July 24, 2025
Kate Litle stepped into the role of WSG interim director as of July 1
Dr. Terrie Klinger
One year ago, I assumed the role of interim faculty director at Washington Sea Grant (WSG). This represented a new leadership model for WSG, and my goal was to pilot the new model for 12 months while actively helping to recruit a permanent director from among the UW faculty. A second goal—no less important—was to expand the role of WSG within the College of the Environment and broader UW community while simultaneously supporting WSG’s external programs and partnerships.
By design, my appointment was intended to last for just one year, ending on June 30. Now, as I resettle into my full-time role as a professor in the UW School of Marine and Environmental Affairs, I have found moments to reflect on my time with WSG and all that I learned.
WSG staff are impressive in their ability to collaborate with a diverse array of partners to address challenges faced by coastal and maritime communities. They help to create localized solutions to local problems, build resilience, and bring people together—things we need now more than ever before. The program maintains a strong emphasis on training students and young professionals to step into important roles that prioritize environment and well-being. WSG measurably improves the lives and livelihoods of Washington residents in many ways.
My short stint at WSG offered other, unexpected insights. Changes at the federal level have created sharp uncertainties around the continuation of WSG’s federal funding and the future of the program. In responding to these challenges, I learned just how much value Washingtonians place on WSG and how meaningful the program is to coastal communities—public support for the program is as strong as ever.
Even so, uncertainties around funding have caused a delay in plans to hire a new permanent director. We are lucky—and grateful—that deputy director Kate Litle agreed to resume the role of interim director as of July 1. Kate is supported by an outstanding team of leaders within the program and I have full faith in their collective ability to meet the demands of the current moment. The program is in excellent hands going forward and will maintain its focus on sustaining the people, projects and overall mission of WSG.
And I will not be too far afield: in fact, I have agreed to join the WSG Advisory Committee and will continue to work with the program in that capacity. I look forward to continuing to support the work of WSG for the benefit of coastal communities and marine environments in Washington.
Terrie Klinger
Former Interim Faculty Director, Washington Sea Grant
Professor, UW School of Marine and Environmental Affairs
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Washington Sea Grant, based at the University of Washington, helps people and marine life thrive through research, technical expertise and education supporting the responsible use and conservation of coastal ecosystems. Washington Sea Grant is one of 34 Sea Grant programs supported by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in coastal and Great Lakes states that encourage the wise stewardship of our marine resources through research, education, outreach and technology transfer.
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JUL
2025