David Challinor

David Challinor "of Washington, D.C., has had a long history with the Smithsonian Institution. In 1966, he began his tenure with the Smithsonian as a special assistant in tropical biology. In 1971, he was promoted to the Assistant Secretary for Science at the Smithsonian, where he oversaw budgets, research priorities, and the like for the various Smithsonian Institution bureaus involving the sciences. In 1988, Dr. Challinor began his service as Science Advisor to the Secretary of the Smithsonian. He and his wife Joan have long been supporters of the National Zoo and were among the founding members of FONZ’s Director’s Circle.

"Dr. Challinor earned a bachelor's degree from Harvard, master's degree in forestry, and a Ph.D. from Yale University. Before joining the ranks of the Smithsonian, Dr. Challinor was involved in the cotton industry in Texas. He has remained active with various organizations that conserve trees around the world."

He is married to Joan Ridder Challinor.


 * Honorary Member of Advisory Board, National Zoological Park
 * Emeriti Trustee, African Wildlife Foundation