Elizabeth joined Audubon in 2021, first as president and chief conservation officer before being appointed as Audubon's first woman chief executive officer. Prior to joining Audubon, she was the Global Managing Director of The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Climate Change program. Trained as an ornithologist, she has spent 30+ years as a dedicated conservationist, spending considerable time in the field nationally and abroad.

Elizabeth has been a leader on equity issues, from founding the first urban conservation program in Washington, D.C., to empowering the next generation of conservation leaders through a young professional’s network and youth advocacy program, to serving as one of five members of TNC’s Global Gender Equity Council.

Elizabeth is based in Audubon's Washington, D.C. office. She holds a Ph.D. in ecology from the University of Washington and an A.B. with highest honors in psychology from Harvard University. 

Articles by Elizabeth Gray

Audubon View

A Roadmap for the Future

By Elizabeth Gray
March 31, 2023 — Our bold strategic plan will achieve new levels of impact for birds, people, and the planet.
News

Open Letter from the CEO on Audubon’s Name

By Elizabeth Gray
March 16, 2023 — Hear directly from Dr. Elizabeth Gray on why Audubon is keeping its name.
News

How a Century-Old Winter Tradition Could Help Protect People and Birds for Another Hundred Years

By Elizabeth Gray
December 23, 2022 — The Audubon Christmas Bird Count has generated more than 120 years’ worth of data showing how bird populations change over time.
Audubon View

Reflecting on a Year of Success

By Elizabeth Gray
December 16, 2022 — Audubon’s work in science, policy, advocacy, and conservation has helped create lasting change for birds and has set us up for greater impact in 2023.
Elizabeth Gray bands a female Redwinged Blackbird during her graduate field studies.
Audubon View

I'm Proud To Be Part of Your Flock

By Elizabeth Gray
November 03, 2022 — An introduction to Elizabeth Gray, the first woman to hold the title president or CEO at Audubon.
Three students sit on the floor as they paint a large mural depicting multiple birds.
Audubon View

Audubon Is Powered by People

By Elizabeth Gray
September 21, 2022 — Our chapters, our members—you—are what make Audubon successful, and our collective power can accomplish great things for everyone.
News

Introducing The Birdsong Project: What the Birds Tell Us

By Elizabeth Gray
July 29, 2022 — Volumes I, II, and III of For the Birds: The Birdsong Project are streaming now to benefit Audubon’s bird conservation mission and celebrate the joy of birds.
An Indigo Bunting sings on top of a sunflower.
Audubon View

Listen to the Birds Today

By Elizabeth Gray
July 08, 2022 — Some days, they sing messages of peril. But some days, they sing songs of beauty and hope.
Audubon View

Where Do the Birds Go?

By Elizabeth Gray
April 14, 2022 — Audubon’s Migratory Bird Initiative has already started to find out.
News

Women In Flight

By Elizabeth Gray
March 28, 2022 — Women conservationists have long been at the forefront of the movement to protect birds, but there is so much more we can and must do for the future of the movement.