ROCKLAND — The Island Institute, a community development nonprofit serving Maine’s island and coastal communities, announced Jan. 28, 2022 that Nick Battista has been promoted to the role of Chief Policy Officer and will provide leadership and oversight for the policy, data, and evaluation capacity of the organization.

“I have been impressed with Nick’s ability to form effective partnerships and his commitment to public policy that is fair and equitable to island and coastal communities,” said Tony Chatwin, Island Institute president, in an news release. “Nick will play a critical role in our efforts to develop public-private partnerships that leverage accurate information, public resources, and local leadership to build climate ready communities with resilient economies.” 

Prior to this promotion, Battista served in a variety of program and policy related roles at the Island Institute, beginning in 2011. Battista played a key role in passage of Maine’s $15 million broadband bond to help bring high speed internet to remote Maine communities, and serves as Board Chair for the ConnectMaine Authority, has been actively in the Maine Climate Council’s Coastal and Marine Work Group, and works with a number of statewide coalitions.

“The work done by leaders in Maine’s island and coastal communities provides a model for how we can move forward as a State in the face of a changing economy and climate. The most effective policies work for all communities in our state, including isolated or under-represented communities,” said Battista. “I’m truly passionate about supporting Maine’s rural communities and helping communities, government institutions, and the private sector work together to solve complex challenges.”

Battista earned his Masters of Marine Affairs at the University of Rhode Island, his Juris Doctor at Roger Williams Universty School of Law, and his Bachelor of Arts at Colby College. He and his family live in Camden.

ABOUT THE ISLAND INSTITUTE

The Island Institute is a 39-year-old nonprofit organization, based in Rockland, Maine, that works to sustain Maine’s island and coastal communities and is committed to a just, resilient, and vibrant future for the coast. For more information, visit http://www.islandinstitute.org.