Terry Garcia is executive vice president for Mission Programs for the National Geographic Society. He is responsible for the Society's core mission programs: the Committee for Research and Exploration; the Conservation Trust; the Explorers-in-Residence, Contributing Photographers-in-Residence and Emerging Explorers programs; Geographic Education Outreach Program; the Education Foundation; the Society's Development Office; National Geographic Museum; Geography Competitions; and the Arts Media Program.



Prior to joining the Society in 1999, Garcia was the assistant secretary of commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, U.S. Department of Commerce, and deputy administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. From 1994 to 1996,he was the general counsel for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Before entering government service, Garcia was a partner in the law firm of Manatt, Phelps & Phillips in Los Angeles.



He currently serves on the boards of directors of the Institute for Exploration/Mystic Aquarium and the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. He is also a member of the U.S. National Committee for the Census of Marine Life and the advisory board of the Harte Research Institute of Gulf of Mexico Studies, Texas A&M University. Garcia has also served on panels convened by the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Public Administration, examining U.S. fisheries policy and international ocean exploration.



Garcia received his bachelor's degree in international relations from American University and his law degree from The George Washington University.