William (Monty) Graham to take over as SERC director in June

Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch announced earlier this month that Dr. William “Monty” Graham will become the new director of the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC), effective June 2. Located in Edgewater, Maryland, on the Chesapeake Bay 25 miles east of Washington, D.C., SERC studies natural processes and land-sea connections in coastal ecosystems that are critical to more than 70 percent of the world’s population.

Dr. Graham brings nearly three decades of experience in marine and estuarine research, education, and executive leadership to his new role. Most recently, he was the director of the Florida Institute of Oceanography, a state-wide consortium of 32 members, including universities and colleges, state agencies, industry, non-profits, and the Fort Pierce Marine Station of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History. He also has worked at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and the University of Southern Mississippi.

Dr. William (Monty) Graham

Throughout his career, Dr. Graham has demonstrated a strong commitment to building institutional capabilities, promoting education, and engaging with wide-ranging communities. His leadership in establishing new research programs, securing investments, and spearheading innovative projects—such as the Roger F. Wicker Center for Ocean Enterprise in Gulfport, Mississippi, the donation of the research vessel Western Flyer, and the development of the Peerside workforce development program—exemplify his strategic vision and dedication to fostering a vibrant scientific community.

Graham is a native of Danville, Kentucky, where he spent two years at Centre College before earning his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington, and his master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of California Santa Cruz.

“[Dr. Graham] is an ideal fit to lead SERC,” Secretary Bunch said. “His proven track record in ocean science and his ability to forge meaningful partnerships align perfectly with our goals centered on research, education, engagement, and national impact.

“Special thanks are due to Ellen Stofan, Under Secretary for Science and Research. for her work chairing the search committee and guiding the search for SERC’s new director,” Bunch continued. “Her work, along with that of her colleagues on the search committee, helped us identify a very talented candidate pool.”

Graham succeeds Anson “Tuck” Hines, who is retiring this year.

“Since 2005, Tuck has provided exceptional leadership as director of SERC, building upon his extensive career at the Center, which began in 1979,” Bunch said. “His leadership s significantly advanced SERC’s mission, expanding SERC’s land conservation program to 2,654 acres and overseeing the construction of the state-of-the-art, LEED-Platinum Mathias Laboratory and the net-positive energy Visitor Cottages. Tuck’s expertise as a marine ecologist and his research, including his renowned work on blue crabs, have contributed immensely to our understanding of coastal ecosystems. We are deeply thankful for his vision, guidance and unwavering commitment to SERC and the scientific community.

“Please join me in welcoming Monty Graham to his new role with the Smithsonian. His appointment marks a new chapter in SERC’s ongoing commitment to excellence and real-life impact, and we are excited about the leadership he brings to this vital work,” Bunch concluded.