Governance

 As an organization serving Maryland and supported by federal and state funding, we are charged with ensuring that our research, education, and outreach efforts are carried out in the most effective way possible. To that end, Maryland Sea Grant maintains a governance and advisory structure that provides crucial oversight and guidance.

Through its many components, our governance structure:

• Strengthens essential linkages
• Maintains clear programmatic identity at state, region, and national levels
• Provides access for diverse stakeholders from across the state to give input
• Allows academic and research institutions to contribute their expertise
• Maximizes the effectiveness of our program

Governance Board Members

• Jay A. Perman, Chancellor, University System of Maryland
• Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm, Interim President, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES)
• Darryll J. Pines, President, University of Maryland, College Park

The three members represent the broad interests of the University System of Maryland (USM) and higher education in Maryland. They provide practical governance of our program and work to strengthen partnerships between USM, the state of Maryland, and the National Sea Grant program. The University of Maryland, College Park manages University of Maryland Extension, of which Maryland Sea Grant Extension is a part.

Responsible Institution

The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) is the institution responsible for the direct supervision and management of our program. A part of USM, UMCES sponsors research, education, and public service related to the environment and non-agricultural natural resources.

Institutional Council Members

• Vice Chancellor Michele Masucci, University System of Maryland
• President Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
• Vice President Provost Jennifer King Rice, University of Maryland, College Park
• Dean Wendy Powers, University of Maryland, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Dean Moses Kairo, University of Maryland Eastern Shore
• Director Scott Knoche, Morgan State University
• Director Anson Hines, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center
• Dr. Anand Gnanadesikan, Johns Hopkins University
• Director Fredrika Moser, Maryland Sea Grant College

Many academic institutions across Maryland help us to support research, education, and outreach activities. The Institutional Council (IC) is a group of representatives from each location. The IC plays an important role in accountability and development of programmatic guidance for our program. They report their findings and advice to the Governance Board.

External Advisory Board Members

• Allison Colden, Chesapeake Bay Foundation
• Jana Davis, Chesapeake Bay Trust
• Anna Killius, Chesapeake Bay Commission
• Thomas Miller, UMCES Chesapeake Biological Laboratory
• David Quillin, David D. Quillin Architecture
• Ruby Stemmle, ecoLatinos
• Dee Strum, Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation, Inc.
• Jabari Walker, Bowie State University
• Dave Wilson, Conservation Community Consulting, LLC

The External Advisory Board (EAB) is our primary link to important external clients in Maryland. The EAB’s membership consists of diverse stakeholders who represent key government agencies at the state and federal level, marine-related industries, and educational and service organizations. The EAB provides regular advice on our efforts to connect with Maryland constituents through our strategic plan and outreach activities.

Academic Advisory Committee Member Affiliations

• American University
• Chesapeake Bay Program
• Johns Hopkins University
• Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary
• United States Naval Academy
• University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science
• University of Maryland Eastern Shore
• Water Resources Research Institute, University of the District of Columbia

The Academic Advisory Committee (AAC) is the primary adviser to the research portion of our program. Members participate in reviewing proposals submitted for funding, evaluating their scientific merit and programmatic fit. Members of the AAC are commonly affiliated with institutions represented in our Institutional Council.

Maryland Sea Grant's External Advisory Board on a visit to Hart-Miller Island. Back row, from left: Beth McGee, Marty Gary, Dave Blazer, Adam Ortiz, Ann Swanson, William Matuszeski, Eric Schwaab, Jana Davis, and Thomas Miller. Front row: Catrise Cannady (MDSG staff), Fredrika Moser (director, Maryland Sea Grant), and Mark Bryer. Photo: Jeffrey Brainard