Virginia Sea Grant welcomes new Director
Virginia Sea Grant begins 2026 by welcoming Mona Behl as its next director, effective January 10th. For 10 years prior, Behl served as associate director of Georgia Sea Grant, where she secured millions of dollars in funding for the program and co-founded Sea Grant’s first Community-Engaged Internship program, among other successes. Behl also held public service and academic appointments at the University of Georgia and serves as a non-residential policy fellow with the American Meteorological Society. With over a decade of experience and achievements in the Sea Grant network, Behl brings with her an essential foundation to successfully lead Virginia Sea Grant.
“Virginia Sea Grant is a key partner for the Batten School & VIMS and has long amplified our educational mission, particularly through student fellowships and applied learning experiences that connect science with community needs,” said Derek Aday, Dean & Director of William & Mary’s Batten School & VIMS. “I’m thrilled to welcome Mona as Virginia Sea Grant’s new director and look forward to working with her and the team to advance innovative, solutions-driven science for the commonwealth and beyond.”
Behl holds a Ph.D. in physical oceanography from Florida State University, along with master’s and bachelor’s degrees in physics from Panjab University in India. Behl’s Indian culture instilled in her a sense of purpose rooted in community, shaped largely by her mother, who serves as her primary leadership role model. As a leader, Behl is guided by Ikigai, a Japanese concept meaning “reason for being”, which emerges at the intersection of one’s passion, mission, vocation, and profession. Ikigai offers an evolving framework for cultivating purpose and well-being, both personally and within organizations.
“I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Behl when I was part of the Sea Grant network, so I have seen first-hand how she centers collaboration, partnership, and mutual benefit in every project or program she leads or participates in,” said Jessica Whitehead, executive director of the Institute for Coastal Adaptation and Resilience at Old Dominion University and member of the Virginia Sea Grant REAC committee. “I’m excited to work with her as she implements her vision for Virginia Sea Grant with all of its member universities and partners.”
“I believe that our greatest strength is the collective potential of our people and partnerships. I see VASG as an impact multiplier dedicated to connecting, supporting, and amplifying the incredible talent and ideas across the Commonwealth.”
-Mona Behl, Virginia Sea Grant Director
In her new role, Behl will lead Virginia Sea Grant in developing and implementing its strategic vision and long-term goals through strategic partnerships, securing and managing external funding sources, and by representing Virginia Sea Grant across the 33 Sea Grant programs. “Dr. Behl has a deep connection with Sea Grant through her extensive experience as Associate Director of Georgia Sea Grant for over 10 years,” said Dave Rudders, associate director of the VIMS Marine Advisory Program. “During her time as Associate Director, she was well integrated across the National Sea Grant network as well as within a large university setting. This experience will serve her well as she steps into the role of Virginia Sea Grant Director and guides this important program.”
Through collaborating with partner academic institutions, state and federal agencies, policymakers, and private industries, Behl will ensure Virginia Sea Grant’s growth and alignment with the National Sea Grant program and William & Mary’s Batten School & VIMS. Behl’s ideas and leadership style will ensure fellowships, extension programs, and professional development initiatives thrive.
“The Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center (VSAREC) and Virginia Sea Grant share a long-standing collaborative partnership dedicated to advancing the sustainability and competitiveness of Virginia’s seafood industry,” said Jonathan van Senten, director of VSAREC. “We welcome Dr. Mona Behl as the new Director of Virginia Sea Grant and look forward to continuing our organizational partnership to conduct joint research, outreach, and workforce development initiatives to deliver innovative solutions that support coastal communities and strengthen the state’s blue economy.”
Drawing on research, education, communication, extension, legal, and policy programs, Virginia Sea Grant’s mission is to support coastal workforce development and innovative solutions to challenges faced by coastal communities. The Virginia Sea Grant staff, extension partners, university partners, and REAC board members are thrilled to welcome Behl as she steps into the director role and continues to advance Virginia Sea Grant’s mission.
“I am truly honored to join Virginia Sea Grant, a community whose work I deeply admire,” said Behl. “I believe that our greatest strength is the collective potential of our people and partnerships. I see VASG as an impact multiplier dedicated to connecting, supporting, and amplifying the incredible talent and ideas across the Commonwealth.”
Photos and story by Bayleigh Albert | Virginia Sea Grant
Published January 22, 2026.
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