Pam Smolen was raised an army brat living in Alaska, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and finally settling in Texas. She grew up enjoying the outdoors, hiking, and camping. She graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Chemical Engineering. She discovered the wonderful world of birds over twenty years ago and has been hooked ever since.

Pam is Chair Elect of the Houston Audubon Board of Directors. Pam was recently Interim President & CEO for Houston Audubon while they searched for a new CEO.  She is an active volunteer for Houston Audubon and is Chair of the Bolivar Peninsula Nature Trail Committee.  She has been Chair of the Birdathon committee and participates in coastal workdays. She is a former Vice-Chair and Chair of the Houston Ornithology Group.