Where Are They Now? WCHS Graduate Leads New York City's Medical Examiner's Office

When Jason Graham walked the halls of White County High School and graduated with the Class of 1991, few could have imagined that one day he would oversee one of the largest and most complex medical examiner operations in the world.

Today, Graham serves as New York City's Chief Medical Examiner, leading the agency responsible for investigating deaths across the nation's largest city while also directing some of the most significant forensic identification efforts in modern history.

A native of Walling, Graham's journey from rural Tennessee to one of the most prominent positions in forensic medicine has been marked by years of education, research and public service. After leaving White County, he pursued a career in medicine and eventually specialized in forensic pathology — a field that combines medical science, criminal investigation and public health.

In 2022, Graham was appointed Chief Medical Examiner for New York City, placing him at the head of an office that serves more than eight million residents and is internationally recognized for its work in forensic science.

Since taking that role, Graham has helped oversee ongoing efforts connected to one of the darkest days in American history.

Nearly 25 years after the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, New York City's Office of Chief Medical Examiner continues working to identify victims whose remains were recovered from the World Trade Center site. Despite advances in technology, approximately 1,100 victims have yet to be identified. Graham's office has remained committed to using new forensic techniques to provide answers to families who have spent decades waiting for closure.

That work produced another breakthrough in 2025 when three previously unidentified victims were positively identified through DNA testing and advanced forensic analysis. The identifications underscored both the challenges involved and the determination of scientists who continue the effort nearly a quarter-century after the attacks.

"This is the most complex forensic DNA identification effort in history, and it stems from the largest mass murder in U.S. history," Graham said at the time. "We've become more and more successful at obtaining DNA from bone fragments."

The work has earned praise from families who never expected answers would still be possible after so many years. Through advancements in DNA technology and a continued commitment to the mission, Graham's office has helped identify more than 1,650 victims from the World Trade Center attacks.

While his responsibilities now place him at the center of some of the nation's most significant forensic investigations, Graham has often credited his upbringing in White County for helping shape his perspective.

In a 2022 interview, Graham said growing up in Walling and attending White County schools helped instill a strong sense of community and an appreciation for the support systems that guide people through difficult times.

From a small-town Tennessee classroom to one of the most influential forensic science positions in America, Graham's career serves as a reminder that White County graduates can be found making an impact far beyond the Upper Cumberland.