Audubon California’s Brigid McCormack promoted to executive director

In a move that acknowledges the recent success of one of its newest leaders, Audubon California this week announced that Brigid McCormack will serve as the executive director of Audubon California.

For the last year, McCormack has served as the organization’s managing director, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the National Audubon Society’s largest state program. During this year, McCormack built up the organization’s conservation and fundraising efforts, and set it on a strong strategic course. 

“Though Audubon California is only a couple decades old, it has a strong reputation, and a proven track record in conservation,” McCormack said. “It is a tremendous honor and privilege to lead a staff that does so much for birds and nature in California.” 

Michael Sutton, who has served as executive director of Audubon California since May of 2012, will now focus all of his efforts on his work as vice president of the Pacific Flyway, building regional conservation initiatives in support of Audubon’s Strategic Plan. McCormack will continue to report to Sutton, and will continue to serve as a vice president of the National Audubon Society. 

“Given the success she has had in the last year running the day-to-day operations, it made all the sense in the world to give Brigid the clear leadership role for Audubon California,” said Sutton. “I have every expectation that under her direction Audubon California will continue to provide leadership and innovation to the entire Pacific Flyway.” 

Since joining Audubon California in August 2012, McCormack has stabilized the organization’s budget process and fundraising, brought aboard key staff, and refocused its strategic direction. 

McCormack has spent her professional career in the nonprofit sector, starting as an environmental Peace Corps volunteer in Ukraine. Prior to coming to Audubon California, she served as Vice President of External Relations at the ClimateWorks Foundation, a global network that supports public policy to prevent dangerous climate change and promote global prosperity. 

McCormack is also a longtime bird enthusiast, which never hurts when you’re joining North America’s preeminent bird conservation organization. She wrote her master’s thesis on the impacts of climate change on migratory birds and is a member of one of the bird census teams at Jasper Ridge Sanctuary. 

About Audubon California 

Audubon California is building a better future fo rCalifornia by bringing people together to appreciate, enjoy and protect our spectacular outdoor treasures. With more than 100,000 members in California and an affiliated 48 local Audubon chapters, Audubon California is a field program of the National Audubon Society.

More information is available at www.ca.audubon.org.