After 27 years, Dr. Don Boesch will step down from his position as President of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) on August 31, 2017. Over his tenure, Dr. Boesch has received numerous awards and recognitions for his exemplary leadership on coastal and marine research and policy around the country, including being presented with a Governor’s Citation by Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, Jr. at this summer’s Chesapeake Bay Executive Council meeting. The Citation recognized Dr. Boesch for his long-standing role in advancing science and communication for the Chesapeake Bay.

Dr. Boesch has served on CRC’s Board since 1991. Bill Ball, CRC Director, shared “It has been a pleasure to get to know Don. I have always appreciated his interest and vigor in strategic planning for the Chesapeake Bay region. The ideas he brings from the BONUS initiative in the Baltic region have been very inspiring and I look forward to continuing to work with him on efforts to bring the best possible science to bear on issues of environmental management.” 

Two other accolades worthy of mentions are being referred to as the “Michael Phelps of Chesapeake Bay science” by Maryland’s Secretary of the Environment, Ben Grumbles and warranting his own Wikipedia page. Luckily for the region, Dr. Boesch will remain on the faculty for at least one year to complete publications and research projects.

The University System of Maryland (USM) Board of Regents searched far and wide to find Dr. Boesch’s replacement. They recently announced that Dr. Peter Goodwin has been selected. He will join UMCES September 18th.

“The board was impressed with the range of his research and expertise, and the highly positive personal dynamic he brings to leading an institute that stretches across Maryland from the Eastern Shore to the Appalachians,” said USM Board Chair James T. Brady.

Dr. Goodwin is currently the founding director of the Center for Ecohydraulics Research at the University of Idaho. His research focuses on the connections between physical processes and aquatic ecosystems, including simulating changes in those ecosystems to identify the best management and restoration options.

Dr. Goodwin told Chesapeake Bay magazine, “I am delighted to be joining the outstanding group of researchers and staff at UMCES. I value the opportunity to honor the strong legacy of UMCES and its collaboration across the state to support Maryland, as well as growing UMCES scientific collaborations throughout the United States and globally.”

Please join CRC in welcoming Dr. Goodwin to the Chesapeake Bay region!