Audubon announces new CEO

A scientist, ornithologist and global conservation leader, Dr. Gray will be the first woman to hold the CEO title in the organization’s 116 year history.

Patricia Zurita, CEO of BirdLife International, hailed the news, saying, “I have known Elizabeth for many years and enjoyed working with her since May when she was appointed Audubon’s Acting CEO. Her assumption of the permanent role is great news for Audubon and Birdlife. Just previously, at The Nature Conservancy, Elizabeth served as Global Managing Director for Climate. She and I share a commitment to ensuring BirdLife and Audubon are leaders in ensuring nature is embedded in the fight against climate change.”

Susan Bell, Audubon Board Chair and CEO Search Committee Chair said “Elizabeth is a trailblazer. She’s a trained ornithologist, a global climate change and conservation expert, a strong and proven fundraiser, and a seasoned organizational leader and teambuilder who has a long track record incorporating equity, diversity and inclusion in the work she leads.”

Dr. Gray expressed her excitement at joining Audubon. “Birds bring me so much joy and I see that in the team at Audubon as well. Birds are a uniting force, bringing together communities across the hemisphere.”

She’s a trained ornithologist, a global climate change and conservation expert… a teambuilder who has a long track record incorporating equity, diversity and inclusion in the work she leads.

Susan Bell, Audubon Board Chair