Susan Bell Joins National Audubon Society Board of Directors

Susan Bell, a national leader in climate change policy solutions, has been named to the board of directors of the National Audubon Society (@audubonsociety).

“Susan’s deep experience and leadership in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and building compelling climate-change policy solutions will be a tremendous asset to Audubon as we face climate change head-on in coming years,” said Audubon President and CEO David Yarnold (@david_yarnold). “As research continues to point to climate change as the greatest threat to birds that we will see in our lifetimes, Audubon will take a stronger role in national policy in this area.”

Bell is senior advisor to Stanford University’s Stanford Woods Institute for the Environment. Prior to Stanford, she was vice president for The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation for 13 years. She also served as senior fellow for energy and climate, directing a portfolio of environmental grants in the United States, Europe, China, Mexico and Brazil designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow climate change.

Bell also helped launch the ClimateWorks Foundation and Network, a set of global grant-making organizations that promote public policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the highest carbon-emitting regions and economic sectors in the world.

“Birds are a touchstone for every American, which puts Audubon in a rare position to make a real difference on climate change and a whole range of other important environmental issues,” said Bell. “I grew up with birds and Audubon as an important part of my life, and I am pleased to have the opportunity to give something back. What really makes this a great time for Audubon is the energy and people behind the brand – the dedicated staff and the terrific network of chapters, volunteers and members that carry such a strong voice for birds and nature.”

Bell’s career also includes work in strategic planning, development, and communications at Stanford University, the Sierra Club and Northwestern University. At Stanford, she helped to establish and promote the Environmental and Natural Resources Law & Policy Program. Susan serves as vice chair of the boards of the European Climate Foundation and the Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions at Duke University.

With total revenues in 2012 of $89.9 million, Audubon is one of the nation’s largest conservation organizations. Headquartered in New York, N.Y., the organization has 22 state offices, 47 nature centers and 465 chapters across the country, reaching more than four million people annually and playing leading roles in local and national conservation policy decisions, from Alaska to the Gulf Coast.