Seattle.

Jennifer now lives on the coast of Maine, and in her spare time, she enjoys being out in nature, especially on the water. She kayaks, swims, sails, and hikes. She also appreciates visual and creative arts.