Dr. Elizabeth Gray is Chief Executive Officer of the National Audubon Society, leading one of the most influential environmental organizations towards a future where birds thrive. Elizabeth is a champion of science-based conservation and renowned expert in the field of global conservation and climate change.

Elizabeth joined Audubon in March 2021 as President and Chief Conservation Officer; she was named Chief Executive Officer later that same year. She is the first woman since Audubon’s founding in 1905 to hold the role. She leads more than 700 staff working together across the Americas to alter the course of climate change and habitat loss. Since her arrival, she has led the completion of a landmark $826m campaign, the release of the groundbreaking Migratory Bird Explorer, and the organization’s unifying Flight Plan strategy which codifies Audubon’s commitment to a hemispheric approach to conservation. Under Elizabeth’s leadership, Audubon has elevated equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging (EDIB) as a driver of the organization’s work across the Americas, codified in a set of EDIB Conservation Principles.

Prior to joining Audubon she served as 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. 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

Our Next Five Years of Climate Action

By Elizabeth Gray
July 11, 2023 — Audubon is ready for swift and bold action on renewables and natural carbon storage at this critical time for the planet.
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.