Team Biographies

David Seaborg founded the World Rainforest Fund in 1984 in response to the alarming rate of rainforest destruction he witnessed firsthand during his travels to tropical regions. With over 40 years of dedication to rainforest conservation, David has been instrumental in directing resources to effective conservation projects worldwide.

As an ecologist and environmental advocate, David brings scientific rigor and passionate commitment to the organization's mission. He has traveled extensively through rainforest regions in South America, Central America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, observing both the incredible biodiversity these ecosystems contain and the devastating impacts of deforestation.

David's vision for the World Rainforest Fund emphasizes supporting indigenous communities as the most effective guardians of rainforests, funding scientific research to document biodiversity, and educating the public about the critical importance of rainforest preservation. Under his leadership, the Fund has maintained the highest standards of transparency and accountability while supporting numerous successful conservation initiatives.

In addition to his work with the World Rainforest Fund, David is an author and lecturer on environmental topics. He has written extensively about rainforest ecology, biodiversity conservation, and the connections between environmental destruction and social justice. His work emphasizes that preserving rainforests is not just an environmental issue but a matter of human survival.

David holds degrees in biology and ecology and has collaborated with researchers and conservation organizations worldwide. He serves on advisory boards for several environmental organizations and continues to be an outspoken advocate for rainforest protection and climate action.

Steve Garan brings extensive experience in organizational management and environmental advocacy to his role as Secretary of the World Rainforest Fund. His expertise in non-profit governance and strategic planning has been instrumental in guiding the organization's operations and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

With a background in environmental policy and organizational development, Steve has worked with various conservation organizations throughout his career. He understands the complexities of running an effective non-profit and the importance of strong governance structures, transparent operations, and strategic resource allocation.

As Secretary, Steve oversees the Fund's administrative operations, maintains organizational records, and ensures compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements. He works closely with the President and Treasurer to develop and implement policies that advance the organization's mission while maintaining the highest ethical standards.

Steve is particularly passionate about the role of education in conservation. He believes that creating awareness about rainforest issues is essential to building the political and social will necessary for large-scale conservation efforts. He has been instrumental in developing the Fund's educational outreach programs and materials.

Beyond his work with the World Rainforest Fund, Steve is active in environmental advocacy and community organizing. He regularly speaks about conservation issues and the importance of supporting organizations that work directly with local communities and indigenous peoples to protect rainforests.

Peter Eggleton serves as Treasurer of the World Rainforest Fund, bringing financial expertise and a commitment to fiscal responsibility that ensures every donated dollar is used effectively for rainforest conservation. His meticulous attention to financial management and accountability has been crucial to maintaining donor trust and organizational effectiveness.

With extensive experience in non-profit financial management, Peter understands the unique challenges facing conservation organizations. He has developed financial systems and controls that ensure transparency while allowing the organization to operate efficiently and respond quickly to conservation opportunities.

As Treasurer, Peter oversees all financial operations of the World Rainforest Fund, including budgeting, financial reporting, tax compliance, and audit preparation. He works closely with the board to ensure financial resources are allocated to maximize conservation impact and that the organization operates within its means while planning for long-term sustainability.

Peter is committed to the principle that donors deserve to know exactly how their contributions are used. Under his stewardship, the World Rainforest Fund has maintained exemplary financial transparency, with detailed financial reports available to donors and the public. He ensures that administrative costs are kept to a minimum so that the maximum possible portion of donations goes directly to conservation work.

Beyond his financial role, Peter is deeply committed to the organization's conservation mission. He believes that sound financial management is not just about numbers but about ensuring that limited conservation resources are used as effectively as possible to protect rainforests and biodiversity. His work enables the organization to support more conservation projects and have greater impact.