The Wells Reserve at Laudholm is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Jennifer Seavey as the new Executive Director, effective January 5, 2026. Dr. Seavey brings deep family roots in Maine and more than two decades of leadership in marine science, conservation, and community-centered coastal resilience across the Gulf of Maine.

Most recently, she served as Chief Programs Officer at the Island Institute, leading its 40-person Marine Economy & Climate and Community centers and strengthening the organization’s approach to climate adaptation, coastal economic resilience, and community-driven solutions. Previously, Dr. Seavey spent nearly a decade as the John M. Kingsbury Executive Director of the Shoals Marine Laboratory, the country’s largest undergraduate marine lab operated by Cornell University and University of New Hampshire on Appledore Island, Maine. She has held board and leadership roles with the Regional Association for Research in the Gulf of Maine, the New Hampshire Nature Conservancy, and the Working Waterfront Coalition in Maine.

Dr. Seavey holds a Ph.D. in Natural Resource Conservation from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, an M.S. in Wildlife Science from the University of Washington, and a B.S. in Biology from Lewis & Clark College. She lives in Kittery. 

Dr. Seavey assumes this role following the retirement of Paul Dest, who led the Reserve for 25 years and helped guide it into its modern era. She will build on this legacy, bringing a deep commitment to coastal stewardship, science-based decision-making, and collaborative solutions.

Laudholm Trust president and chair of the Wells Reserve Management Authority, Nik Charov, states that “Candidates from across the nation competed for this rare opportunity to lead Maine’s National Estuarine Research Reserve. On behalf of the boards, staff, volunteers, and members of the Wells Reserve, I am delighted to welcome such an accomplished and visionary leader to the Wells Reserve, especially in this time of uncertain federal funding for science and the environment. Jennifer is a worthy successor to take the tiller from Paul Dest, who built the modern reserve into the beloved and valuable institution it is today.”

“I am excited to join such an experienced team with a remarkable record of advancing coastal science, education, stewardship, and community collaboration,” shares Seavey. “I look forward to working together with our partners to support the resilience of our coastal ecosystems and communities.”