Annapolis, MD – The University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science (UMCES) welcomed three new members to its Board of Visitors during its meeting held yesterday at the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory. Federico Basañes, Ellington Churchill, and Eric Schwaab were formally appointed to the board following recommendations from President Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm and Board Chair Gary Epstein.
"These appointments reflect UMCES’ second-century priorities of continued global leadership, translating science into impact, and effective service to the state of Maryland and our world," said UMCES President Fernando Miralles-Wilhelm. "Each of these individuals brings a unique perspective that will be vital as we continue to provide the scientific foundation for environmental stewardship."
The new members join the Board of Visitors with distinguished backgrounds:
Federico Basañes (Washington D.C. area) recently retired from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), where he led efforts in sustainable development and infrastructure. "I am genuinely excited by the university’s commitment to environmental science and its collaborative approach to tackling complex challenges," said Basañes. "Being part of the board offers a unique opportunity to contribute to knowledge management and help advance UMCES’ value proposition."
Ellington Churchill (Pasadena, MD) is the Vice President of Administration for Lewis Contractors and a former Secretary of the Maryland Department of General Services. "I have a deep appreciation for Maryland, for science, and for our natural environment. The Chesapeake Bay, with its rich ecological diversity, shapes and sustains our way of life in profound ways," said Churchill. "Protecting this vital ecosystem — while advancing a thoughtful understanding of how the built environment can responsibly and harmoniously intersect with it — is critically important. It is this intersection of science, stewardship, and the built environment that draws me to serve on the UMCES Board of Visitors."
Eric Schwaab (Western Maryland) is a former Deputy Secretary, Maryland Department of Natural Resources and former Assistant Administrator of NOAA and head of the National Marine Fisheries Service. "Throughout my work in state and federal government and through various nonprofit and foundation experiences, I have repeatedly benefitted from the work of the UMCES team," Schwaab said. "UMCES science and faculty have addressed critical environmental questions and helped inform, devise and advance a wide range of conservation strategies . UMCES work is also at the leading edge of current and emerging threats and uniquely addresses Maryland specific challenges in both regional and global contexts. I hope that my experiences, insights and support can help to continue to advance UMCES work accordingly.."
The Board of Visitors advises the UMCES President on the center's mission and identifies strategic opportunities to enhance its research, education, and public service.