Contact:Hailey Murphy, Coastal Public Information Coordinator

CHARLESTON, S.C. (September 8, 2025) –  Emily Osborne, Ph.D., has been selected as the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium executive director, effective October 1, 2025. Most recently, Osborne served as a federal research physical scientist and principal investigator for NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory. Prior to that, she worked as a program manager and administrator for NOAA Oceanic and Atmospheric Research Programs in Silver Spring, Md. Her work has supported building a better scientific understanding of changing ocean conditions and how shifts in ocean biogeochemistry are affecting ecosystems and the people who rely on them. She began her career with NOAA as a 2017 John A. Knauss Marine Policy Fellow representing the State of South Carolina. Osborne earned her Ph.D. in marine science from the University of South Carolina and her B.S. in geology from the College of Charleston.

In her new role, Osborne will guide the work of the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium for the State of South Carolina, including revising and implementing the Consortium’s strategic plan; supporting the development and execution of Sea Grant and extramural funding opportunities; communicating with the National Sea Grant College Program, advisory board members, various partners, and congressional members on Consortium projects and programs; and managing and communicating needs for fiscal resources.

“I look forward to building on the Consortium’s legacy of impact and working alongside our partners to advance a more resilient, sustainable future for South Carolina’s coast,” Osborne said. “It was here, in South Carolina, where I developed my knowledge of and passion for marine conservation. It’s a true privilege to return and serve as executive director of the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium. I’m honored to lead an organization whose mission is so closely aligned with my own values and to follow in the footsteps of the dedicated leaders who have guided the Consortium over its nearly 50-year history. I take this responsibility to heart.”

The purpose of the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, a university-based state agency, is to generate and provide science-based information on issues and opportunities to improve the social and economic well-being of coastal residents while ensuring the optimal use and conservation of marine and coastal natural resources. The Consortium is a member of the nationwide network of 34 Sea Grant Programs that are certified through the NOAA National Sea Grant College Program within the U.S. Department of Commerce. Consortium member institutions are Clemson University, Coastal Carolina University, College of Charleston, Francis Marion University, Medical University of South Carolina, S.C. Department of Natural Resources, South Carolina State University, University of South Carolina and The Citadel.

“Our Board of Directors is looking forward to working with Dr. Osborne to lead the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium,” said Robert H. Boyles Jr., Board of Directors chair for the Consortium and former director of the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR). “She possesses a unique skill set that will enable her to support the faculty, staff and students at our member institutions and to lead our efforts to serve the citizens of South Carolina in our shared stewardship of coastal and marine resources. She was the unanimous choice of our Board from among an exceptionally strong field of candidates to continue the great work of Dr. Susan Lovelace, who we thank for her excellent service and leadership. We are excited!”

The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium’s current programmatic focus areas are Healthy Coastal Ecosystems, Sustainable Coastal Development and Economy, Weather and Climate Resilience, Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture and Scientific Literacy and Workforce Development. Through core NOAA Sea Grant funding, extramural grants, and stakeholder partnerships, the Consortium supports rigorous, applied scientific research, extension, education, and communication programs.

“I too am excited that Emily steps into the executive director role at this time,” said Susan Lovelace, outgoing executive director of the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, who has been with the agency for 11 years. “She brings with her not only a keen understanding of our current challenges, issues, and opportunities, but also the accomplished leadership to address them. While I am a bit sad to be leaving, I feel that the Sea Grant legacy is in exceptional hands, and I look forward to the continued success of the Sea Grant program and extraordinary staff.”

About the S.C. Sea Grant Consortium

The S.C. Sea Grant Consortium, a university-based state agency, generates and provides science-based information on issues and opportunities to improve the social and economic well-being of coastal residents while ensuring the optimal use and conservation of marine and coastal natural resources. The Consortium is a member of the nationwide network of 34 Sea Grant Programs, which are part of the NOAA National Sea Grant College Program, U.S. Department of Commerce. For more information about the Consortium, visitwww.scseagrant.org.

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