Suzanne MacDonald

NERN (2018)

Chief Community Development Officer

Island Institute

Rockland, Maine

Personal pronouns: She, her, hers

As Chief Community Development Officer, Suzanne oversees strategy development for the Institute’s programs, with a focus on the organization’s climate and economic resilience initiatives. This includes teams focused on implementing climate solutions, expanding access to affordable broadband service, and providing targeted support for Maine’s transitioning coastal economy.

Previously, Suzanne directed the Institute’s Community Energy Program, partnering with island communities in Maine, New England, and beyond to develop and implement practical strategies to lower their high energy costs. She remains active on climate and clean energy issues, currently serving as the Chair of the board of Efficiency Maine Trust and on various groups of the Maine Climate Council.

Suzanne holds an M.A. in urban and environmental policy and planning from Tufts University and a B.A. in international development and political science from McGill University.