The History & Future of Star Island with Joe Watts

Since 1915, Star Island Corporation, a nonprofit organization, has owned and operated the facilities on Star Island, one of the nine Isles of Shoals off the coast of New Hampshire and Maine. Essentially a summer camp for people of all ages, it is an oasis for those who value educational enrichment, creative exploration, personal growth, spiritual renewal, and coming together in community. Star Island continuously hosts world-renowned speakers – visionaries who present ideas, foster discussions, and challenge our thinking long after people leave the island. Each summer, Star Island welcomes over 15,000 visitors – people who come to experience a true New Hampshire treasure – as day visitors, personal retreaters, and “conferees”. 

Joe Watts has served as CEO of the Star Island Corporation since 2012. He was first introduced to Star as a young boy when his parents brought the family to a conference, and he has been a “Shoaler” ever since.  Under Joe’s leadership, Star has become a model of environmental stewardship and sustainability practices, has significantly increased day visitor access and overnight guests in a welcoming and inclusive environment, expanded conference/programming offerings, and ensured the financial wellbeing of Star Island Corporation.  Joe grew up in Manchester, NH, received degrees from University of Pennsylvania and University of New Hampshire, and along with his wife, Brenda, their two children (when they are home from college), and two dogs, resides in Kittery, ME.