Announcing NJSGC New Executive Director Dr. Peter Rowe

February 9th, 2022

As New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium (NJSGC) enters its fifty-third year of operation, the organization is excited to officially announce Dr. Peter Rowe as its newest Executive Director. Since 2019, as Acting Executive Director, Dr. Rowe has supported vital programming, used his experience to build a strong foundation for the organization, and has guided the Consortium through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Sea Grant is where it all started for Dr. Rowe: in 1984 he embarked on his first graduate student research project via a Delaware Sea Grant award. In addition, he has worked at NJSGC for over 17 years, holding the positions of Associate Director for Sea Grant Administration (2010), Research Director (2008), and Extension Director (2004).

“I am grateful and excited to further my relationship with NJSGC and take on the position of Executive Director. Looking towards the challenges and opportunities in store for NJSGC, I will continue to find ways to improve our impact on the communities we serve. I am especially proud to be working with a great team of colleagues.”

: Dr. Rowe, summer 1993, as a postdoctoral fellow at Laval University and GIROQ as part of a United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (UN IPCC) funded project to the Northeast Water Polynya aboard the Alfred Wegener Institute for Marine and Polar Research’s RV Polarstern studying larval Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida).

: Dr. Rowe engaging some visitors during the crab races at New Jersey Sea Grant Consortium’s signature event, Ocean Fun Days.

Dr. Rowe has over 35 years of professional experience in marine research, education, extension, and administration. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Gettysburg College in Biology and Chemistry. His passion for the marine sciences flourished at the University of Delaware, where he received both a Masters of Science degree in Marine Studies and a PHD in Oceanography. Outside of work, he is an avid SCUBA diver and underwater photographer. He is also famous for his world renowned homemade hot sauce.

Dennis Kearney, Chairman of NJSGC Board of Trustees, notes “The Executive Committee is pleased to announce that Dr. Peter Rowe has accepted our invitation to become full-time Executive Director of NJSGC. Pete’s steady hand has guided us through unprecedented times. His dedication to our core values and commitment to our partnership with the Sea Grant program is invaluable. Join us in congratulating Pete!”

As NJSGC faces the road ahead, Dr. Rowe will continue to bring his extensive knowledge of the marine sciences and proven collaborative leadership capabilities to the Consortium. Congratulations, Dr. Peter Rowe!