DLiA Update • Executive Director Search

DLiA Update
August 2026
By: Sam Rosolina, PhD, Board Chair, Discover Life in America

Discover Life in America is seeking an Executive Director to connect communities and scientists in discovering, understanding, and conserving the natural world.

For nearly 20 years, Todd Witcher has served Discover Life in America (DLiA) as Executive Director, leading the effort to document life in Great Smoky Mountains National Park while raising awareness of biodiversity’s vital role in conservation. With integrity and passion, he has connected scientists, park partners, educators, volunteers, and the public as they explore biodiversity, spark curiosity, and deepen their connections to nature. We are forever grateful for his service.

On behalf of the Board, it is my privilege to honor Todd’s legacy through a transition that ensures continued successes: DLiA is seeking an Executive Director to connect communities and scientists in discovering, understanding, and conserving the natural world.

DLiA Board Members, employees, park partners, volunteers, and funders, please share this opportunity widely.

Position Summary

Based in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Discover Life in America (DLiA) serves as the park’s nonprofit science partner, leading the effort to document life in the Smokies and Southern Appalachia while raising awareness of biodiversity’s essential role in conservation. Since 1998, the organization has connected scientists, park partners, educators, and volunteers as they explore biodiversity, spark curiosity, and deepen connections to the natural world.

DLiA is now seeking an Executive Director to lead the next chapter of science-based conservation and partnership work in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Southern Appalachia—to ensure that research, education, citizen science, and partnerships work in concert and that biodiversity knowledge not only advances science but also reaches the public and informs conservation decisions.

The Executive Director leadership opportunity comes at an important moment for DLiA. Across decades, the organization has established an excellent reputation; a flagship partnership with the most visited national park in the United States; and a scientific framework for species discovery that informs conservation. The current strategy emphasizes advancing the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory, studying species and ecosystem shifts over time, funding the future through annual giving and endowment growth, and accelerating outcomes by transforming operations, partnerships, education, outreach, and communications. The next Executive Director must translate decades of biodiversity data and community trust into stronger scientific relevance, broader public reach, and durable financial support.

For the right candidate, this role offers the chance to lead a respected 501(c)(3) with a distinctive national profile in biodiversity discovery and conservation. The role combines nonprofit leadership, scientific partnership-building, public storytelling, educational impact, fundraising, and stewardship of relationships across park, research, donor, and volunteer communities. The position is well suited to a leader motivated by the opportunity to turn scientific knowledge into conservation and long-term ecological impacts.

See the full position description here. Reach search@dlia.org with questions.

Organization

Discover Life in America (DLiA) is a nonprofit partner of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, leading efforts to document life in the park while raising awareness of biodiversity’s role in conservation. Since 1998, DLiA has connected scientists, park partners, educators, volunteers, and the public through discovery, learning, and conservation-focused engagement.

DLiA manages research, education, and community science programs tied to biodiversity discovery and conservation. Current areas of focus include the All-Taxa Biodiversity Index, biodiversity education programming, and community science initiatives.

How to Apply

Submit the following via search@dlia.org:

• Resume
• Letter of interest
• Response to either Prompt A or Prompt B (250 words or fewer), below:
  • Prompt A: Identify one major shift over the next five years (e.g., technology, equity, funding models, or community engagement) that will force a change in DLiA’s strategy and initiatives. List specific actions a new Executive Director could take in their first year to position DLiA ahead of that shift?
  • Prompt B: DLiA emphasizes biodiversity work that can inform conservation initiatives, climate resilience, and sustainable resource management. How might an Executive Director develop funder investments that support those outcomes? Share a concrete example that informs your perspective.

Deadline: August 28, 2026 at 5:00 PM Eastern. DLiA’s partner supporting the search, Thrivner, may be in contact for rolling follow-up and/or interview invitations.

Questions: Reach search@dlia.org with questions.

Notice: Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States; DLiA complies with all state and federal E-Verify requirements. This position may require the successful completion of a public records check, consistent with applicable state and federal laws.