National Parks Conservation Association Announces Former Discovery Channel Head W. Clark Bunting As New President and CEO

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Board of Trustees for the nonprofit National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) today announced the appointment of W. Clark Bunting as the organization’s new President and Chief Executive Officer. Bunting will officially take the helm on November 11 as President of NPCA, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing our National Park System.

“NPCA is honored to have an outstanding leader like Clark Bunting as our CEO,” said Tom Secunda, chair of NPCA’s Board of Trustees. “His distinguished career as a businessman, as an innovator and his ability to reach and engage large, diverse audiences make him uniquely qualified to lead NPCA and the national parks movement successfully into their second century. He is an ardent and persuasive conservationist and is recognized as such within the media industry and through his personal involvement with many leading conservation organizations.“

Bunting was previously with the Discovery Channel, based in Silver Spring, MD, where he most recently served as president and general manager. In that role, Bunting oversaw the flagship network, which now reaches nearly 98.6 million subscribers in the United States. He oversaw production of some of the company’s most successful and highest rated shows, including Shark Week, Deadliest Catch, Crocodile Hunter, and Mythbusters. Bunting’s programming portfolio received a number of noteworthy awards.

“I am extraordinarily privileged to be joining the National Parks Conservation Association. NPCA has been the key nonpartisan voice of the American people in safeguarding the beauty, wildlife, and cultural resources of the most diverse and spectacular park system in the world,” said Bunting.

In addition to network programming, Bunting was closely involved with the network’s environmental advocacy and stewardship. In 2010, Bunting, in partnership with Oceana worked closely with then Sen. John F. Kerry (D-MA) to introduce legislation to further the crusade for shark protection.

In addition to his distinguished tenure with the Discovery Channel, Bunting has been actively involved in the conservation and environmental community. Over the course of his career, he has held board and leadership advisory roles at the American Humane Society, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the World Wildlife Fund, the Ocean Conservancy, the Smithsonian National Zoo Advisory Board, the Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, and the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival.

Bunting earned a Masters of Arts and Bachelor of Arts degrees from Michigan State University. He resides in Potomac, Maryland with his wife, Karen. He and his wife have two adult children.

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About National Parks Conservation Association
Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice in safeguarding our national parks. NPCA and its more than one million members and supporters work together to protect and preserve our nation’s natural, historical, and cultural heritage for future generations. For more information, visit www.npca.org.