As Chief Operating Officer, Rob oversees the Island Institute's business operations and ensures the organization has effective operational and financial procedures in place. He works to build capacity to help sustain effective internal processes and maximize our community impact. Rob partners with leadership throughout the organization to create cross-organizational systems that allow staff to focus their efforts on the communities and networks the Institute serves.

Rob began his operations career with a decade of managing fresh fruit sales, packing operations, and commercial Ocean Spray affiliations for a 4,000-acre citrus grove near West Palm Beach, FL. In 2003, he moved back to New England to work directly for Ocean Spray Cranberries on cooperative grower policy and supply strategy. During his 15 years at the cooperative, Rob held numerous roles as an executive officer, leading the Supply Chain, Sales Operations, and International Business Development divisions at various times.

Rob has a BSE in Engineering & Management Systems from Princeton University and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

Whether commercial salmon fishing in Alaska during college or sailing in the Florida Keys or on Buzzards Bay, Rob has always been attached to the water. He and his wife Ginny frequented the Maine coast with their daughters during their time in Florida and are thrilled to be back in Maine and living on the Midcoast full-time.