Keith Bisson

Keith is interested in Triple Bottom Line investing that supports projects that have economic value, social benefits or equity, and are compatible with the environment. He is particularly interested in how rural communities interact with urban communities and how community economic development organizations can more effectively integrate environmental sustainability and social equity into the economic development field. In his current position, Keith is responsible for development and management of the $11 million Northern Heritage Development Fund and developing CEI’s expertise and impact on forestry and forest-based job-creating businesses including nature-based tourism, renewable energy and sustainable materials (e.g. housing). Previous experience included policy work with Rapoza Associates in Washington DC, research with Coastal Enterprises in Maine and independent consulting.

As a Mel King Fellow, Keith looks forward to the opportunity to interact with other practitioners who struggle with similar challenges, and from the students and faculty at MIT, who can share their practical, analytical and theoretical insights and experience, since in the day-to-day work of community economic development, it is rare to have such time to stop, think and share.

Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI) (Wiscasset, Maine) is a private, nonprofit Community Development Corporation and Community Development Financial Institution that provides financing and support for job-creating small businesses, natural resources industries, community facilities, and affordable housing.