Island Connections Names New Executive Director

Sep 02, 2023

Island Connections announced that Carissa Tinker has been selected as the organization’s next Executive Director. She was originally hired by Island Connections in March of 2022 and has served as the Transportation Coordinator and Program Administrator.

She began her new job as Executive Director on August 21st.

“We are delighted that Carissa has accepted the job,” said Stephanie Clement, Chair of Island Connections Board of Directors. “She has been an invaluable asset to our organization and knows many of our volunteers, donors, and the Neighbors who are part of the community we serve. She is devoted to our organization’s mission and has an outstanding educational background and diverse work experience that will advance our programs.”

Tinker holds a Masters of Arts in Intercultural Service, Leadership, and Management from the School for International Training Graduate Institute, as well as a Bachelors of Art in Spanish and Political Science from St. Michael’s College. She is a graduate of Mount Desert Island High School. She has traveled the world, with professional experience as a guide in Malaysia, a sales representative for a solar company in Australia, and as a grassroots organizer in Maine.

Island Connections is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization founded in 1997 that provides transportation for seniors and people with disabilities on MDI and the surrounding area to vital medical appointments, along with combating food insecurity by delivering Meals on Wheels and providing grocery shopping and other services. The organization annually coordinates more than 5,500 rides by volunteers to fulfill its “neighbors helping neighbors'' service model.

“It's important to me personally that MDI continues to be a safe place to age independently, and Island Connections plays a huge role in that. I'm excited to lead us into the future and ensure that it stays the strong organization that it is” said Tinker. For more information, visit www.islconnections.org