Two Leading Conservation Innovators join Audubon’s Management Team

Dr. Gary Langham has been named Audubon’s Chief Scientist, after four years as Director of Bird Conservation for Audubon California. While with Audubon California, Dr. Langham led a team that developed a predictive GIS-based model that identifies specific habitat areas and species at risk from climate change.  Audubon is now expanding this groundbreaking approach to encompass 600 bird species across North America, and to create a framework for innovative conservation planning. He also pioneered many successful conservation solutions benefiting diverse bird species, including the endangered California Condor and threatened Western Snowy Plover.

 “The leadership Gary showed in creating the ‘no regrets’ climate change model is the kind of bold thinking Audubon needs,” said Audubon President & CEO David Yarnold. “He has both broad science expertise and acute insight on how the intersection of social change and innovative technology can drive effective conservation.  Audubon has always been a science-based organization; Gary’s leadership will bring new creativity and impact to our work.”

As Chief Scientist, Dr. Langham will be instrumental in shaping and implementing Audubon’s conservation strategy.  He will lead efforts to promote and expand citizen science programs including Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count, to broaden the Important Bird Areas initiative, and to engage partners, donors and other stakeholders in Audubon’s science work.  Dr. Langham received his Doctorate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Cornell University; and was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Instructor at the University of California, Berkeley.  He will assume his new position on July 25 and will be based in Washington, DC.

John Beavers has been named Vice President of Audubon’s International Alliance Program after more than sixteen years as a member of The Nature Conservancy’s team in Latin America. In his most recent position as Associate Director of Conservation Programs for Latin America, he helped lead development of a region-wide system for measuring conservation results and improve planning.  Prior, he directed many successful projects in Guatemala, where he began his career with TNC, and elsewhere in Central America. These included innovative strategies for protecting and preserving both public and private lands throughout the region.

"John's leadership style is all about results, critical thinking and effective partnerships," said Audubon CEO David Yarnold.  "It's going to take all of those qualities to achieve the impact birds and ecosystems need to thrive in the most challenging century humankind has ever faced."

As Vice President, International Alliances Program, Mr. Beavers will be an integral member of Audubon’s conservation team, helping to shape and expand the organization’s hemispheric reach and effectiveness.  Mr. Beavers holds an M.S. degree in Resource Economics from the University of Massachusetts.  He will assume his new position on August 29.