Chad Snelgar

Chad Snelgar serves as Audubon’s Chief Operating Officer. In this role Chad leads Audubon’s core operational functions, including Finance, Technology, and Operations, and works closely with the executive leadership team to strengthen the systems, people, and processes that enable the organization to deliver on its ambitious Flight Plan strategy. He brings more than two decades of leadership experience helping global mission-driven organizations translate strategy into operational impact.

Prior to joining Audubon in 2026, Chad served as Chief Financial and Administrative Officer at Mercy Corps, where he oversaw global finance, technology, administration, and risk management functions across an international organization operating in more than 40 countries. During his tenure, he helped guide major organizational transformation efforts while strengthening financial sustainability and operational resilience in support of humanitarian and development programs worldwide. Earlier in his career, Chad held senior leadership roles at the World Resources Institute and FHI 360, working at the intersection of climate, global development, and institutional capacity building. Across these roles, he focused on building strong operational foundations that allow organizations to scale impact, from advancing climate solutions to supporting communities facing poverty and crisis. Originally from South Africa, Chad brings a global perspective shaped by working across multiple continents and sectors. He holds a bachelor’s degree of commerce from Rhodes University and a MBA. Chad is passionate about building organizations that combine operational excellence with bold environmental ambition to protect birds and the ecosystems they depend on.