Smithsonian's National Zoo Advisory Board

The Advisory Board of the National Zoo was established by the Smithsonian Institution’s Board of Regents to provide advice and support to the National Zoo. It assists the Zoo director on major issues of concern with the Zoo’s operation and helps to raise funds to support Zoo programs. The board also assists in promoting the Zoo’s activities locally, nationally, and internationally. Members are those who have an interest in zoos, conservation and biological education.

Biographies of board members.

FONZ Board of Directors

Friends of the National Zoo (FONZ) is governed by a Board of Directors whose members are elected by FONZ members. Officers of the Board are elected by members of the Board. Members are elected to serve three-year terms and may serve no more than two consecutive terms.

Our volunteer Board plays an essential role in FONZ leadership, and its members bring skills, experience, and talents to assist our partnership efforts with the Zoo. Much of the Board’s work is accomplished through committees.

The Board’s standing committees include the Executive Committee, the Finance and Audit Committee, the Board Oversight and Nominating Committee, and the Fundraising and Development Committee. The Board also has three strategic plan committees that work with the implementation of the FONZ strategic plan:

  • The Visitor Experience Committee strives to ensure that FONZ provides an unsurpassed Zoo visitor experience through our visitor services, facilities, staff, education programs, events, and print and online communications.
  • The Partnerships and Relationship Building Committee works to expand the partnership relationship with the Zoo and other partners.
  • The Organizational Excellence Committee lends its expertise and determines strategies for FONZ to achieve organizational excellence and financial strength.

Biographies of board members.

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