A message from Audubon's next CEO

I am very excited to share with you that I have accepted the offer from the National Board of Directors to become Audubon’s next CEO. Trouble viewing this e-mail? Try our [web version](. [National Audubon Society] [A Great Egret with wings outspread perched atop a shrub.]( Dear Friend, I am very excited to share with you that I have accepted the offer from the National Board of Directors to become [Audubon’s next CEO](. Although you heard from me earlier this year when I became the acting CEO, I wanted to take this opportunity to tell you a little bit more about myself and how I see the work ahead. Joining Audubon has been a homecoming for me. Birds bring me so much joy and our mission is close to my heart because my career in conservation started with birds. I began by studying homing pigeon navigation as an undergraduate, and then spent time in eastern Washington State studying Red-winged and Yellow-headed Blackbirds for my doctoral thesis work. When the Yellow-headed Blackbirds did not return to their breeding marshes my second field season, I knew something wasn’t right. This moment was my personal wake-up call and I decided to devote my career to conservation.  As a scientist and ornithologist, I have committed my life to working with communities and partners at the local, state, national and international levels to protect the planet. I joined Audubon from The Nature Conservancy, where I served in a variety of leadership roles, most recently as Global Managing Director for Climate. I have spent thirty years in conservation—much of it in the field working directly on science-based conservation projects. I find that building partnerships makes work better and more equitable. During the past six months as acting CEO, and alongside staff working groups and Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer Jamaal Nelson, I have prioritized the advancement of Audubon’s diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. I look forward to continuing this work. One of the most exciting things about Audubon is all of you—our grassroots network—no other organization can match the passion and power you bring to bird conservation. Birds are a uniting force, bringing together communities across the hemisphere. I cannot wait to work with you to advance our mission. Sincerely, Elizabeth Gray, Ph.D. Chief Executive Officer National Audubon Society [Read More]( Great Egret. Photo: Patricia McGuire/Audubon Photography Awards CONNECT WITH US [Facebook]( [Twitter]( [Instagram]( [LinkedIn]( [YouTube]( [DONATE]( [ADVOCATE]( National Audubon Society 225 Varick Street, New York, NY 10014 USA [(844) 428-3826](#) | [audubon.org]( © 2021 National Audubon Society, Inc. [Update your email address or unsubscribe](