Historic St. Mary’s City has appointed Bonnie M. Green as Chair of the Historic St. Mary’s City Commission. Green, a longtime Southern Maryland leader with strong ties to the region’s educational and historic institutions, succeeds Rear Admiral Timothy L. Heely, US Navy (retired).
Green currently serves as Executive Director of The Patuxent Partnership, where she leads initiatives connecting government, industry, and academia to support the U.S. Navy and the broader Department of Defense community. Her background includes service as Deputy Maritime Administrator at the U.S. Department of Transportation and as a senior advisor with Catholic Relief Services.
A St. Mary’s College of Maryland alumna, Green previously served as President of the St. Mary’s College of Maryland Foundation and as a member of the college’s Board of Trustees for thirteen years. She has also held leadership roles with Historic Sotterley and other regional organizations focused on education and historic preservation. Green has served on the Historic St. Mary’s City Commission since 2021, most recently as Vice Chair, and previously contributed twelve years of service on the Historic St. Mary’s City Foundation Board.
“I am excited to partner with Ms. Green as we drive HSMC’s mission to protect St. Mary’s City and educate the public on its significance,” said David O’Donnell, Executive Director of Historic St. Mary’s City. “Ms. Green’s experience and community passion will be instrumental in preparing us for Maryland’s 400th anniversary in 2034.”
As Chair, Green will work with Commission members and museum leadership to support strategic initiatives, strengthen partnerships, and advance Historic St. Mary’s City’s mission as a National Historic Landmark and outdoor museum of living history and archaeology.
The Commission also announced that Linda Kohler will serve as Vice Chair. It extended its appreciation to Rear Admiral Timothy L. Heely for his service as Chair, noting his leadership during a period of continued growth for the museum.
Historic St. Mary’s City serves as a key cultural and educational institution in Southern Maryland. Located in St. Mary’s County, the museum interprets early Maryland history through archaeology, living history programs, and public education. As the site of Maryland’s first colonial capital, it holds national significance and attracts visitors interested in colonial history and archaeology.
Green’s appointment comes as the organization prepares for Maryland’s 400th anniversary in 2034. The milestone is expected to bring increased public attention to the site and its role in telling the story of early Maryland. Her background in public service, nonprofit leadership, and regional institutions positions her to help guide the museum through this period of heightened visibility and activity.
The Historic St. Mary’s City Commission oversees the museum’s governance and strategic direction. Green’s long-standing involvement with both the Commission and the Foundation gives her deep familiarity with the organization’s operations and mission.
