Biography

Dr. Whitley Saumweber is a Visiting Associate Professor of Marine Affairs at the University of Rhode Island and a Senior Affiliate with the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. where he manages the Stephenson Ocean Security Project. This program examines issues at the nexus of national security and global ocean sustainability and promotes solutions that support sustainable development, coalition building, and American leadership. Dr. Saumweber has worked extensively across the Federal government, academia, and private sector leading major initiatives that integrate marine science with pressing policy needs. He has held positions as a Visiting Fellow with Stanford University’s Center for Ocean Solutions and served as President Obama’s Associate Director for Ocean and Coastal Policy in the White House Council on Environmental Quality. In this capacity he led the development and implementation of President Obama’s agenda for marine conservation and stewardship on behalf of the White House. This included leading teams responsible for the creation of multiple marine reserves of global significance; developing the first U.S. seafood traceability program to combat illegal fishing; directing our National Ocean and Arctic Policies; and overseeing our national sustainable fisheries policy. Previously, Dr. Saumweber has served as a Senior Advisor to the NOAA Administrator, worked as an advisor to the late Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-HI), directed a national coastal research and monitoring program at NOAA, and worked as an ocean scientist and educator. Dr. Saumweber holds a Ph.D. in Biological Oceanography from the University of Rhode Island.