Doug Schlemmer, a strategic planning expert formerly with the Unum Group, has been hired as chief operating officer of the Island Institute, a Rockland nonprofit that works to sustain Maine’s island and coastal communities.
He will lead operational strategy and work to strengthen the systems, processes and organizational capabilities that support the nonprofit’s mission and long-term strategic goals.
Schlemmer replaces Peter Rand, who retired in June.
Schlemmer brings more than 25 years of experience helping organizations with strategic planning, performance management and related areas.
“Doug shares our values and commitment to Maine’s coast and its communities,” said Island Institute President Kimberly Hamilton, who has led the organization since 2023.
“We are excited to have him join Island Institute during this period of growth and to focus all our assets on expanding impact in coastal communities,” she said.
Before joining the institute, Schlemmer served as assistant vice president of customer experience transformation at Unum, a Tennessee-based insurer with a large presence in Portland. Earlier in his career, he was a management consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton.
Schlemmer has also worked in international development, founding World Assistance for Cambodia’s Rural School Project, where he served as executive director. He has also advised organizations including the Ford Foundation and Mercy Corps on education, peacebuilding and community development initiatives.
Schlemmer is a graduate of Georgetown University in Washington ,D.C., and holds a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard Kennedy School. He is also a certified project management professional and a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.
The Island Institute was founded in Rockland in 1983, with a mission to expand opportunities for community development while addressing climate and economic challenges for coastal communities. It has annual revenue of $7.7 million, as listed in the 2026 Mainebiz Giving Guide using data from GuideStar by Candid as of July 28, 2025.
