John Francis

Recently retired as Vice President for Research, Conservation, and Exploration at the National Geographic Society, John Francis’ professional career is rooted in wildlife biology and promotion of human understanding of their delicate position within nature. Outside of his National Geographic Society responsibilities, Francis served on boards and committees for the US National Park System, the Commission for Education and Communication of the IUCN, and the US National Commission for UNESCO. In addition, he serves on the Board of Sustainable Travel International and is a key promoter of citizen science through BioBlitzes, now expanding in popularity. His Ph.D. in behavioral ecology and postdoctoral research at the Smithsonian Institution, as well as representation of more than ten thousand grantees funded by the National Geographic Society around the world, one seventh of them in Africa, provide a broad understanding of conservation and research programs globally.

Francis’ close work with the media, six years as a film producer for National Geographic, and combination of science and storytelling at this institution, give him a unique appreciation of change-making central to conservation organizations. These diverse experiences position Francis to expand the reach and efficacy of key institutions poised to empower conservation action worldwide.