Scott Lowe

Scott Lowe was born in Montana, where his deep connection to conservation was cultivated from an early age. Raised with the Yellowstone River in his backyard, Scott learned the principles of environmental stewardship firsthand. His grandmother pioneered in sustainability, practicing composting and food waste reduction, instilling in him a lifelong commitment to the environment. Scott's passion for wildlife was further nurtured by his grandfather, who established a wild waterfowl sanctuary, and his mother, an early childhood educator, who exposed him to his state’s rich environment and wildlife.

An entrepreneur at heart, Scott founded several businesses, with the most notable venture being David Rio, a specialty tea company based in San Francisco. He lived in Japan in his 20s and upon returning to the US began exporting coffee and tea to Japan. Among those products was the first chai the company created, a product whose success shifted the company's focus toward what it is today. David Rio is renowned for naming its products after wildlife and contributes a portion of each sale to animal welfare and conservation efforts.

In 2011, David Rio began its partnership with IFAW to expand its conservation contributions, reflecting Scott’s commitment to making a tangible impact. In celebration of the company's 25th anniversary, the David Rio Foundation was established as an advocate for conservation and sustainability. Scott has been particularly impressed by IFAW’s pragmatic approach to conservation, which considers the needs of both animals and communities.

A father of four, Scott resides in San Francisco but often returns to Montana, staying connected to his roots and the landscapes that shaped his values and vision.