[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”c1e424a9-7864-4e06-a88b-5b6b86cb9c39″ da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_2,1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”d10c861a-5541-4742-ab43-1320c21df5e4″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”@ET-DC@eyJkeW5hbWljIjp0cnVlLCJjb250ZW50IjoicG9zdF9mZWF0dXJlZF9pbWFnZSIsInNldHRpbmdzIjp7fX0=@” alt=”Photo features a Sandhill Crane, a large bird, standing on one leg with wings open.” title_text=”Sandhill Crane, Patrick Dennen, Audubon Photography Awards” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _dynamic_attributes=”src” _module_preset=”e02ea4c6-d835-44d6-aace-1c6805576f21″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”4e816006-4dad-44d9-befa-063e096517e9″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n\n
[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs font_icon=”5||divi||400″ use_custom_home_link=”off” admin_label=” ” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”b7c43f60-75e9-4a7e-bf2f-65bf47312a20″ locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”31f15a8b-e4c9-42e2-8f09-798e59199e63″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. They help to accomplish our mission\u00a0<\/span>to advocate and organize for cities where people and birds thrive<\/strong>,<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>through a set of shared values that underline our vision of\u00a0a healthy environment in balance, where people enjoy, respect and care for our urban community.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”e3c9ad65-46ae-46c4-9590-83946bf853a6″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][lwp_divi_breadcrumbs font_icon=”5||divi||400″ use_custom_home_link=”off” admin_label=” ” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”fc5b20a0-0ab0-4fc2-b5e0-6b7a2afa37d8″ global_colors_info=”{}”][\/lwp_divi_breadcrumbs][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” da_disable_devices=”off|off|off” global_colors_info=”{}” da_is_popup=”off” da_exit_intent=”off” da_has_close=”on” da_alt_close=”off” da_dark_close=”off” da_not_modal=”on” da_is_singular=”off” da_with_loader=”off” da_has_shadow=”on”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||11px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Our Board of Directors play a vital role in ensuring Birds Connect Seattle has the strategic direction and necessary resources to create a sustainable community. In addition to their role as at large board members, several serve on committees. We are grateful for their expertise and focus ranging from policy\/legal, marketing, management, planning, communications, and community engagement to ensuring financial stability of the organization.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||13px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_team_member name=”Megan Atcheson” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Megan-Atcheson_200x200-board-headshot-for-website.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Megan is a marine scientist and outdoor enthusiast passionate about sustainability and conservation. She has worked in the environmental non-profit arena for over a decade and also has experience working in academia and government. She first moved to Seattle to attend graduate school at the University of Washington, and while she moved to Maui and London after graduating, she felt the pull of Seattle and returned in 2017. One of her favorite things about living in Seattle is the nature in and around the city, and she is keen to help keep it that way through urban conservation efforts. Her love of birds started early, accompanying her father, an avid amateur avian photographer, on long walks in nature on the East Coast\u00a0where she grew up.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Brett Eaton” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Brett-Eaton-200×200-headshot.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Brett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about 10 years ago he quickly became more interested in the comings and goings of our feathered friends. As a person that thrives on building and existing in community, he began searching for the community of birds, finding Birds Connect Seattle in 2021. He has found joy in showing people the special aspects of birds that are right under their noses. Through these experiences he has seen firsthand the importance of conservation.\u00a0 At the beginning of 2022, he joined the NextGen Council and that’s when community building really took off. Between leading Neighborhood Bird Outings, helping to plan Beers for Birds trivia nights, and anything else BCS wanted him to do, Brett quickly found his place in the loving, growing, and joy-bringing community of Birds Connect Seattle.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Anthony Floyd” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Dr-Anthony-Floyd.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Anthony is a Research Associate Professor at the University of Washington. For over 20 years, he has helped lead numerous studies on substance use disorder treatment, much of that related to opioid use disorder. In addition to being a community theater actor and avid photographer, Anthony is also an aspiring birder building a portfolio of photos of local birds which he shares with his friends and family. He holds a doctorate in Sociology from Stanford University.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Derek Hermsen” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Derek-Hermsen-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As a child, watching hungry, boisterous Glaucous-winged\u00a0<\/span><\/span>G<\/span>ulls on Seattle\u2019s waterfront while waiting for the Bainbridge ferry may have sparked Derek\u2019s love of birds. The songs of White-crowned Sparrows and California Quail still bring back memories of growing up on Cougar Mountain, though a lingering mistrust of\u00a0<\/span><\/span>crows<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>dates to an on-campus incident as an\u00a0<\/span><\/span>undergrad<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>at UW. Birding has always been present, but it deepened in his 40s when long walks with his wife through the Montlake Fill became routine in 2020\u2014soon followed by quality optics and guided birding trips abroad. Derek also enjoys scuba diving with his son, serving as a naturalist with beachgoers at low tide, and representing commercial tenants as a real estate broker from his Seattle waterfront office\u2014where birding occasionally overlaps with work.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>His favorite bird is the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>P<\/span>igeon\u00a0<\/span><\/span>G<\/span>uillemot, and he is nearing 600\u00a0<\/span><\/span>lifers<\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Andres Hiltbrunner” position=”Treasurer” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Andres-Hiltbrunner_SA-Board-Headshot-e1663614105818.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Andres has lived in the Pacific Northwest off-and-on since 2006. He is a finance professional, having recently left a 15-year career at Amazon where he led teams focused on global cash management and banking infrastructure. Andres discovered both birding and livable, walkable cities while living temporarily in Europe, and is excited to be on the board to help sustain and defend those things here at home. When not in front of a computer, he enjoys hiking with his dog, and baking.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Kathy Kaplan” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Kathy-Kaplan-headshot-200×200-1-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jim Kelly” position=”Vice President” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Jim-Kelly-200×200-Board-Headshot.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n A lifelong resident of the great Pacific Northwest and UW graduate, Jim is an environmental lawyer currently employed as the Global Environment Director at Jacobs Solutions, a Fortune 500 construction and engineering company. Although a novice birder, he considers himself a bird advocate and aspires to leave the world a better place than he found it.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Andrew Larsen” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Andrew-Larsen-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Andrew (he\/him) grew up in Montana, but after attending school at Pacific Lutheran University he has called the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>PNW<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>his home. Andrew has served in the Peace\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Corps and<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>as a human rights activist. Currently he works as an ordained minister and deacon of the Lutheran\u00a0<\/span><\/span>church<\/span>. Birding has been a way to feel connected to the natural world, his community, and his family. His favorite bird is the Northern Shoveler. In addition to birding, Andrew enjoys board games, hiking, D&D, and creating art.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”mari lopez gonzalez” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/mari-lopez-gonzales-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Maggie Macdonald” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Maggie-Macdonald-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Melissa Mark” position=”President” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Melissa-Mark_Headshot-200×200-website.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Melissa is an avian ecologist and educator who believes in centering the needs of all community members, both human and non-human. She is the daughter of a first-generation Peruvian mother and an Anglo-American father and holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution. Melissa worked for many years in Latin America in scientific and community projects, and taught ecology and birding basics to a broad audience. Currently, she leads a fellowship program for undergraduates who hold identities historically excluded from conservation that supports them in growing a more just and equitable field. She is excited to work with Birds Connect Seattle in support of thriving habitats for both birds and people. Beyond birding, she loves cooking, dancing, exploring the natural world, and spending time with her family.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Paul Meijer” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/paul_meijer_web_200x200.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Paul is a long-time Seattle resident and a life-long birder. Originally trained as a research scientist, he has spent the last two decades working in software technology, most recently in green tech and health and life sciences. Paul believes that celebrating birds in an urban setting can be a powerful motivator for people to connect with the natural world and care about its protection and conservation. He has volunteered at Birds Connect Seattle for the Neighborhood Bird Project in Seward Park, the Seattle Bird Collision Monitoring project, and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) awareness campaign. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, he is also a member of the Science Committee. Paul holds a PhD degree in Cognitive Psychology from the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics.\u00a0 When not birding in Seattle, you might find him hiking and exploring the beautiful nature of the greater Pacific Northwest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Sara Rocero” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sara-Rocero-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Hailing from the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Sara found her calling amidst the towering trees and meandering streams. As a dedicated restoration ecologist with a local conservation district, Sara is deeply passionate about preserving and revitalizing natural habitats for wildlife. Equipped with a degree in Environmental Studies, a minor in restoration ecology, and years of hands-on experience, Sara directs her work towards the protection and enhancement of biodiversity in her communities. Her passion for birds came later in life after taking an ecology class at UW Bothell. Sara finds solace with binoculars in hand and an ear attuned to the symphony of the avian world. For Sara, every outing is an opportunity to deepen her connection with nature and sharpen her skills in identifying species by their distinct calls\u2014a journey of continuous learning and discovery.<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Christine (Chris) Lefkarites White” position=”Secretary” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Christine-White-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”||27px|||”]<\/p>\n Chris was raised in a vibrant, nature-revering Greek\/Cypriot household in NYC where she cut her birding \u201cchops\u201d on the backyard birdsong of jays, sparrows, starlings, and cardinals. She earned a BA in Sociology from CUNY at Queens College and an MPP from the University of Chicago. In 1994, she and her husband set roots in Seattle and raised a family of humans and canines, alike. She brings to BCS\u2019s board a career of governmental and nonprofit service in support of healthy communities, equitable access to opportunities, and the strategic stewardship of resources. Birding binoculars are Chris\u2019s \u201cfifth limb.\u201d She loves pickleball and knitting and is an avid cruciverbalist and hockey fan.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_blurb title=”Bylaws” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Birds-Connect-Seattle-Bylaws_11.14.2024.pdf”<\/a>; link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n Learn about the governance of Birds Connect Seattle in the organizational bylaws<\/a>, overseen by the Board of Directors.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Committee Leadership” url=”mailto:volunteerc@seattleaudubon.rg” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\n In addition to the Board of Directors, Birds Connect Seattle has several program committees that support our organization’s mission. If you are interested in learning more about different committee roles, please send a message to volunteer@birdsconnectsea.org<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. They help to accomplish our mission\u00a0to advocate and organize for cities where people and birds thrive,\u00a0through a set of shared values that underline our vision of\u00a0a healthy environment in balance, where people enjoy, respect and care for our urban community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787268,"featured_media":33166,"parent":202,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"About Us\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(255,255,255,0.7)\" text_border_radius=\"0px\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" background_layout=\"light\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\"] Seattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\n Seattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\n Seattle Audubon envisions cities that integrate and value nature, minimize threats to birds, and protect habitat.<\/p>\n We are a community of passionate, talented, and unique individuals, and our service is Seattle Audubon's most valuable resource. As a staff-run and volunteer-powered organization, we value:<\/p>\n Inspiration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Birds inspire and inform conservation in a unique and powerful way.<\/p>\n Interconnectedness.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The health of birds and their habitats is tied to human health.<\/p>\n Equity and Inclusion.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Equity and inclusion are necessary to acheive our mission.<\/p>\n Diversity.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Diverse perspectives strengthen our understanding of birds, our community, and the environment.<\/p>\n Humility.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The are infinite ways to experience and enjoy birds and nature respectfully.<\/p>\n Collaboration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>We are most successful when we collaborate within and outside the organization.<\/p>\n Science.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Our policies and programs must be informed by science.<\/p>\n Click below for information on how you can get involved!<\/em><\/p>\n The Seattle Audubon Board of Directors approved a new 2020-2023 strategic plan on June 11, 2020, released to the general public in July 2020. This plan, Cities at the Center, focuses the organization on five goals within three core themes: urban conservation, equity, and resilience.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/429516911\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" thumbnail_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.6)\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"1_3\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-485","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nPurpose and Role<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/h3>\n
Current Members<\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/ul>\n<\/div>[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"2_3\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]
Our Mission<\/h2>\n
Our Vision<\/h2>\n
Our Values<\/h2>\n
Programs<\/h2>\n
\n
Strategic Plan<\/h2>\n
<\/ul>\n
![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Megan-Atcheson_200x200-board-headshot-for-website.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nMegan is a marine scientist and outdoor enthusiast passionate about sustainability and conservation. She has worked in the environmental non-profit arena for over a decade and also has experience working in academia and government. She first moved to Seattle to attend graduate school at the University of Washington, and while she moved to Maui and London after graduating, she felt the pull of Seattle and returned in 2017. One of her favorite things about living in Seattle is the nature in and around the city, and she is keen to help keep it that way through urban conservation efforts. Her love of birds started early, accompanying her father, an avid amateur avian photographer, on long walks in nature on the East Coast\u00a0where she grew up.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Brett Eaton” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Brett-Eaton-200×200-headshot.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about 10 years ago he quickly became more interested in the comings and goings of our feathered friends. As a person that thrives on building and existing in community, he began searching for the community of birds, finding Birds Connect Seattle in 2021. He has found joy in showing people the special aspects of birds that are right under their noses. Through these experiences he has seen firsthand the importance of conservation.\u00a0 At the beginning of 2022, he joined the NextGen Council and that’s when community building really took off. Between leading Neighborhood Bird Outings, helping to plan Beers for Birds trivia nights, and anything else BCS wanted him to do, Brett quickly found his place in the loving, growing, and joy-bringing community of Birds Connect Seattle.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Anthony Floyd” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Dr-Anthony-Floyd.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nAnthony is a Research Associate Professor at the University of Washington. For over 20 years, he has helped lead numerous studies on substance use disorder treatment, much of that related to opioid use disorder. In addition to being a community theater actor and avid photographer, Anthony is also an aspiring birder building a portfolio of photos of local birds which he shares with his friends and family. He holds a doctorate in Sociology from Stanford University.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Derek Hermsen” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Derek-Hermsen-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAs a child, watching hungry, boisterous Glaucous-winged\u00a0<\/span><\/span>G<\/span>ulls on Seattle\u2019s waterfront while waiting for the Bainbridge ferry may have sparked Derek\u2019s love of birds. The songs of White-crowned Sparrows and California Quail still bring back memories of growing up on Cougar Mountain, though a lingering mistrust of\u00a0<\/span><\/span>crows<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>dates to an on-campus incident as an\u00a0<\/span><\/span>undergrad<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>at UW. Birding has always been present, but it deepened in his 40s when long walks with his wife through the Montlake Fill became routine in 2020\u2014soon followed by quality optics and guided birding trips abroad. Derek also enjoys scuba diving with his son, serving as a naturalist with beachgoers at low tide, and representing commercial tenants as a real estate broker from his Seattle waterfront office\u2014where birding occasionally overlaps with work.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>His favorite bird is the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>P<\/span>igeon\u00a0<\/span><\/span>G<\/span>uillemot, and he is nearing 600\u00a0<\/span><\/span>lifers<\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Andres Hiltbrunner” position=”Treasurer” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Andres-Hiltbrunner_SA-Board-Headshot-e1663614105818.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAndres has lived in the Pacific Northwest off-and-on since 2006. He is a finance professional, having recently left a 15-year career at Amazon where he led teams focused on global cash management and banking infrastructure. Andres discovered both birding and livable, walkable cities while living temporarily in Europe, and is excited to be on the board to help sustain and defend those things here at home. When not in front of a computer, he enjoys hiking with his dog, and baking.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Kathy Kaplan” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Kathy-Kaplan-headshot-200×200-1-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nKathy got into birding about four years ago and hasn’t looked back. She loves that birding is such an accessible way to enjoy wildlife and nature, and that it forces you to slow down to look at little details. Joining BCS a couple of years ago, Kathy loved the sense of community found during bird walks, field trips, and classes. Kathy is a nurse navigator at Fred Hutch with a master’s in clinical education. Health equity and wildlife conservation are two passions that go hand in hand for Kathy. She is excited to join the Board to help bring the benefits that birding brings to more people, especially in underserved communities, while encouraging more people to preserve and protect our birds and their habitats around the Puget Sound. When not birding or working, you can find her partaking in ecotourism around the world, listening to live music, walking her dog, or being a total nerd by doing things like reading, playing board games, or watching LOTR.<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jim Kelly” position=”Vice President” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Jim-Kelly-200×200-Board-Headshot.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nA lifelong resident of the great Pacific Northwest and UW graduate, Jim is an environmental lawyer currently employed as the Global Environment Director at Jacobs Solutions, a Fortune 500 construction and engineering company. Although a novice birder, he considers himself a bird advocate and aspires to leave the world a better place than he found it.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Andrew Larsen” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Andrew-Larsen-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAndrew (he\/him) grew up in Montana, but after attending school at Pacific Lutheran University he has called the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>PNW<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>his home. Andrew has served in the Peace\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Corps and<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>as a human rights activist. Currently he works as an ordained minister and deacon of the Lutheran\u00a0<\/span><\/span>church<\/span>. Birding has been a way to feel connected to the natural world, his community, and his family. His favorite bird is the Northern Shoveler. In addition to birding, Andrew enjoys board games, hiking, D&D, and creating art.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”mari lopez gonzalez” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/mari-lopez-gonzales-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nmari has always been grounded (ironically) by the birds flying overhead from the arid mountainous land of durango, the great plains bordering Lake Michigan in Chicago, then to the bright and expansive deserts of<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Phoenix, and now in the soft wet soil of Seattle. Currently, mari works as a Program Manager at Villa Comunitaria, volunteers in land restoration and bickers with the crows. Among their lived experience, mari carries with them many-a-lesson from their master’s work in organizational change, heaps of practice from their experience in big four consulting and is now is thrilled to expand their creativity in the work alongside the heart-warming folks of Birds Connect Seattle. <\/span>If mari is not birding, they are watching stand up, tending to their plants, or making dumb jokes and even sillier puns.<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Maggie Macdonald” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Maggie-Macdonald-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nMaggie grew up listening to the calls of Common Loons and Belted Kingfishers over Case Inlet in the south Puget Sound, where her family instilled in her a lifelong dedication to volunteerism, community engagement, and conservation. An enthusiastic birder for the past decade, she served on the Classes Committee prior to joining the Board. Her career blends operations and legal leadership in the technology and public relations sectors, complemented by certificates in both nonprofit management and grant writing. Maggie studied English Literature at Western Washington University before meeting her husband in photography school at Photographic Center NW. She totes her binoculars to far-flung destinations around the world and across the Salish Sea on her sailboat,\u00a0Ukiyo.<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Melissa Mark” position=”President” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Melissa-Mark_Headshot-200×200-website.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nMelissa is an avian ecologist and educator who believes in centering the needs of all community members, both human and non-human. She is the daughter of a first-generation Peruvian mother and an Anglo-American father and holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution. Melissa worked for many years in Latin America in scientific and community projects, and taught ecology and birding basics to a broad audience. Currently, she leads a fellowship program for undergraduates who hold identities historically excluded from conservation that supports them in growing a more just and equitable field. She is excited to work with Birds Connect Seattle in support of thriving habitats for both birds and people. Beyond birding, she loves cooking, dancing, exploring the natural world, and spending time with her family.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Paul Meijer” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/paul_meijer_web_200x200.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nPaul is a long-time Seattle resident and a life-long birder. Originally trained as a research scientist, he has spent the last two decades working in software technology, most recently in green tech and health and life sciences. Paul believes that celebrating birds in an urban setting can be a powerful motivator for people to connect with the natural world and care about its protection and conservation. He has volunteered at Birds Connect Seattle for the Neighborhood Bird Project in Seward Park, the Seattle Bird Collision Monitoring project, and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) awareness campaign. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, he is also a member of the Science Committee. Paul holds a PhD degree in Cognitive Psychology from the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics.\u00a0 When not birding in Seattle, you might find him hiking and exploring the beautiful nature of the greater Pacific Northwest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Sara Rocero” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sara-Rocero-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nHailing from the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Sara found her calling amidst the towering trees and meandering streams. As a dedicated restoration ecologist with a local conservation district, Sara is deeply passionate about preserving and revitalizing natural habitats for wildlife. Equipped with a degree in Environmental Studies, a minor in restoration ecology, and years of hands-on experience, Sara directs her work towards the protection and enhancement of biodiversity in her communities. Her passion for birds came later in life after taking an ecology class at UW Bothell. Sara finds solace with binoculars in hand and an ear attuned to the symphony of the avian world. For Sara, every outing is an opportunity to deepen her connection with nature and sharpen her skills in identifying species by their distinct calls\u2014a journey of continuous learning and discovery.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Christine (Chris) Lefkarites White” position=”Secretary” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Christine-White-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”||27px|||”]<\/p>\nChris was raised in a vibrant, nature-revering Greek\/Cypriot household in NYC where she cut her birding \u201cchops\u201d on the backyard birdsong of jays, sparrows, starlings, and cardinals. She earned a BA in Sociology from CUNY at Queens College and an MPP from the University of Chicago. In 1994, she and her husband set roots in Seattle and raised a family of humans and canines, alike. She brings to BCS\u2019s board a career of governmental and nonprofit service in support of healthy communities, equitable access to opportunities, and the strategic stewardship of resources. Birding binoculars are Chris\u2019s \u201cfifth limb.\u201d She loves pickleball and knitting and is an avid cruciverbalist and hockey fan.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_blurb title=”Bylaws” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Birds-Connect-Seattle-Bylaws_11.14.2024.pdf”<\/a>; link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nLearn about the governance of Birds Connect Seattle in the organizational bylaws<\/a>, overseen by the Board of Directors.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Committee Leadership” url=”mailto:volunteerc@seattleaudubon.rg” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nIn addition to the Board of Directors, Birds Connect Seattle has several program committees that support our organization’s mission. If you are interested in learning more about different committee roles, please send a message to volunteer@birdsconnectsea.org<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. They help to accomplish our mission\u00a0to advocate and organize for cities where people and birds thrive,\u00a0through a set of shared values that underline our vision of\u00a0a healthy environment in balance, where people enjoy, respect and care for our urban community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787268,"featured_media":33166,"parent":202,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"About Us\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(255,255,255,0.7)\" text_border_radius=\"0px\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" background_layout=\"light\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\"]Seattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\n\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"2_3\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]Our Mission<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\nOur Vision<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon envisions cities that integrate and value nature, minimize threats to birds, and protect habitat.<\/p>\nOur Values<\/h2>\nWe are a community of passionate, talented, and unique individuals, and our service is Seattle Audubon's most valuable resource. As a staff-run and volunteer-powered organization, we value:<\/p>\nInspiration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Birds inspire and inform conservation in a unique and powerful way.<\/p>\nInterconnectedness.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The health of birds and their habitats is tied to human health.<\/p>\nEquity and Inclusion.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Equity and inclusion are necessary to acheive our mission.<\/p>\nDiversity.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Diverse perspectives strengthen our understanding of birds, our community, and the environment.<\/p>\nHumility.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The are infinite ways to experience and enjoy birds and nature respectfully.<\/p>\nCollaboration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>We are most successful when we collaborate within and outside the organization.<\/p>\nScience.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Our policies and programs must be informed by science.<\/p>\nPrograms<\/h2>\nClick below for information on how you can get involved!<\/em><\/p>\n\nConservation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nEducation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nScience\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nStrategic Plan<\/h2>\n\n<\/ul>\nThe Seattle Audubon Board of Directors approved a new 2020-2023 strategic plan on June 11, 2020, released to the general public in July 2020. This plan, Cities at the Center, focuses the organization on five goals within three core themes: urban conservation, equity, and resilience.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/429516911\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" thumbnail_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.6)\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"1_3\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-485","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nBoard of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Board of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. They help to accomplish our mission\u00a0to advocate and organize for cities where people and birds thrive,\u00a0through a set of shared values that underline our vision of\u00a0a healthy environment in balance, where people enjoy, respect and care for our urban community.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/seattleaudubon\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-17T15:08:59+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/BCS-Board-of-Directors-March-2026-1024x768.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"768\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@seattleaudubon\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\",\"name\":\"Board of Directors - 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Brett-Eaton-200×200-headshot.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nBrett has been a lifelong resident of the Pacific Northwest and has been in Ballard for the last 11 years. After a brief, yet life altering, experience with a Rufous Hummingbird on a spring day about 10 years ago he quickly became more interested in the comings and goings of our feathered friends. As a person that thrives on building and existing in community, he began searching for the community of birds, finding Birds Connect Seattle in 2021. He has found joy in showing people the special aspects of birds that are right under their noses. Through these experiences he has seen firsthand the importance of conservation.\u00a0 At the beginning of 2022, he joined the NextGen Council and that’s when community building really took off. Between leading Neighborhood Bird Outings, helping to plan Beers for Birds trivia nights, and anything else BCS wanted him to do, Brett quickly found his place in the loving, growing, and joy-bringing community of Birds Connect Seattle.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Anthony Floyd” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Dr-Anthony-Floyd.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nAnthony is a Research Associate Professor at the University of Washington. For over 20 years, he has helped lead numerous studies on substance use disorder treatment, much of that related to opioid use disorder. In addition to being a community theater actor and avid photographer, Anthony is also an aspiring birder building a portfolio of photos of local birds which he shares with his friends and family. He holds a doctorate in Sociology from Stanford University.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Derek Hermsen” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Derek-Hermsen-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAs a child, watching hungry, boisterous Glaucous-winged\u00a0<\/span><\/span>G<\/span>ulls on Seattle\u2019s waterfront while waiting for the Bainbridge ferry may have sparked Derek\u2019s love of birds. The songs of White-crowned Sparrows and California Quail still bring back memories of growing up on Cougar Mountain, though a lingering mistrust of\u00a0<\/span><\/span>crows<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>dates to an on-campus incident as an\u00a0<\/span><\/span>undergrad<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>at UW. Birding has always been present, but it deepened in his 40s when long walks with his wife through the Montlake Fill became routine in 2020\u2014soon followed by quality optics and guided birding trips abroad. Derek also enjoys scuba diving with his son, serving as a naturalist with beachgoers at low tide, and representing commercial tenants as a real estate broker from his Seattle waterfront office\u2014where birding occasionally overlaps with work.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>His favorite bird is the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>P<\/span>igeon\u00a0<\/span><\/span>G<\/span>uillemot, and he is nearing 600\u00a0<\/span><\/span>lifers<\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Andres Hiltbrunner” position=”Treasurer” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Andres-Hiltbrunner_SA-Board-Headshot-e1663614105818.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAndres has lived in the Pacific Northwest off-and-on since 2006. He is a finance professional, having recently left a 15-year career at Amazon where he led teams focused on global cash management and banking infrastructure. Andres discovered both birding and livable, walkable cities while living temporarily in Europe, and is excited to be on the board to help sustain and defend those things here at home. When not in front of a computer, he enjoys hiking with his dog, and baking.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Kathy Kaplan” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Kathy-Kaplan-headshot-200×200-1-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nKathy got into birding about four years ago and hasn’t looked back. She loves that birding is such an accessible way to enjoy wildlife and nature, and that it forces you to slow down to look at little details. Joining BCS a couple of years ago, Kathy loved the sense of community found during bird walks, field trips, and classes. Kathy is a nurse navigator at Fred Hutch with a master’s in clinical education. Health equity and wildlife conservation are two passions that go hand in hand for Kathy. She is excited to join the Board to help bring the benefits that birding brings to more people, especially in underserved communities, while encouraging more people to preserve and protect our birds and their habitats around the Puget Sound. When not birding or working, you can find her partaking in ecotourism around the world, listening to live music, walking her dog, or being a total nerd by doing things like reading, playing board games, or watching LOTR.<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jim Kelly” position=”Vice President” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Jim-Kelly-200×200-Board-Headshot.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nA lifelong resident of the great Pacific Northwest and UW graduate, Jim is an environmental lawyer currently employed as the Global Environment Director at Jacobs Solutions, a Fortune 500 construction and engineering company. Although a novice birder, he considers himself a bird advocate and aspires to leave the world a better place than he found it.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Andrew Larsen” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Andrew-Larsen-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAndrew (he\/him) grew up in Montana, but after attending school at Pacific Lutheran University he has called the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>PNW<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>his home. Andrew has served in the Peace\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Corps and<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>as a human rights activist. Currently he works as an ordained minister and deacon of the Lutheran\u00a0<\/span><\/span>church<\/span>. Birding has been a way to feel connected to the natural world, his community, and his family. His favorite bird is the Northern Shoveler. In addition to birding, Andrew enjoys board games, hiking, D&D, and creating art.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”mari lopez gonzalez” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/mari-lopez-gonzales-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nmari has always been grounded (ironically) by the birds flying overhead from the arid mountainous land of durango, the great plains bordering Lake Michigan in Chicago, then to the bright and expansive deserts of<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Phoenix, and now in the soft wet soil of Seattle. Currently, mari works as a Program Manager at Villa Comunitaria, volunteers in land restoration and bickers with the crows. Among their lived experience, mari carries with them many-a-lesson from their master’s work in organizational change, heaps of practice from their experience in big four consulting and is now is thrilled to expand their creativity in the work alongside the heart-warming folks of Birds Connect Seattle. <\/span>If mari is not birding, they are watching stand up, tending to their plants, or making dumb jokes and even sillier puns.<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Maggie Macdonald” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Maggie-Macdonald-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nMaggie grew up listening to the calls of Common Loons and Belted Kingfishers over Case Inlet in the south Puget Sound, where her family instilled in her a lifelong dedication to volunteerism, community engagement, and conservation. An enthusiastic birder for the past decade, she served on the Classes Committee prior to joining the Board. Her career blends operations and legal leadership in the technology and public relations sectors, complemented by certificates in both nonprofit management and grant writing. Maggie studied English Literature at Western Washington University before meeting her husband in photography school at Photographic Center NW. She totes her binoculars to far-flung destinations around the world and across the Salish Sea on her sailboat,\u00a0Ukiyo.<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Melissa Mark” position=”President” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Melissa-Mark_Headshot-200×200-website.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nMelissa is an avian ecologist and educator who believes in centering the needs of all community members, both human and non-human. She is the daughter of a first-generation Peruvian mother and an Anglo-American father and holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution. Melissa worked for many years in Latin America in scientific and community projects, and taught ecology and birding basics to a broad audience. Currently, she leads a fellowship program for undergraduates who hold identities historically excluded from conservation that supports them in growing a more just and equitable field. She is excited to work with Birds Connect Seattle in support of thriving habitats for both birds and people. Beyond birding, she loves cooking, dancing, exploring the natural world, and spending time with her family.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Paul Meijer” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/paul_meijer_web_200x200.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nPaul is a long-time Seattle resident and a life-long birder. Originally trained as a research scientist, he has spent the last two decades working in software technology, most recently in green tech and health and life sciences. Paul believes that celebrating birds in an urban setting can be a powerful motivator for people to connect with the natural world and care about its protection and conservation. He has volunteered at Birds Connect Seattle for the Neighborhood Bird Project in Seward Park, the Seattle Bird Collision Monitoring project, and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) awareness campaign. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, he is also a member of the Science Committee. Paul holds a PhD degree in Cognitive Psychology from the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics.\u00a0 When not birding in Seattle, you might find him hiking and exploring the beautiful nature of the greater Pacific Northwest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Sara Rocero” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sara-Rocero-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nHailing from the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Sara found her calling amidst the towering trees and meandering streams. As a dedicated restoration ecologist with a local conservation district, Sara is deeply passionate about preserving and revitalizing natural habitats for wildlife. Equipped with a degree in Environmental Studies, a minor in restoration ecology, and years of hands-on experience, Sara directs her work towards the protection and enhancement of biodiversity in her communities. Her passion for birds came later in life after taking an ecology class at UW Bothell. Sara finds solace with binoculars in hand and an ear attuned to the symphony of the avian world. For Sara, every outing is an opportunity to deepen her connection with nature and sharpen her skills in identifying species by their distinct calls\u2014a journey of continuous learning and discovery.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Christine (Chris) Lefkarites White” position=”Secretary” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Christine-White-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”||27px|||”]<\/p>\nChris was raised in a vibrant, nature-revering Greek\/Cypriot household in NYC where she cut her birding \u201cchops\u201d on the backyard birdsong of jays, sparrows, starlings, and cardinals. She earned a BA in Sociology from CUNY at Queens College and an MPP from the University of Chicago. In 1994, she and her husband set roots in Seattle and raised a family of humans and canines, alike. She brings to BCS\u2019s board a career of governmental and nonprofit service in support of healthy communities, equitable access to opportunities, and the strategic stewardship of resources. Birding binoculars are Chris\u2019s \u201cfifth limb.\u201d She loves pickleball and knitting and is an avid cruciverbalist and hockey fan.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_blurb title=”Bylaws” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Birds-Connect-Seattle-Bylaws_11.14.2024.pdf”<\/a>; link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nLearn about the governance of Birds Connect Seattle in the organizational bylaws<\/a>, overseen by the Board of Directors.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Committee Leadership” url=”mailto:volunteerc@seattleaudubon.rg” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nIn addition to the Board of Directors, Birds Connect Seattle has several program committees that support our organization’s mission. If you are interested in learning more about different committee roles, please send a message to volunteer@birdsconnectsea.org<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. They help to accomplish our mission\u00a0to advocate and organize for cities where people and birds thrive,\u00a0through a set of shared values that underline our vision of\u00a0a healthy environment in balance, where people enjoy, respect and care for our urban community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787268,"featured_media":33166,"parent":202,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"About Us\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(255,255,255,0.7)\" text_border_radius=\"0px\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" background_layout=\"light\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\"]Seattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\n\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"2_3\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]Our Mission<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\nOur Vision<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon envisions cities that integrate and value nature, minimize threats to birds, and protect habitat.<\/p>\nOur Values<\/h2>\nWe are a community of passionate, talented, and unique individuals, and our service is Seattle Audubon's most valuable resource. As a staff-run and volunteer-powered organization, we value:<\/p>\nInspiration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Birds inspire and inform conservation in a unique and powerful way.<\/p>\nInterconnectedness.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The health of birds and their habitats is tied to human health.<\/p>\nEquity and Inclusion.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Equity and inclusion are necessary to acheive our mission.<\/p>\nDiversity.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Diverse perspectives strengthen our understanding of birds, our community, and the environment.<\/p>\nHumility.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The are infinite ways to experience and enjoy birds and nature respectfully.<\/p>\nCollaboration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>We are most successful when we collaborate within and outside the organization.<\/p>\nScience.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Our policies and programs must be informed by science.<\/p>\nPrograms<\/h2>\nClick below for information on how you can get involved!<\/em><\/p>\n\nConservation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nEducation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nScience\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nStrategic Plan<\/h2>\n\n<\/ul>\nThe Seattle Audubon Board of Directors approved a new 2020-2023 strategic plan on June 11, 2020, released to the general public in July 2020. This plan, Cities at the Center, focuses the organization on five goals within three core themes: urban conservation, equity, and resilience.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/429516911\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" thumbnail_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.6)\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"1_3\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-485","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nBoard of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Board of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/Dr-Anthony-Floyd.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nAnthony is a Research Associate Professor at the University of Washington. For over 20 years, he has helped lead numerous studies on substance use disorder treatment, much of that related to opioid use disorder. In addition to being a community theater actor and avid photographer, Anthony is also an aspiring birder building a portfolio of photos of local birds which he shares with his friends and family. He holds a doctorate in Sociology from Stanford University.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Derek Hermsen” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Derek-Hermsen-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAs a child, watching hungry, boisterous Glaucous-winged\u00a0<\/span><\/span>G<\/span>ulls on Seattle\u2019s waterfront while waiting for the Bainbridge ferry may have sparked Derek\u2019s love of birds. The songs of White-crowned Sparrows and California Quail still bring back memories of growing up on Cougar Mountain, though a lingering mistrust of\u00a0<\/span><\/span>crows<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>dates to an on-campus incident as an\u00a0<\/span><\/span>undergrad<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>at UW. Birding has always been present, but it deepened in his 40s when long walks with his wife through the Montlake Fill became routine in 2020\u2014soon followed by quality optics and guided birding trips abroad. Derek also enjoys scuba diving with his son, serving as a naturalist with beachgoers at low tide, and representing commercial tenants as a real estate broker from his Seattle waterfront office\u2014where birding occasionally overlaps with work.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>His favorite bird is the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>P<\/span>igeon\u00a0<\/span><\/span>G<\/span>uillemot, and he is nearing 600\u00a0<\/span><\/span>lifers<\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Andres Hiltbrunner” position=”Treasurer” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Andres-Hiltbrunner_SA-Board-Headshot-e1663614105818.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAndres has lived in the Pacific Northwest off-and-on since 2006. He is a finance professional, having recently left a 15-year career at Amazon where he led teams focused on global cash management and banking infrastructure. Andres discovered both birding and livable, walkable cities while living temporarily in Europe, and is excited to be on the board to help sustain and defend those things here at home. When not in front of a computer, he enjoys hiking with his dog, and baking.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Kathy Kaplan” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Kathy-Kaplan-headshot-200×200-1-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nKathy got into birding about four years ago and hasn’t looked back. She loves that birding is such an accessible way to enjoy wildlife and nature, and that it forces you to slow down to look at little details. Joining BCS a couple of years ago, Kathy loved the sense of community found during bird walks, field trips, and classes. Kathy is a nurse navigator at Fred Hutch with a master’s in clinical education. Health equity and wildlife conservation are two passions that go hand in hand for Kathy. She is excited to join the Board to help bring the benefits that birding brings to more people, especially in underserved communities, while encouraging more people to preserve and protect our birds and their habitats around the Puget Sound. When not birding or working, you can find her partaking in ecotourism around the world, listening to live music, walking her dog, or being a total nerd by doing things like reading, playing board games, or watching LOTR.<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jim Kelly” position=”Vice President” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Jim-Kelly-200×200-Board-Headshot.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nA lifelong resident of the great Pacific Northwest and UW graduate, Jim is an environmental lawyer currently employed as the Global Environment Director at Jacobs Solutions, a Fortune 500 construction and engineering company. Although a novice birder, he considers himself a bird advocate and aspires to leave the world a better place than he found it.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Andrew Larsen” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Andrew-Larsen-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAndrew (he\/him) grew up in Montana, but after attending school at Pacific Lutheran University he has called the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>PNW<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>his home. Andrew has served in the Peace\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Corps and<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>as a human rights activist. Currently he works as an ordained minister and deacon of the Lutheran\u00a0<\/span><\/span>church<\/span>. Birding has been a way to feel connected to the natural world, his community, and his family. His favorite bird is the Northern Shoveler. In addition to birding, Andrew enjoys board games, hiking, D&D, and creating art.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”mari lopez gonzalez” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/mari-lopez-gonzales-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nmari has always been grounded (ironically) by the birds flying overhead from the arid mountainous land of durango, the great plains bordering Lake Michigan in Chicago, then to the bright and expansive deserts of<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Phoenix, and now in the soft wet soil of Seattle. Currently, mari works as a Program Manager at Villa Comunitaria, volunteers in land restoration and bickers with the crows. Among their lived experience, mari carries with them many-a-lesson from their master’s work in organizational change, heaps of practice from their experience in big four consulting and is now is thrilled to expand their creativity in the work alongside the heart-warming folks of Birds Connect Seattle. <\/span>If mari is not birding, they are watching stand up, tending to their plants, or making dumb jokes and even sillier puns.<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Maggie Macdonald” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Maggie-Macdonald-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nMaggie grew up listening to the calls of Common Loons and Belted Kingfishers over Case Inlet in the south Puget Sound, where her family instilled in her a lifelong dedication to volunteerism, community engagement, and conservation. An enthusiastic birder for the past decade, she served on the Classes Committee prior to joining the Board. Her career blends operations and legal leadership in the technology and public relations sectors, complemented by certificates in both nonprofit management and grant writing. Maggie studied English Literature at Western Washington University before meeting her husband in photography school at Photographic Center NW. She totes her binoculars to far-flung destinations around the world and across the Salish Sea on her sailboat,\u00a0Ukiyo.<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Melissa Mark” position=”President” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Melissa-Mark_Headshot-200×200-website.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nMelissa is an avian ecologist and educator who believes in centering the needs of all community members, both human and non-human. She is the daughter of a first-generation Peruvian mother and an Anglo-American father and holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution. Melissa worked for many years in Latin America in scientific and community projects, and taught ecology and birding basics to a broad audience. Currently, she leads a fellowship program for undergraduates who hold identities historically excluded from conservation that supports them in growing a more just and equitable field. She is excited to work with Birds Connect Seattle in support of thriving habitats for both birds and people. Beyond birding, she loves cooking, dancing, exploring the natural world, and spending time with her family.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Paul Meijer” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/paul_meijer_web_200x200.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nPaul is a long-time Seattle resident and a life-long birder. Originally trained as a research scientist, he has spent the last two decades working in software technology, most recently in green tech and health and life sciences. Paul believes that celebrating birds in an urban setting can be a powerful motivator for people to connect with the natural world and care about its protection and conservation. He has volunteered at Birds Connect Seattle for the Neighborhood Bird Project in Seward Park, the Seattle Bird Collision Monitoring project, and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) awareness campaign. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, he is also a member of the Science Committee. Paul holds a PhD degree in Cognitive Psychology from the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics.\u00a0 When not birding in Seattle, you might find him hiking and exploring the beautiful nature of the greater Pacific Northwest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Sara Rocero” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sara-Rocero-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nHailing from the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Sara found her calling amidst the towering trees and meandering streams. As a dedicated restoration ecologist with a local conservation district, Sara is deeply passionate about preserving and revitalizing natural habitats for wildlife. Equipped with a degree in Environmental Studies, a minor in restoration ecology, and years of hands-on experience, Sara directs her work towards the protection and enhancement of biodiversity in her communities. Her passion for birds came later in life after taking an ecology class at UW Bothell. Sara finds solace with binoculars in hand and an ear attuned to the symphony of the avian world. For Sara, every outing is an opportunity to deepen her connection with nature and sharpen her skills in identifying species by their distinct calls\u2014a journey of continuous learning and discovery.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Christine (Chris) Lefkarites White” position=”Secretary” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Christine-White-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”||27px|||”]<\/p>\nChris was raised in a vibrant, nature-revering Greek\/Cypriot household in NYC where she cut her birding \u201cchops\u201d on the backyard birdsong of jays, sparrows, starlings, and cardinals. She earned a BA in Sociology from CUNY at Queens College and an MPP from the University of Chicago. In 1994, she and her husband set roots in Seattle and raised a family of humans and canines, alike. She brings to BCS\u2019s board a career of governmental and nonprofit service in support of healthy communities, equitable access to opportunities, and the strategic stewardship of resources. Birding binoculars are Chris\u2019s \u201cfifth limb.\u201d She loves pickleball and knitting and is an avid cruciverbalist and hockey fan.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_blurb title=”Bylaws” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Birds-Connect-Seattle-Bylaws_11.14.2024.pdf”<\/a>; link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nLearn about the governance of Birds Connect Seattle in the organizational bylaws<\/a>, overseen by the Board of Directors.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Committee Leadership” url=”mailto:volunteerc@seattleaudubon.rg” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nIn addition to the Board of Directors, Birds Connect Seattle has several program committees that support our organization’s mission. If you are interested in learning more about different committee roles, please send a message to volunteer@birdsconnectsea.org<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. They help to accomplish our mission\u00a0to advocate and organize for cities where people and birds thrive,\u00a0through a set of shared values that underline our vision of\u00a0a healthy environment in balance, where people enjoy, respect and care for our urban community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787268,"featured_media":33166,"parent":202,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"About Us\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(255,255,255,0.7)\" text_border_radius=\"0px\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" background_layout=\"light\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\"]Seattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\n\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"2_3\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]Our Mission<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\nOur Vision<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon envisions cities that integrate and value nature, minimize threats to birds, and protect habitat.<\/p>\nOur Values<\/h2>\nWe are a community of passionate, talented, and unique individuals, and our service is Seattle Audubon's most valuable resource. As a staff-run and volunteer-powered organization, we value:<\/p>\nInspiration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Birds inspire and inform conservation in a unique and powerful way.<\/p>\nInterconnectedness.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The health of birds and their habitats is tied to human health.<\/p>\nEquity and Inclusion.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Equity and inclusion are necessary to acheive our mission.<\/p>\nDiversity.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Diverse perspectives strengthen our understanding of birds, our community, and the environment.<\/p>\nHumility.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The are infinite ways to experience and enjoy birds and nature respectfully.<\/p>\nCollaboration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>We are most successful when we collaborate within and outside the organization.<\/p>\nScience.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Our policies and programs must be informed by science.<\/p>\nPrograms<\/h2>\nClick below for information on how you can get involved!<\/em><\/p>\n\nConservation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nEducation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nScience\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nStrategic Plan<\/h2>\n\n<\/ul>\nThe Seattle Audubon Board of Directors approved a new 2020-2023 strategic plan on June 11, 2020, released to the general public in July 2020. This plan, Cities at the Center, focuses the organization on five goals within three core themes: urban conservation, equity, and resilience.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/429516911\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" thumbnail_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.6)\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"1_3\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-485","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nBoard of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Board of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. They help to accomplish our mission\u00a0to advocate and organize for cities where people and birds thrive,\u00a0through a set of shared values that underline our vision of\u00a0a healthy environment in balance, where people enjoy, respect and care for our urban community.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/seattleaudubon\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-17T15:08:59+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/BCS-Board-of-Directors-March-2026-1024x768.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"768\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@seattleaudubon\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\",\"name\":\"Board of Directors - 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Derek-Hermsen-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAs a child, watching hungry, boisterous Glaucous-winged\u00a0<\/span><\/span>G<\/span>ulls on Seattle\u2019s waterfront while waiting for the Bainbridge ferry may have sparked Derek\u2019s love of birds. The songs of White-crowned Sparrows and California Quail still bring back memories of growing up on Cougar Mountain, though a lingering mistrust of\u00a0<\/span><\/span>crows<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>dates to an on-campus incident as an\u00a0<\/span><\/span>undergrad<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>at UW. Birding has always been present, but it deepened in his 40s when long walks with his wife through the Montlake Fill became routine in 2020\u2014soon followed by quality optics and guided birding trips abroad. Derek also enjoys scuba diving with his son, serving as a naturalist with beachgoers at low tide, and representing commercial tenants as a real estate broker from his Seattle waterfront office\u2014where birding occasionally overlaps with work.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>His favorite bird is the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>P<\/span>igeon\u00a0<\/span><\/span>G<\/span>uillemot, and he is nearing 600\u00a0<\/span><\/span>lifers<\/span>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Andres Hiltbrunner” position=”Treasurer” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Andres-Hiltbrunner_SA-Board-Headshot-e1663614105818.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAndres has lived in the Pacific Northwest off-and-on since 2006. He is a finance professional, having recently left a 15-year career at Amazon where he led teams focused on global cash management and banking infrastructure. Andres discovered both birding and livable, walkable cities while living temporarily in Europe, and is excited to be on the board to help sustain and defend those things here at home. When not in front of a computer, he enjoys hiking with his dog, and baking.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Kathy Kaplan” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Kathy-Kaplan-headshot-200×200-1-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nKathy got into birding about four years ago and hasn’t looked back. She loves that birding is such an accessible way to enjoy wildlife and nature, and that it forces you to slow down to look at little details. Joining BCS a couple of years ago, Kathy loved the sense of community found during bird walks, field trips, and classes. Kathy is a nurse navigator at Fred Hutch with a master’s in clinical education. Health equity and wildlife conservation are two passions that go hand in hand for Kathy. She is excited to join the Board to help bring the benefits that birding brings to more people, especially in underserved communities, while encouraging more people to preserve and protect our birds and their habitats around the Puget Sound. When not birding or working, you can find her partaking in ecotourism around the world, listening to live music, walking her dog, or being a total nerd by doing things like reading, playing board games, or watching LOTR.<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jim Kelly” position=”Vice President” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Jim-Kelly-200×200-Board-Headshot.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nA lifelong resident of the great Pacific Northwest and UW graduate, Jim is an environmental lawyer currently employed as the Global Environment Director at Jacobs Solutions, a Fortune 500 construction and engineering company. Although a novice birder, he considers himself a bird advocate and aspires to leave the world a better place than he found it.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Andrew Larsen” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Andrew-Larsen-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAndrew (he\/him) grew up in Montana, but after attending school at Pacific Lutheran University he has called the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>PNW<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>his home. Andrew has served in the Peace\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Corps and<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>as a human rights activist. Currently he works as an ordained minister and deacon of the Lutheran\u00a0<\/span><\/span>church<\/span>. Birding has been a way to feel connected to the natural world, his community, and his family. His favorite bird is the Northern Shoveler. In addition to birding, Andrew enjoys board games, hiking, D&D, and creating art.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”mari lopez gonzalez” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/mari-lopez-gonzales-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nmari has always been grounded (ironically) by the birds flying overhead from the arid mountainous land of durango, the great plains bordering Lake Michigan in Chicago, then to the bright and expansive deserts of<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Phoenix, and now in the soft wet soil of Seattle. Currently, mari works as a Program Manager at Villa Comunitaria, volunteers in land restoration and bickers with the crows. Among their lived experience, mari carries with them many-a-lesson from their master’s work in organizational change, heaps of practice from their experience in big four consulting and is now is thrilled to expand their creativity in the work alongside the heart-warming folks of Birds Connect Seattle. <\/span>If mari is not birding, they are watching stand up, tending to their plants, or making dumb jokes and even sillier puns.<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Maggie Macdonald” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Maggie-Macdonald-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nMaggie grew up listening to the calls of Common Loons and Belted Kingfishers over Case Inlet in the south Puget Sound, where her family instilled in her a lifelong dedication to volunteerism, community engagement, and conservation. An enthusiastic birder for the past decade, she served on the Classes Committee prior to joining the Board. Her career blends operations and legal leadership in the technology and public relations sectors, complemented by certificates in both nonprofit management and grant writing. Maggie studied English Literature at Western Washington University before meeting her husband in photography school at Photographic Center NW. She totes her binoculars to far-flung destinations around the world and across the Salish Sea on her sailboat,\u00a0Ukiyo.<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Melissa Mark” position=”President” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Melissa-Mark_Headshot-200×200-website.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nMelissa is an avian ecologist and educator who believes in centering the needs of all community members, both human and non-human. She is the daughter of a first-generation Peruvian mother and an Anglo-American father and holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution. Melissa worked for many years in Latin America in scientific and community projects, and taught ecology and birding basics to a broad audience. Currently, she leads a fellowship program for undergraduates who hold identities historically excluded from conservation that supports them in growing a more just and equitable field. She is excited to work with Birds Connect Seattle in support of thriving habitats for both birds and people. Beyond birding, she loves cooking, dancing, exploring the natural world, and spending time with her family.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Paul Meijer” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/paul_meijer_web_200x200.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nPaul is a long-time Seattle resident and a life-long birder. Originally trained as a research scientist, he has spent the last two decades working in software technology, most recently in green tech and health and life sciences. Paul believes that celebrating birds in an urban setting can be a powerful motivator for people to connect with the natural world and care about its protection and conservation. He has volunteered at Birds Connect Seattle for the Neighborhood Bird Project in Seward Park, the Seattle Bird Collision Monitoring project, and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) awareness campaign. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, he is also a member of the Science Committee. Paul holds a PhD degree in Cognitive Psychology from the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics.\u00a0 When not birding in Seattle, you might find him hiking and exploring the beautiful nature of the greater Pacific Northwest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Sara Rocero” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sara-Rocero-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nHailing from the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Sara found her calling amidst the towering trees and meandering streams. As a dedicated restoration ecologist with a local conservation district, Sara is deeply passionate about preserving and revitalizing natural habitats for wildlife. Equipped with a degree in Environmental Studies, a minor in restoration ecology, and years of hands-on experience, Sara directs her work towards the protection and enhancement of biodiversity in her communities. Her passion for birds came later in life after taking an ecology class at UW Bothell. Sara finds solace with binoculars in hand and an ear attuned to the symphony of the avian world. For Sara, every outing is an opportunity to deepen her connection with nature and sharpen her skills in identifying species by their distinct calls\u2014a journey of continuous learning and discovery.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Christine (Chris) Lefkarites White” position=”Secretary” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Christine-White-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”||27px|||”]<\/p>\nChris was raised in a vibrant, nature-revering Greek\/Cypriot household in NYC where she cut her birding \u201cchops\u201d on the backyard birdsong of jays, sparrows, starlings, and cardinals. She earned a BA in Sociology from CUNY at Queens College and an MPP from the University of Chicago. In 1994, she and her husband set roots in Seattle and raised a family of humans and canines, alike. She brings to BCS\u2019s board a career of governmental and nonprofit service in support of healthy communities, equitable access to opportunities, and the strategic stewardship of resources. Birding binoculars are Chris\u2019s \u201cfifth limb.\u201d She loves pickleball and knitting and is an avid cruciverbalist and hockey fan.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_blurb title=”Bylaws” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Birds-Connect-Seattle-Bylaws_11.14.2024.pdf”<\/a>; link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nLearn about the governance of Birds Connect Seattle in the organizational bylaws<\/a>, overseen by the Board of Directors.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Committee Leadership” url=”mailto:volunteerc@seattleaudubon.rg” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nIn addition to the Board of Directors, Birds Connect Seattle has several program committees that support our organization’s mission. If you are interested in learning more about different committee roles, please send a message to volunteer@birdsconnectsea.org<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. They help to accomplish our mission\u00a0to advocate and organize for cities where people and birds thrive,\u00a0through a set of shared values that underline our vision of\u00a0a healthy environment in balance, where people enjoy, respect and care for our urban community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787268,"featured_media":33166,"parent":202,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"About Us\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(255,255,255,0.7)\" text_border_radius=\"0px\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" background_layout=\"light\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\"]Seattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\n\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"2_3\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]Our Mission<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\nOur Vision<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon envisions cities that integrate and value nature, minimize threats to birds, and protect habitat.<\/p>\nOur Values<\/h2>\nWe are a community of passionate, talented, and unique individuals, and our service is Seattle Audubon's most valuable resource. As a staff-run and volunteer-powered organization, we value:<\/p>\nInspiration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Birds inspire and inform conservation in a unique and powerful way.<\/p>\nInterconnectedness.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The health of birds and their habitats is tied to human health.<\/p>\nEquity and Inclusion.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Equity and inclusion are necessary to acheive our mission.<\/p>\nDiversity.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Diverse perspectives strengthen our understanding of birds, our community, and the environment.<\/p>\nHumility.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The are infinite ways to experience and enjoy birds and nature respectfully.<\/p>\nCollaboration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>We are most successful when we collaborate within and outside the organization.<\/p>\nScience.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Our policies and programs must be informed by science.<\/p>\nPrograms<\/h2>\nClick below for information on how you can get involved!<\/em><\/p>\n\nConservation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nEducation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nScience\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nStrategic Plan<\/h2>\n\n<\/ul>\nThe Seattle Audubon Board of Directors approved a new 2020-2023 strategic plan on June 11, 2020, released to the general public in July 2020. This plan, Cities at the Center, focuses the organization on five goals within three core themes: urban conservation, equity, and resilience.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/429516911\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" thumbnail_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.6)\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"1_3\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-485","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nBoard of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Board of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. They help to accomplish our mission\u00a0to advocate and organize for cities where people and birds thrive,\u00a0through a set of shared values that underline our vision of\u00a0a healthy environment in balance, where people enjoy, respect and care for our urban community.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/seattleaudubon\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-17T15:08:59+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/BCS-Board-of-Directors-March-2026-1024x768.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"768\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@seattleaudubon\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\",\"name\":\"Board of Directors - 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/09\/Andres-Hiltbrunner_SA-Board-Headshot-e1663614105818.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAndres has lived in the Pacific Northwest off-and-on since 2006. He is a finance professional, having recently left a 15-year career at Amazon where he led teams focused on global cash management and banking infrastructure. Andres discovered both birding and livable, walkable cities while living temporarily in Europe, and is excited to be on the board to help sustain and defend those things here at home. When not in front of a computer, he enjoys hiking with his dog, and baking.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Kathy Kaplan” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Kathy-Kaplan-headshot-200×200-1-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nKathy got into birding about four years ago and hasn’t looked back. She loves that birding is such an accessible way to enjoy wildlife and nature, and that it forces you to slow down to look at little details. Joining BCS a couple of years ago, Kathy loved the sense of community found during bird walks, field trips, and classes. Kathy is a nurse navigator at Fred Hutch with a master’s in clinical education. Health equity and wildlife conservation are two passions that go hand in hand for Kathy. She is excited to join the Board to help bring the benefits that birding brings to more people, especially in underserved communities, while encouraging more people to preserve and protect our birds and their habitats around the Puget Sound. When not birding or working, you can find her partaking in ecotourism around the world, listening to live music, walking her dog, or being a total nerd by doing things like reading, playing board games, or watching LOTR.<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jim Kelly” position=”Vice President” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Jim-Kelly-200×200-Board-Headshot.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nA lifelong resident of the great Pacific Northwest and UW graduate, Jim is an environmental lawyer currently employed as the Global Environment Director at Jacobs Solutions, a Fortune 500 construction and engineering company. Although a novice birder, he considers himself a bird advocate and aspires to leave the world a better place than he found it.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Andrew Larsen” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Andrew-Larsen-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAndrew (he\/him) grew up in Montana, but after attending school at Pacific Lutheran University he has called the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>PNW<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>his home. Andrew has served in the Peace\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Corps and<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>as a human rights activist. Currently he works as an ordained minister and deacon of the Lutheran\u00a0<\/span><\/span>church<\/span>. Birding has been a way to feel connected to the natural world, his community, and his family. His favorite bird is the Northern Shoveler. In addition to birding, Andrew enjoys board games, hiking, D&D, and creating art.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”mari lopez gonzalez” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/mari-lopez-gonzales-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nmari has always been grounded (ironically) by the birds flying overhead from the arid mountainous land of durango, the great plains bordering Lake Michigan in Chicago, then to the bright and expansive deserts of<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Phoenix, and now in the soft wet soil of Seattle. Currently, mari works as a Program Manager at Villa Comunitaria, volunteers in land restoration and bickers with the crows. Among their lived experience, mari carries with them many-a-lesson from their master’s work in organizational change, heaps of practice from their experience in big four consulting and is now is thrilled to expand their creativity in the work alongside the heart-warming folks of Birds Connect Seattle. <\/span>If mari is not birding, they are watching stand up, tending to their plants, or making dumb jokes and even sillier puns.<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Maggie Macdonald” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Maggie-Macdonald-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nMaggie grew up listening to the calls of Common Loons and Belted Kingfishers over Case Inlet in the south Puget Sound, where her family instilled in her a lifelong dedication to volunteerism, community engagement, and conservation. An enthusiastic birder for the past decade, she served on the Classes Committee prior to joining the Board. Her career blends operations and legal leadership in the technology and public relations sectors, complemented by certificates in both nonprofit management and grant writing. Maggie studied English Literature at Western Washington University before meeting her husband in photography school at Photographic Center NW. She totes her binoculars to far-flung destinations around the world and across the Salish Sea on her sailboat,\u00a0Ukiyo.<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Melissa Mark” position=”President” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Melissa-Mark_Headshot-200×200-website.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nMelissa is an avian ecologist and educator who believes in centering the needs of all community members, both human and non-human. She is the daughter of a first-generation Peruvian mother and an Anglo-American father and holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution. Melissa worked for many years in Latin America in scientific and community projects, and taught ecology and birding basics to a broad audience. Currently, she leads a fellowship program for undergraduates who hold identities historically excluded from conservation that supports them in growing a more just and equitable field. She is excited to work with Birds Connect Seattle in support of thriving habitats for both birds and people. Beyond birding, she loves cooking, dancing, exploring the natural world, and spending time with her family.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Paul Meijer” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/paul_meijer_web_200x200.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nPaul is a long-time Seattle resident and a life-long birder. Originally trained as a research scientist, he has spent the last two decades working in software technology, most recently in green tech and health and life sciences. Paul believes that celebrating birds in an urban setting can be a powerful motivator for people to connect with the natural world and care about its protection and conservation. He has volunteered at Birds Connect Seattle for the Neighborhood Bird Project in Seward Park, the Seattle Bird Collision Monitoring project, and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) awareness campaign. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, he is also a member of the Science Committee. Paul holds a PhD degree in Cognitive Psychology from the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics.\u00a0 When not birding in Seattle, you might find him hiking and exploring the beautiful nature of the greater Pacific Northwest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Sara Rocero” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sara-Rocero-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nHailing from the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Sara found her calling amidst the towering trees and meandering streams. As a dedicated restoration ecologist with a local conservation district, Sara is deeply passionate about preserving and revitalizing natural habitats for wildlife. Equipped with a degree in Environmental Studies, a minor in restoration ecology, and years of hands-on experience, Sara directs her work towards the protection and enhancement of biodiversity in her communities. Her passion for birds came later in life after taking an ecology class at UW Bothell. Sara finds solace with binoculars in hand and an ear attuned to the symphony of the avian world. For Sara, every outing is an opportunity to deepen her connection with nature and sharpen her skills in identifying species by their distinct calls\u2014a journey of continuous learning and discovery.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Christine (Chris) Lefkarites White” position=”Secretary” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Christine-White-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”||27px|||”]<\/p>\nChris was raised in a vibrant, nature-revering Greek\/Cypriot household in NYC where she cut her birding \u201cchops\u201d on the backyard birdsong of jays, sparrows, starlings, and cardinals. She earned a BA in Sociology from CUNY at Queens College and an MPP from the University of Chicago. In 1994, she and her husband set roots in Seattle and raised a family of humans and canines, alike. She brings to BCS\u2019s board a career of governmental and nonprofit service in support of healthy communities, equitable access to opportunities, and the strategic stewardship of resources. Birding binoculars are Chris\u2019s \u201cfifth limb.\u201d She loves pickleball and knitting and is an avid cruciverbalist and hockey fan.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_blurb title=”Bylaws” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Birds-Connect-Seattle-Bylaws_11.14.2024.pdf”<\/a>; link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nLearn about the governance of Birds Connect Seattle in the organizational bylaws<\/a>, overseen by the Board of Directors.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Committee Leadership” url=”mailto:volunteerc@seattleaudubon.rg” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nIn addition to the Board of Directors, Birds Connect Seattle has several program committees that support our organization’s mission. If you are interested in learning more about different committee roles, please send a message to volunteer@birdsconnectsea.org<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. They help to accomplish our mission\u00a0to advocate and organize for cities where people and birds thrive,\u00a0through a set of shared values that underline our vision of\u00a0a healthy environment in balance, where people enjoy, respect and care for our urban community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787268,"featured_media":33166,"parent":202,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"About Us\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(255,255,255,0.7)\" text_border_radius=\"0px\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" background_layout=\"light\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\"]Seattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\n\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"2_3\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]Our Mission<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\nOur Vision<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon envisions cities that integrate and value nature, minimize threats to birds, and protect habitat.<\/p>\nOur Values<\/h2>\nWe are a community of passionate, talented, and unique individuals, and our service is Seattle Audubon's most valuable resource. As a staff-run and volunteer-powered organization, we value:<\/p>\nInspiration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Birds inspire and inform conservation in a unique and powerful way.<\/p>\nInterconnectedness.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The health of birds and their habitats is tied to human health.<\/p>\nEquity and Inclusion.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Equity and inclusion are necessary to acheive our mission.<\/p>\nDiversity.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Diverse perspectives strengthen our understanding of birds, our community, and the environment.<\/p>\nHumility.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The are infinite ways to experience and enjoy birds and nature respectfully.<\/p>\nCollaboration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>We are most successful when we collaborate within and outside the organization.<\/p>\nScience.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Our policies and programs must be informed by science.<\/p>\nPrograms<\/h2>\nClick below for information on how you can get involved!<\/em><\/p>\n\nConservation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nEducation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nScience\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nStrategic Plan<\/h2>\n\n<\/ul>\nThe Seattle Audubon Board of Directors approved a new 2020-2023 strategic plan on June 11, 2020, released to the general public in July 2020. This plan, Cities at the Center, focuses the organization on five goals within three core themes: urban conservation, equity, and resilience.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/429516911\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" thumbnail_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.6)\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"1_3\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-485","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nBoard of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Board of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Kathy-Kaplan-headshot-200×200-1-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nKathy got into birding about four years ago and hasn’t looked back. She loves that birding is such an accessible way to enjoy wildlife and nature, and that it forces you to slow down to look at little details. Joining BCS a couple of years ago, Kathy loved the sense of community found during bird walks, field trips, and classes. Kathy is a nurse navigator at Fred Hutch with a master’s in clinical education. Health equity and wildlife conservation are two passions that go hand in hand for Kathy. She is excited to join the Board to help bring the benefits that birding brings to more people, especially in underserved communities, while encouraging more people to preserve and protect our birds and their habitats around the Puget Sound. When not birding or working, you can find her partaking in ecotourism around the world, listening to live music, walking her dog, or being a total nerd by doing things like reading, playing board games, or watching LOTR.<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Jim Kelly” position=”Vice President” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Jim-Kelly-200×200-Board-Headshot.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nA lifelong resident of the great Pacific Northwest and UW graduate, Jim is an environmental lawyer currently employed as the Global Environment Director at Jacobs Solutions, a Fortune 500 construction and engineering company. Although a novice birder, he considers himself a bird advocate and aspires to leave the world a better place than he found it.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Andrew Larsen” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Andrew-Larsen-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAndrew (he\/him) grew up in Montana, but after attending school at Pacific Lutheran University he has called the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>PNW<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>his home. Andrew has served in the Peace\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Corps and<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>as a human rights activist. Currently he works as an ordained minister and deacon of the Lutheran\u00a0<\/span><\/span>church<\/span>. Birding has been a way to feel connected to the natural world, his community, and his family. His favorite bird is the Northern Shoveler. In addition to birding, Andrew enjoys board games, hiking, D&D, and creating art.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”mari lopez gonzalez” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/mari-lopez-gonzales-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nmari has always been grounded (ironically) by the birds flying overhead from the arid mountainous land of durango, the great plains bordering Lake Michigan in Chicago, then to the bright and expansive deserts of<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Phoenix, and now in the soft wet soil of Seattle. Currently, mari works as a Program Manager at Villa Comunitaria, volunteers in land restoration and bickers with the crows. Among their lived experience, mari carries with them many-a-lesson from their master’s work in organizational change, heaps of practice from their experience in big four consulting and is now is thrilled to expand their creativity in the work alongside the heart-warming folks of Birds Connect Seattle. <\/span>If mari is not birding, they are watching stand up, tending to their plants, or making dumb jokes and even sillier puns.<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Maggie Macdonald” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Maggie-Macdonald-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nMaggie grew up listening to the calls of Common Loons and Belted Kingfishers over Case Inlet in the south Puget Sound, where her family instilled in her a lifelong dedication to volunteerism, community engagement, and conservation. An enthusiastic birder for the past decade, she served on the Classes Committee prior to joining the Board. Her career blends operations and legal leadership in the technology and public relations sectors, complemented by certificates in both nonprofit management and grant writing. Maggie studied English Literature at Western Washington University before meeting her husband in photography school at Photographic Center NW. She totes her binoculars to far-flung destinations around the world and across the Salish Sea on her sailboat,\u00a0Ukiyo.<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Melissa Mark” position=”President” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Melissa-Mark_Headshot-200×200-website.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nMelissa is an avian ecologist and educator who believes in centering the needs of all community members, both human and non-human. She is the daughter of a first-generation Peruvian mother and an Anglo-American father and holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution. Melissa worked for many years in Latin America in scientific and community projects, and taught ecology and birding basics to a broad audience. Currently, she leads a fellowship program for undergraduates who hold identities historically excluded from conservation that supports them in growing a more just and equitable field. She is excited to work with Birds Connect Seattle in support of thriving habitats for both birds and people. Beyond birding, she loves cooking, dancing, exploring the natural world, and spending time with her family.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Paul Meijer” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/paul_meijer_web_200x200.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nPaul is a long-time Seattle resident and a life-long birder. Originally trained as a research scientist, he has spent the last two decades working in software technology, most recently in green tech and health and life sciences. Paul believes that celebrating birds in an urban setting can be a powerful motivator for people to connect with the natural world and care about its protection and conservation. He has volunteered at Birds Connect Seattle for the Neighborhood Bird Project in Seward Park, the Seattle Bird Collision Monitoring project, and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) awareness campaign. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, he is also a member of the Science Committee. Paul holds a PhD degree in Cognitive Psychology from the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics.\u00a0 When not birding in Seattle, you might find him hiking and exploring the beautiful nature of the greater Pacific Northwest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Sara Rocero” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sara-Rocero-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nHailing from the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Sara found her calling amidst the towering trees and meandering streams. As a dedicated restoration ecologist with a local conservation district, Sara is deeply passionate about preserving and revitalizing natural habitats for wildlife. Equipped with a degree in Environmental Studies, a minor in restoration ecology, and years of hands-on experience, Sara directs her work towards the protection and enhancement of biodiversity in her communities. Her passion for birds came later in life after taking an ecology class at UW Bothell. Sara finds solace with binoculars in hand and an ear attuned to the symphony of the avian world. For Sara, every outing is an opportunity to deepen her connection with nature and sharpen her skills in identifying species by their distinct calls\u2014a journey of continuous learning and discovery.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Christine (Chris) Lefkarites White” position=”Secretary” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Christine-White-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”||27px|||”]<\/p>\nChris was raised in a vibrant, nature-revering Greek\/Cypriot household in NYC where she cut her birding \u201cchops\u201d on the backyard birdsong of jays, sparrows, starlings, and cardinals. She earned a BA in Sociology from CUNY at Queens College and an MPP from the University of Chicago. In 1994, she and her husband set roots in Seattle and raised a family of humans and canines, alike. She brings to BCS\u2019s board a career of governmental and nonprofit service in support of healthy communities, equitable access to opportunities, and the strategic stewardship of resources. Birding binoculars are Chris\u2019s \u201cfifth limb.\u201d She loves pickleball and knitting and is an avid cruciverbalist and hockey fan.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_blurb title=”Bylaws” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Birds-Connect-Seattle-Bylaws_11.14.2024.pdf”<\/a>; link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nLearn about the governance of Birds Connect Seattle in the organizational bylaws<\/a>, overseen by the Board of Directors.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Committee Leadership” url=”mailto:volunteerc@seattleaudubon.rg” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nIn addition to the Board of Directors, Birds Connect Seattle has several program committees that support our organization’s mission. If you are interested in learning more about different committee roles, please send a message to volunteer@birdsconnectsea.org<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. They help to accomplish our mission\u00a0to advocate and organize for cities where people and birds thrive,\u00a0through a set of shared values that underline our vision of\u00a0a healthy environment in balance, where people enjoy, respect and care for our urban community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787268,"featured_media":33166,"parent":202,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"About Us\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(255,255,255,0.7)\" text_border_radius=\"0px\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" background_layout=\"light\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\"]Seattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\n\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"2_3\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]Our Mission<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\nOur Vision<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon envisions cities that integrate and value nature, minimize threats to birds, and protect habitat.<\/p>\nOur Values<\/h2>\nWe are a community of passionate, talented, and unique individuals, and our service is Seattle Audubon's most valuable resource. As a staff-run and volunteer-powered organization, we value:<\/p>\nInspiration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Birds inspire and inform conservation in a unique and powerful way.<\/p>\nInterconnectedness.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The health of birds and their habitats is tied to human health.<\/p>\nEquity and Inclusion.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Equity and inclusion are necessary to acheive our mission.<\/p>\nDiversity.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Diverse perspectives strengthen our understanding of birds, our community, and the environment.<\/p>\nHumility.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The are infinite ways to experience and enjoy birds and nature respectfully.<\/p>\nCollaboration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>We are most successful when we collaborate within and outside the organization.<\/p>\nScience.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Our policies and programs must be informed by science.<\/p>\nPrograms<\/h2>\nClick below for information on how you can get involved!<\/em><\/p>\n\nConservation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nEducation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nScience\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nStrategic Plan<\/h2>\n\n<\/ul>\nThe Seattle Audubon Board of Directors approved a new 2020-2023 strategic plan on June 11, 2020, released to the general public in July 2020. This plan, Cities at the Center, focuses the organization on five goals within three core themes: urban conservation, equity, and resilience.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/429516911\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" thumbnail_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.6)\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"1_3\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-485","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nBoard of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Board of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/Jim-Kelly-200×200-Board-Headshot.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nA lifelong resident of the great Pacific Northwest and UW graduate, Jim is an environmental lawyer currently employed as the Global Environment Director at Jacobs Solutions, a Fortune 500 construction and engineering company. Although a novice birder, he considers himself a bird advocate and aspires to leave the world a better place than he found it.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Andrew Larsen” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Andrew-Larsen-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAndrew (he\/him) grew up in Montana, but after attending school at Pacific Lutheran University he has called the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>PNW<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>his home. Andrew has served in the Peace\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Corps and<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>as a human rights activist. Currently he works as an ordained minister and deacon of the Lutheran\u00a0<\/span><\/span>church<\/span>. Birding has been a way to feel connected to the natural world, his community, and his family. His favorite bird is the Northern Shoveler. In addition to birding, Andrew enjoys board games, hiking, D&D, and creating art.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”mari lopez gonzalez” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/mari-lopez-gonzales-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nmari has always been grounded (ironically) by the birds flying overhead from the arid mountainous land of durango, the great plains bordering Lake Michigan in Chicago, then to the bright and expansive deserts of<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Phoenix, and now in the soft wet soil of Seattle. Currently, mari works as a Program Manager at Villa Comunitaria, volunteers in land restoration and bickers with the crows. Among their lived experience, mari carries with them many-a-lesson from their master’s work in organizational change, heaps of practice from their experience in big four consulting and is now is thrilled to expand their creativity in the work alongside the heart-warming folks of Birds Connect Seattle. <\/span>If mari is not birding, they are watching stand up, tending to their plants, or making dumb jokes and even sillier puns.<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Maggie Macdonald” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Maggie-Macdonald-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nMaggie grew up listening to the calls of Common Loons and Belted Kingfishers over Case Inlet in the south Puget Sound, where her family instilled in her a lifelong dedication to volunteerism, community engagement, and conservation. An enthusiastic birder for the past decade, she served on the Classes Committee prior to joining the Board. Her career blends operations and legal leadership in the technology and public relations sectors, complemented by certificates in both nonprofit management and grant writing. Maggie studied English Literature at Western Washington University before meeting her husband in photography school at Photographic Center NW. She totes her binoculars to far-flung destinations around the world and across the Salish Sea on her sailboat,\u00a0Ukiyo.<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Melissa Mark” position=”President” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Melissa-Mark_Headshot-200×200-website.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nMelissa is an avian ecologist and educator who believes in centering the needs of all community members, both human and non-human. She is the daughter of a first-generation Peruvian mother and an Anglo-American father and holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution. Melissa worked for many years in Latin America in scientific and community projects, and taught ecology and birding basics to a broad audience. Currently, she leads a fellowship program for undergraduates who hold identities historically excluded from conservation that supports them in growing a more just and equitable field. She is excited to work with Birds Connect Seattle in support of thriving habitats for both birds and people. Beyond birding, she loves cooking, dancing, exploring the natural world, and spending time with her family.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Paul Meijer” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/paul_meijer_web_200x200.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nPaul is a long-time Seattle resident and a life-long birder. Originally trained as a research scientist, he has spent the last two decades working in software technology, most recently in green tech and health and life sciences. Paul believes that celebrating birds in an urban setting can be a powerful motivator for people to connect with the natural world and care about its protection and conservation. He has volunteered at Birds Connect Seattle for the Neighborhood Bird Project in Seward Park, the Seattle Bird Collision Monitoring project, and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) awareness campaign. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, he is also a member of the Science Committee. Paul holds a PhD degree in Cognitive Psychology from the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics.\u00a0 When not birding in Seattle, you might find him hiking and exploring the beautiful nature of the greater Pacific Northwest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Sara Rocero” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sara-Rocero-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nHailing from the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Sara found her calling amidst the towering trees and meandering streams. As a dedicated restoration ecologist with a local conservation district, Sara is deeply passionate about preserving and revitalizing natural habitats for wildlife. Equipped with a degree in Environmental Studies, a minor in restoration ecology, and years of hands-on experience, Sara directs her work towards the protection and enhancement of biodiversity in her communities. Her passion for birds came later in life after taking an ecology class at UW Bothell. Sara finds solace with binoculars in hand and an ear attuned to the symphony of the avian world. For Sara, every outing is an opportunity to deepen her connection with nature and sharpen her skills in identifying species by their distinct calls\u2014a journey of continuous learning and discovery.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Christine (Chris) Lefkarites White” position=”Secretary” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Christine-White-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”||27px|||”]<\/p>\nChris was raised in a vibrant, nature-revering Greek\/Cypriot household in NYC where she cut her birding \u201cchops\u201d on the backyard birdsong of jays, sparrows, starlings, and cardinals. She earned a BA in Sociology from CUNY at Queens College and an MPP from the University of Chicago. In 1994, she and her husband set roots in Seattle and raised a family of humans and canines, alike. She brings to BCS\u2019s board a career of governmental and nonprofit service in support of healthy communities, equitable access to opportunities, and the strategic stewardship of resources. Birding binoculars are Chris\u2019s \u201cfifth limb.\u201d She loves pickleball and knitting and is an avid cruciverbalist and hockey fan.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_blurb title=”Bylaws” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Birds-Connect-Seattle-Bylaws_11.14.2024.pdf”<\/a>; link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nLearn about the governance of Birds Connect Seattle in the organizational bylaws<\/a>, overseen by the Board of Directors.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Committee Leadership” url=”mailto:volunteerc@seattleaudubon.rg” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nIn addition to the Board of Directors, Birds Connect Seattle has several program committees that support our organization’s mission. If you are interested in learning more about different committee roles, please send a message to volunteer@birdsconnectsea.org<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. They help to accomplish our mission\u00a0to advocate and organize for cities where people and birds thrive,\u00a0through a set of shared values that underline our vision of\u00a0a healthy environment in balance, where people enjoy, respect and care for our urban community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787268,"featured_media":33166,"parent":202,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"About Us\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(255,255,255,0.7)\" text_border_radius=\"0px\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" background_layout=\"light\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\"]Seattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\n\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"2_3\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]Our Mission<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\nOur Vision<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon envisions cities that integrate and value nature, minimize threats to birds, and protect habitat.<\/p>\nOur Values<\/h2>\nWe are a community of passionate, talented, and unique individuals, and our service is Seattle Audubon's most valuable resource. As a staff-run and volunteer-powered organization, we value:<\/p>\nInspiration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Birds inspire and inform conservation in a unique and powerful way.<\/p>\nInterconnectedness.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The health of birds and their habitats is tied to human health.<\/p>\nEquity and Inclusion.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Equity and inclusion are necessary to acheive our mission.<\/p>\nDiversity.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Diverse perspectives strengthen our understanding of birds, our community, and the environment.<\/p>\nHumility.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The are infinite ways to experience and enjoy birds and nature respectfully.<\/p>\nCollaboration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>We are most successful when we collaborate within and outside the organization.<\/p>\nScience.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Our policies and programs must be informed by science.<\/p>\nPrograms<\/h2>\nClick below for information on how you can get involved!<\/em><\/p>\n\nConservation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nEducation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nScience\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nStrategic Plan<\/h2>\n\n<\/ul>\nThe Seattle Audubon Board of Directors approved a new 2020-2023 strategic plan on June 11, 2020, released to the general public in July 2020. This plan, Cities at the Center, focuses the organization on five goals within three core themes: urban conservation, equity, and resilience.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/429516911\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" thumbnail_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.6)\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"1_3\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-485","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nBoard of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Board of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. They help to accomplish our mission\u00a0to advocate and organize for cities where people and birds thrive,\u00a0through a set of shared values that underline our vision of\u00a0a healthy environment in balance, where people enjoy, respect and care for our urban community.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/seattleaudubon\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-17T15:08:59+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/BCS-Board-of-Directors-March-2026-1024x768.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"768\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@seattleaudubon\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\",\"name\":\"Board of Directors - 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Andrew-Larsen-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nAndrew (he\/him) grew up in Montana, but after attending school at Pacific Lutheran University he has called the\u00a0<\/span><\/span>PNW<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>his home. Andrew has served in the Peace\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Corps and<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>as a human rights activist. Currently he works as an ordained minister and deacon of the Lutheran\u00a0<\/span><\/span>church<\/span>. Birding has been a way to feel connected to the natural world, his community, and his family. His favorite bird is the Northern Shoveler. In addition to birding, Andrew enjoys board games, hiking, D&D, and creating art.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”mari lopez gonzalez” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/mari-lopez-gonzales-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nmari has always been grounded (ironically) by the birds flying overhead from the arid mountainous land of durango, the great plains bordering Lake Michigan in Chicago, then to the bright and expansive deserts of<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Phoenix, and now in the soft wet soil of Seattle. Currently, mari works as a Program Manager at Villa Comunitaria, volunteers in land restoration and bickers with the crows. Among their lived experience, mari carries with them many-a-lesson from their master’s work in organizational change, heaps of practice from their experience in big four consulting and is now is thrilled to expand their creativity in the work alongside the heart-warming folks of Birds Connect Seattle. <\/span>If mari is not birding, they are watching stand up, tending to their plants, or making dumb jokes and even sillier puns.<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Maggie Macdonald” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Maggie-Macdonald-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nMaggie grew up listening to the calls of Common Loons and Belted Kingfishers over Case Inlet in the south Puget Sound, where her family instilled in her a lifelong dedication to volunteerism, community engagement, and conservation. An enthusiastic birder for the past decade, she served on the Classes Committee prior to joining the Board. Her career blends operations and legal leadership in the technology and public relations sectors, complemented by certificates in both nonprofit management and grant writing. Maggie studied English Literature at Western Washington University before meeting her husband in photography school at Photographic Center NW. She totes her binoculars to far-flung destinations around the world and across the Salish Sea on her sailboat,\u00a0Ukiyo.<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Melissa Mark” position=”President” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Melissa-Mark_Headshot-200×200-website.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nMelissa is an avian ecologist and educator who believes in centering the needs of all community members, both human and non-human. She is the daughter of a first-generation Peruvian mother and an Anglo-American father and holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution. Melissa worked for many years in Latin America in scientific and community projects, and taught ecology and birding basics to a broad audience. Currently, she leads a fellowship program for undergraduates who hold identities historically excluded from conservation that supports them in growing a more just and equitable field. She is excited to work with Birds Connect Seattle in support of thriving habitats for both birds and people. Beyond birding, she loves cooking, dancing, exploring the natural world, and spending time with her family.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Paul Meijer” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/paul_meijer_web_200x200.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nPaul is a long-time Seattle resident and a life-long birder. Originally trained as a research scientist, he has spent the last two decades working in software technology, most recently in green tech and health and life sciences. Paul believes that celebrating birds in an urban setting can be a powerful motivator for people to connect with the natural world and care about its protection and conservation. He has volunteered at Birds Connect Seattle for the Neighborhood Bird Project in Seward Park, the Seattle Bird Collision Monitoring project, and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) awareness campaign. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, he is also a member of the Science Committee. Paul holds a PhD degree in Cognitive Psychology from the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics.\u00a0 When not birding in Seattle, you might find him hiking and exploring the beautiful nature of the greater Pacific Northwest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Sara Rocero” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sara-Rocero-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nHailing from the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Sara found her calling amidst the towering trees and meandering streams. As a dedicated restoration ecologist with a local conservation district, Sara is deeply passionate about preserving and revitalizing natural habitats for wildlife. Equipped with a degree in Environmental Studies, a minor in restoration ecology, and years of hands-on experience, Sara directs her work towards the protection and enhancement of biodiversity in her communities. Her passion for birds came later in life after taking an ecology class at UW Bothell. Sara finds solace with binoculars in hand and an ear attuned to the symphony of the avian world. For Sara, every outing is an opportunity to deepen her connection with nature and sharpen her skills in identifying species by their distinct calls\u2014a journey of continuous learning and discovery.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Christine (Chris) Lefkarites White” position=”Secretary” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Christine-White-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”||27px|||”]<\/p>\nChris was raised in a vibrant, nature-revering Greek\/Cypriot household in NYC where she cut her birding \u201cchops\u201d on the backyard birdsong of jays, sparrows, starlings, and cardinals. She earned a BA in Sociology from CUNY at Queens College and an MPP from the University of Chicago. In 1994, she and her husband set roots in Seattle and raised a family of humans and canines, alike. She brings to BCS\u2019s board a career of governmental and nonprofit service in support of healthy communities, equitable access to opportunities, and the strategic stewardship of resources. Birding binoculars are Chris\u2019s \u201cfifth limb.\u201d She loves pickleball and knitting and is an avid cruciverbalist and hockey fan.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_blurb title=”Bylaws” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Birds-Connect-Seattle-Bylaws_11.14.2024.pdf”<\/a>; link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nLearn about the governance of Birds Connect Seattle in the organizational bylaws<\/a>, overseen by the Board of Directors.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Committee Leadership” url=”mailto:volunteerc@seattleaudubon.rg” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nIn addition to the Board of Directors, Birds Connect Seattle has several program committees that support our organization’s mission. If you are interested in learning more about different committee roles, please send a message to volunteer@birdsconnectsea.org<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. They help to accomplish our mission\u00a0to advocate and organize for cities where people and birds thrive,\u00a0through a set of shared values that underline our vision of\u00a0a healthy environment in balance, where people enjoy, respect and care for our urban community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787268,"featured_media":33166,"parent":202,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"About Us\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(255,255,255,0.7)\" text_border_radius=\"0px\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" background_layout=\"light\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\"]Seattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\n\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"2_3\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]Our Mission<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\nOur Vision<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon envisions cities that integrate and value nature, minimize threats to birds, and protect habitat.<\/p>\nOur Values<\/h2>\nWe are a community of passionate, talented, and unique individuals, and our service is Seattle Audubon's most valuable resource. As a staff-run and volunteer-powered organization, we value:<\/p>\nInspiration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Birds inspire and inform conservation in a unique and powerful way.<\/p>\nInterconnectedness.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The health of birds and their habitats is tied to human health.<\/p>\nEquity and Inclusion.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Equity and inclusion are necessary to acheive our mission.<\/p>\nDiversity.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Diverse perspectives strengthen our understanding of birds, our community, and the environment.<\/p>\nHumility.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The are infinite ways to experience and enjoy birds and nature respectfully.<\/p>\nCollaboration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>We are most successful when we collaborate within and outside the organization.<\/p>\nScience.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Our policies and programs must be informed by science.<\/p>\nPrograms<\/h2>\nClick below for information on how you can get involved!<\/em><\/p>\n\nConservation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nEducation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nScience\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nStrategic Plan<\/h2>\n\n<\/ul>\nThe Seattle Audubon Board of Directors approved a new 2020-2023 strategic plan on June 11, 2020, released to the general public in July 2020. This plan, Cities at the Center, focuses the organization on five goals within three core themes: urban conservation, equity, and resilience.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/429516911\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" thumbnail_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.6)\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"1_3\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-485","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nBoard of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Board of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. They help to accomplish our mission\u00a0to advocate and organize for cities where people and birds thrive,\u00a0through a set of shared values that underline our vision of\u00a0a healthy environment in balance, where people enjoy, respect and care for our urban community.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/seattleaudubon\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-03-17T15:08:59+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/BCS-Board-of-Directors-March-2026-1024x768.jpeg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"768\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@seattleaudubon\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"12 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\",\"name\":\"Board of Directors - 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/mari-lopez-gonzales-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nmari has always been grounded (ironically) by the birds flying overhead from the arid mountainous land of durango, the great plains bordering Lake Michigan in Chicago, then to the bright and expansive deserts of<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Phoenix, and now in the soft wet soil of Seattle. Currently, mari works as a Program Manager at Villa Comunitaria, volunteers in land restoration and bickers with the crows. Among their lived experience, mari carries with them many-a-lesson from their master’s work in organizational change, heaps of practice from their experience in big four consulting and is now is thrilled to expand their creativity in the work alongside the heart-warming folks of Birds Connect Seattle. <\/span>If mari is not birding, they are watching stand up, tending to their plants, or making dumb jokes and even sillier puns.<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Maggie Macdonald” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Maggie-Macdonald-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nMaggie grew up listening to the calls of Common Loons and Belted Kingfishers over Case Inlet in the south Puget Sound, where her family instilled in her a lifelong dedication to volunteerism, community engagement, and conservation. An enthusiastic birder for the past decade, she served on the Classes Committee prior to joining the Board. Her career blends operations and legal leadership in the technology and public relations sectors, complemented by certificates in both nonprofit management and grant writing. Maggie studied English Literature at Western Washington University before meeting her husband in photography school at Photographic Center NW. She totes her binoculars to far-flung destinations around the world and across the Salish Sea on her sailboat,\u00a0Ukiyo.<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Melissa Mark” position=”President” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Melissa-Mark_Headshot-200×200-website.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nMelissa is an avian ecologist and educator who believes in centering the needs of all community members, both human and non-human. She is the daughter of a first-generation Peruvian mother and an Anglo-American father and holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution. Melissa worked for many years in Latin America in scientific and community projects, and taught ecology and birding basics to a broad audience. Currently, she leads a fellowship program for undergraduates who hold identities historically excluded from conservation that supports them in growing a more just and equitable field. She is excited to work with Birds Connect Seattle in support of thriving habitats for both birds and people. Beyond birding, she loves cooking, dancing, exploring the natural world, and spending time with her family.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Paul Meijer” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/paul_meijer_web_200x200.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nPaul is a long-time Seattle resident and a life-long birder. Originally trained as a research scientist, he has spent the last two decades working in software technology, most recently in green tech and health and life sciences. Paul believes that celebrating birds in an urban setting can be a powerful motivator for people to connect with the natural world and care about its protection and conservation. He has volunteered at Birds Connect Seattle for the Neighborhood Bird Project in Seward Park, the Seattle Bird Collision Monitoring project, and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) awareness campaign. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, he is also a member of the Science Committee. Paul holds a PhD degree in Cognitive Psychology from the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics.\u00a0 When not birding in Seattle, you might find him hiking and exploring the beautiful nature of the greater Pacific Northwest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Sara Rocero” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sara-Rocero-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nHailing from the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Sara found her calling amidst the towering trees and meandering streams. As a dedicated restoration ecologist with a local conservation district, Sara is deeply passionate about preserving and revitalizing natural habitats for wildlife. Equipped with a degree in Environmental Studies, a minor in restoration ecology, and years of hands-on experience, Sara directs her work towards the protection and enhancement of biodiversity in her communities. Her passion for birds came later in life after taking an ecology class at UW Bothell. Sara finds solace with binoculars in hand and an ear attuned to the symphony of the avian world. For Sara, every outing is an opportunity to deepen her connection with nature and sharpen her skills in identifying species by their distinct calls\u2014a journey of continuous learning and discovery.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Christine (Chris) Lefkarites White” position=”Secretary” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Christine-White-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”||27px|||”]<\/p>\nChris was raised in a vibrant, nature-revering Greek\/Cypriot household in NYC where she cut her birding \u201cchops\u201d on the backyard birdsong of jays, sparrows, starlings, and cardinals. She earned a BA in Sociology from CUNY at Queens College and an MPP from the University of Chicago. In 1994, she and her husband set roots in Seattle and raised a family of humans and canines, alike. She brings to BCS\u2019s board a career of governmental and nonprofit service in support of healthy communities, equitable access to opportunities, and the strategic stewardship of resources. Birding binoculars are Chris\u2019s \u201cfifth limb.\u201d She loves pickleball and knitting and is an avid cruciverbalist and hockey fan.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_blurb title=”Bylaws” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Birds-Connect-Seattle-Bylaws_11.14.2024.pdf”<\/a>; link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nLearn about the governance of Birds Connect Seattle in the organizational bylaws<\/a>, overseen by the Board of Directors.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Committee Leadership” url=”mailto:volunteerc@seattleaudubon.rg” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nIn addition to the Board of Directors, Birds Connect Seattle has several program committees that support our organization’s mission. If you are interested in learning more about different committee roles, please send a message to volunteer@birdsconnectsea.org<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. They help to accomplish our mission\u00a0to advocate and organize for cities where people and birds thrive,\u00a0through a set of shared values that underline our vision of\u00a0a healthy environment in balance, where people enjoy, respect and care for our urban community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787268,"featured_media":33166,"parent":202,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"About Us\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(255,255,255,0.7)\" text_border_radius=\"0px\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" background_layout=\"light\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\"]Seattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\n\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"2_3\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]Our Mission<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\nOur Vision<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon envisions cities that integrate and value nature, minimize threats to birds, and protect habitat.<\/p>\nOur Values<\/h2>\nWe are a community of passionate, talented, and unique individuals, and our service is Seattle Audubon's most valuable resource. As a staff-run and volunteer-powered organization, we value:<\/p>\nInspiration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Birds inspire and inform conservation in a unique and powerful way.<\/p>\nInterconnectedness.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The health of birds and their habitats is tied to human health.<\/p>\nEquity and Inclusion.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Equity and inclusion are necessary to acheive our mission.<\/p>\nDiversity.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Diverse perspectives strengthen our understanding of birds, our community, and the environment.<\/p>\nHumility.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The are infinite ways to experience and enjoy birds and nature respectfully.<\/p>\nCollaboration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>We are most successful when we collaborate within and outside the organization.<\/p>\nScience.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Our policies and programs must be informed by science.<\/p>\nPrograms<\/h2>\nClick below for information on how you can get involved!<\/em><\/p>\n\nConservation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nEducation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nScience\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nStrategic Plan<\/h2>\n\n<\/ul>\nThe Seattle Audubon Board of Directors approved a new 2020-2023 strategic plan on June 11, 2020, released to the general public in July 2020. This plan, Cities at the Center, focuses the organization on five goals within three core themes: urban conservation, equity, and resilience.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/429516911\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" thumbnail_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.6)\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"1_3\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-485","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nBoard of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Board of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/Maggie-Macdonald-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nMaggie grew up listening to the calls of Common Loons and Belted Kingfishers over Case Inlet in the south Puget Sound, where her family instilled in her a lifelong dedication to volunteerism, community engagement, and conservation. An enthusiastic birder for the past decade, she served on the Classes Committee prior to joining the Board. Her career blends operations and legal leadership in the technology and public relations sectors, complemented by certificates in both nonprofit management and grant writing. Maggie studied English Literature at Western Washington University before meeting her husband in photography school at Photographic Center NW. She totes her binoculars to far-flung destinations around the world and across the Salish Sea on her sailboat,\u00a0Ukiyo.<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Melissa Mark” position=”President” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Melissa-Mark_Headshot-200×200-website.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nMelissa is an avian ecologist and educator who believes in centering the needs of all community members, both human and non-human. She is the daughter of a first-generation Peruvian mother and an Anglo-American father and holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution. Melissa worked for many years in Latin America in scientific and community projects, and taught ecology and birding basics to a broad audience. Currently, she leads a fellowship program for undergraduates who hold identities historically excluded from conservation that supports them in growing a more just and equitable field. She is excited to work with Birds Connect Seattle in support of thriving habitats for both birds and people. Beyond birding, she loves cooking, dancing, exploring the natural world, and spending time with her family.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Paul Meijer” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/paul_meijer_web_200x200.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nPaul is a long-time Seattle resident and a life-long birder. Originally trained as a research scientist, he has spent the last two decades working in software technology, most recently in green tech and health and life sciences. Paul believes that celebrating birds in an urban setting can be a powerful motivator for people to connect with the natural world and care about its protection and conservation. He has volunteered at Birds Connect Seattle for the Neighborhood Bird Project in Seward Park, the Seattle Bird Collision Monitoring project, and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) awareness campaign. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, he is also a member of the Science Committee. Paul holds a PhD degree in Cognitive Psychology from the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics.\u00a0 When not birding in Seattle, you might find him hiking and exploring the beautiful nature of the greater Pacific Northwest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Sara Rocero” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sara-Rocero-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nHailing from the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Sara found her calling amidst the towering trees and meandering streams. As a dedicated restoration ecologist with a local conservation district, Sara is deeply passionate about preserving and revitalizing natural habitats for wildlife. Equipped with a degree in Environmental Studies, a minor in restoration ecology, and years of hands-on experience, Sara directs her work towards the protection and enhancement of biodiversity in her communities. Her passion for birds came later in life after taking an ecology class at UW Bothell. Sara finds solace with binoculars in hand and an ear attuned to the symphony of the avian world. For Sara, every outing is an opportunity to deepen her connection with nature and sharpen her skills in identifying species by their distinct calls\u2014a journey of continuous learning and discovery.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Christine (Chris) Lefkarites White” position=”Secretary” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Christine-White-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”||27px|||”]<\/p>\nChris was raised in a vibrant, nature-revering Greek\/Cypriot household in NYC where she cut her birding \u201cchops\u201d on the backyard birdsong of jays, sparrows, starlings, and cardinals. She earned a BA in Sociology from CUNY at Queens College and an MPP from the University of Chicago. In 1994, she and her husband set roots in Seattle and raised a family of humans and canines, alike. She brings to BCS\u2019s board a career of governmental and nonprofit service in support of healthy communities, equitable access to opportunities, and the strategic stewardship of resources. Birding binoculars are Chris\u2019s \u201cfifth limb.\u201d She loves pickleball and knitting and is an avid cruciverbalist and hockey fan.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_blurb title=”Bylaws” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Birds-Connect-Seattle-Bylaws_11.14.2024.pdf”<\/a>; link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nLearn about the governance of Birds Connect Seattle in the organizational bylaws<\/a>, overseen by the Board of Directors.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Committee Leadership” url=”mailto:volunteerc@seattleaudubon.rg” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nIn addition to the Board of Directors, Birds Connect Seattle has several program committees that support our organization’s mission. If you are interested in learning more about different committee roles, please send a message to volunteer@birdsconnectsea.org<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. They help to accomplish our mission\u00a0to advocate and organize for cities where people and birds thrive,\u00a0through a set of shared values that underline our vision of\u00a0a healthy environment in balance, where people enjoy, respect and care for our urban community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787268,"featured_media":33166,"parent":202,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"About Us\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(255,255,255,0.7)\" text_border_radius=\"0px\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" background_layout=\"light\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\"]Seattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\n\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"2_3\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]Our Mission<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\nOur Vision<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon envisions cities that integrate and value nature, minimize threats to birds, and protect habitat.<\/p>\nOur Values<\/h2>\nWe are a community of passionate, talented, and unique individuals, and our service is Seattle Audubon's most valuable resource. As a staff-run and volunteer-powered organization, we value:<\/p>\nInspiration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Birds inspire and inform conservation in a unique and powerful way.<\/p>\nInterconnectedness.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The health of birds and their habitats is tied to human health.<\/p>\nEquity and Inclusion.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Equity and inclusion are necessary to acheive our mission.<\/p>\nDiversity.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Diverse perspectives strengthen our understanding of birds, our community, and the environment.<\/p>\nHumility.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The are infinite ways to experience and enjoy birds and nature respectfully.<\/p>\nCollaboration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>We are most successful when we collaborate within and outside the organization.<\/p>\nScience.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Our policies and programs must be informed by science.<\/p>\nPrograms<\/h2>\nClick below for information on how you can get involved!<\/em><\/p>\n\nConservation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nEducation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nScience\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nStrategic Plan<\/h2>\n\n<\/ul>\nThe Seattle Audubon Board of Directors approved a new 2020-2023 strategic plan on June 11, 2020, released to the general public in July 2020. This plan, Cities at the Center, focuses the organization on five goals within three core themes: urban conservation, equity, and resilience.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/429516911\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" thumbnail_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.6)\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"1_3\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-485","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nBoard of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Board of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Melissa-Mark_Headshot-200×200-website.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\nMelissa is an avian ecologist and educator who believes in centering the needs of all community members, both human and non-human. She is the daughter of a first-generation Peruvian mother and an Anglo-American father and holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution. Melissa worked for many years in Latin America in scientific and community projects, and taught ecology and birding basics to a broad audience. Currently, she leads a fellowship program for undergraduates who hold identities historically excluded from conservation that supports them in growing a more just and equitable field. She is excited to work with Birds Connect Seattle in support of thriving habitats for both birds and people. Beyond birding, she loves cooking, dancing, exploring the natural world, and spending time with her family.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Paul Meijer” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/paul_meijer_web_200x200.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nPaul is a long-time Seattle resident and a life-long birder. Originally trained as a research scientist, he has spent the last two decades working in software technology, most recently in green tech and health and life sciences. Paul believes that celebrating birds in an urban setting can be a powerful motivator for people to connect with the natural world and care about its protection and conservation. He has volunteered at Birds Connect Seattle for the Neighborhood Bird Project in Seward Park, the Seattle Bird Collision Monitoring project, and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) awareness campaign. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, he is also a member of the Science Committee. Paul holds a PhD degree in Cognitive Psychology from the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics.\u00a0 When not birding in Seattle, you might find him hiking and exploring the beautiful nature of the greater Pacific Northwest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Sara Rocero” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sara-Rocero-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nHailing from the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Sara found her calling amidst the towering trees and meandering streams. As a dedicated restoration ecologist with a local conservation district, Sara is deeply passionate about preserving and revitalizing natural habitats for wildlife. Equipped with a degree in Environmental Studies, a minor in restoration ecology, and years of hands-on experience, Sara directs her work towards the protection and enhancement of biodiversity in her communities. Her passion for birds came later in life after taking an ecology class at UW Bothell. Sara finds solace with binoculars in hand and an ear attuned to the symphony of the avian world. For Sara, every outing is an opportunity to deepen her connection with nature and sharpen her skills in identifying species by their distinct calls\u2014a journey of continuous learning and discovery.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Christine (Chris) Lefkarites White” position=”Secretary” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Christine-White-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”||27px|||”]<\/p>\nChris was raised in a vibrant, nature-revering Greek\/Cypriot household in NYC where she cut her birding \u201cchops\u201d on the backyard birdsong of jays, sparrows, starlings, and cardinals. She earned a BA in Sociology from CUNY at Queens College and an MPP from the University of Chicago. In 1994, she and her husband set roots in Seattle and raised a family of humans and canines, alike. She brings to BCS\u2019s board a career of governmental and nonprofit service in support of healthy communities, equitable access to opportunities, and the strategic stewardship of resources. Birding binoculars are Chris\u2019s \u201cfifth limb.\u201d She loves pickleball and knitting and is an avid cruciverbalist and hockey fan.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_blurb title=”Bylaws” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Birds-Connect-Seattle-Bylaws_11.14.2024.pdf”<\/a>; link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nLearn about the governance of Birds Connect Seattle in the organizational bylaws<\/a>, overseen by the Board of Directors.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Committee Leadership” url=”mailto:volunteerc@seattleaudubon.rg” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nIn addition to the Board of Directors, Birds Connect Seattle has several program committees that support our organization’s mission. If you are interested in learning more about different committee roles, please send a message to volunteer@birdsconnectsea.org<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. They help to accomplish our mission\u00a0to advocate and organize for cities where people and birds thrive,\u00a0through a set of shared values that underline our vision of\u00a0a healthy environment in balance, where people enjoy, respect and care for our urban community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787268,"featured_media":33166,"parent":202,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"About Us\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(255,255,255,0.7)\" text_border_radius=\"0px\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" background_layout=\"light\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\"]Seattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\n\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"2_3\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]Our Mission<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\nOur Vision<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon envisions cities that integrate and value nature, minimize threats to birds, and protect habitat.<\/p>\nOur Values<\/h2>\nWe are a community of passionate, talented, and unique individuals, and our service is Seattle Audubon's most valuable resource. As a staff-run and volunteer-powered organization, we value:<\/p>\nInspiration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Birds inspire and inform conservation in a unique and powerful way.<\/p>\nInterconnectedness.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The health of birds and their habitats is tied to human health.<\/p>\nEquity and Inclusion.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Equity and inclusion are necessary to acheive our mission.<\/p>\nDiversity.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Diverse perspectives strengthen our understanding of birds, our community, and the environment.<\/p>\nHumility.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The are infinite ways to experience and enjoy birds and nature respectfully.<\/p>\nCollaboration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>We are most successful when we collaborate within and outside the organization.<\/p>\nScience.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Our policies and programs must be informed by science.<\/p>\nPrograms<\/h2>\nClick below for information on how you can get involved!<\/em><\/p>\n\nConservation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nEducation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nScience\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nStrategic Plan<\/h2>\n\n<\/ul>\nThe Seattle Audubon Board of Directors approved a new 2020-2023 strategic plan on June 11, 2020, released to the general public in July 2020. This plan, Cities at the Center, focuses the organization on five goals within three core themes: urban conservation, equity, and resilience.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/429516911\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" thumbnail_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.6)\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"1_3\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-485","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nBoard of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Board of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/paul_meijer_web_200x200.jpg”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nPaul is a long-time Seattle resident and a life-long birder. Originally trained as a research scientist, he has spent the last two decades working in software technology, most recently in green tech and health and life sciences. Paul believes that celebrating birds in an urban setting can be a powerful motivator for people to connect with the natural world and care about its protection and conservation. He has volunteered at Birds Connect Seattle for the Neighborhood Bird Project in Seward Park, the Seattle Bird Collision Monitoring project, and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) awareness campaign. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, he is also a member of the Science Committee. Paul holds a PhD degree in Cognitive Psychology from the Max Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics.\u00a0 When not birding in Seattle, you might find him hiking and exploring the beautiful nature of the greater Pacific Northwest.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Sara Rocero” position=”Member at Large” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sara-Rocero-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nHailing from the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Sara found her calling amidst the towering trees and meandering streams. As a dedicated restoration ecologist with a local conservation district, Sara is deeply passionate about preserving and revitalizing natural habitats for wildlife. Equipped with a degree in Environmental Studies, a minor in restoration ecology, and years of hands-on experience, Sara directs her work towards the protection and enhancement of biodiversity in her communities. Her passion for birds came later in life after taking an ecology class at UW Bothell. Sara finds solace with binoculars in hand and an ear attuned to the symphony of the avian world. For Sara, every outing is an opportunity to deepen her connection with nature and sharpen her skills in identifying species by their distinct calls\u2014a journey of continuous learning and discovery.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Christine (Chris) Lefkarites White” position=”Secretary” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Christine-White-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”||27px|||”]<\/p>\nChris was raised in a vibrant, nature-revering Greek\/Cypriot household in NYC where she cut her birding \u201cchops\u201d on the backyard birdsong of jays, sparrows, starlings, and cardinals. She earned a BA in Sociology from CUNY at Queens College and an MPP from the University of Chicago. In 1994, she and her husband set roots in Seattle and raised a family of humans and canines, alike. She brings to BCS\u2019s board a career of governmental and nonprofit service in support of healthy communities, equitable access to opportunities, and the strategic stewardship of resources. Birding binoculars are Chris\u2019s \u201cfifth limb.\u201d She loves pickleball and knitting and is an avid cruciverbalist and hockey fan.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_blurb title=”Bylaws” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Birds-Connect-Seattle-Bylaws_11.14.2024.pdf”<\/a>; link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nLearn about the governance of Birds Connect Seattle in the organizational bylaws<\/a>, overseen by the Board of Directors.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Committee Leadership” url=”mailto:volunteerc@seattleaudubon.rg” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nIn addition to the Board of Directors, Birds Connect Seattle has several program committees that support our organization’s mission. If you are interested in learning more about different committee roles, please send a message to volunteer@birdsconnectsea.org<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. They help to accomplish our mission\u00a0to advocate and organize for cities where people and birds thrive,\u00a0through a set of shared values that underline our vision of\u00a0a healthy environment in balance, where people enjoy, respect and care for our urban community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787268,"featured_media":33166,"parent":202,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"About Us\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(255,255,255,0.7)\" text_border_radius=\"0px\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" background_layout=\"light\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\"]Seattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\n\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"2_3\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]Our Mission<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\nOur Vision<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon envisions cities that integrate and value nature, minimize threats to birds, and protect habitat.<\/p>\nOur Values<\/h2>\nWe are a community of passionate, talented, and unique individuals, and our service is Seattle Audubon's most valuable resource. As a staff-run and volunteer-powered organization, we value:<\/p>\nInspiration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Birds inspire and inform conservation in a unique and powerful way.<\/p>\nInterconnectedness.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The health of birds and their habitats is tied to human health.<\/p>\nEquity and Inclusion.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Equity and inclusion are necessary to acheive our mission.<\/p>\nDiversity.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Diverse perspectives strengthen our understanding of birds, our community, and the environment.<\/p>\nHumility.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The are infinite ways to experience and enjoy birds and nature respectfully.<\/p>\nCollaboration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>We are most successful when we collaborate within and outside the organization.<\/p>\nScience.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Our policies and programs must be informed by science.<\/p>\nPrograms<\/h2>\nClick below for information on how you can get involved!<\/em><\/p>\n\nConservation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nEducation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nScience\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nStrategic Plan<\/h2>\n\n<\/ul>\nThe Seattle Audubon Board of Directors approved a new 2020-2023 strategic plan on June 11, 2020, released to the general public in July 2020. This plan, Cities at the Center, focuses the organization on five goals within three core themes: urban conservation, equity, and resilience.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/429516911\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" thumbnail_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.6)\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"1_3\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-485","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nBoard of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Board of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/05\/Sara-Rocero-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nHailing from the lush landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, Sara found her calling amidst the towering trees and meandering streams. As a dedicated restoration ecologist with a local conservation district, Sara is deeply passionate about preserving and revitalizing natural habitats for wildlife. Equipped with a degree in Environmental Studies, a minor in restoration ecology, and years of hands-on experience, Sara directs her work towards the protection and enhancement of biodiversity in her communities. Her passion for birds came later in life after taking an ecology class at UW Bothell. Sara finds solace with binoculars in hand and an ear attuned to the symphony of the avian world. For Sara, every outing is an opportunity to deepen her connection with nature and sharpen her skills in identifying species by their distinct calls\u2014a journey of continuous learning and discovery.<\/span><\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][et_pb_team_member name=”Christine (Chris) Lefkarites White” position=”Secretary” image_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Christine-White-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”||27px|||”]<\/p>\nChris was raised in a vibrant, nature-revering Greek\/Cypriot household in NYC where she cut her birding \u201cchops\u201d on the backyard birdsong of jays, sparrows, starlings, and cardinals. She earned a BA in Sociology from CUNY at Queens College and an MPP from the University of Chicago. In 1994, she and her husband set roots in Seattle and raised a family of humans and canines, alike. She brings to BCS\u2019s board a career of governmental and nonprofit service in support of healthy communities, equitable access to opportunities, and the strategic stewardship of resources. Birding binoculars are Chris\u2019s \u201cfifth limb.\u201d She loves pickleball and knitting and is an avid cruciverbalist and hockey fan.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_blurb title=”Bylaws” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Birds-Connect-Seattle-Bylaws_11.14.2024.pdf”<\/a>; link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nLearn about the governance of Birds Connect Seattle in the organizational bylaws<\/a>, overseen by the Board of Directors.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Committee Leadership” url=”mailto:volunteerc@seattleaudubon.rg” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nIn addition to the Board of Directors, Birds Connect Seattle has several program committees that support our organization’s mission. If you are interested in learning more about different committee roles, please send a message to volunteer@birdsconnectsea.org<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. They help to accomplish our mission\u00a0to advocate and organize for cities where people and birds thrive,\u00a0through a set of shared values that underline our vision of\u00a0a healthy environment in balance, where people enjoy, respect and care for our urban community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787268,"featured_media":33166,"parent":202,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"About Us\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(255,255,255,0.7)\" text_border_radius=\"0px\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" background_layout=\"light\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\"]Seattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\n\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"2_3\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]Our Mission<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\nOur Vision<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon envisions cities that integrate and value nature, minimize threats to birds, and protect habitat.<\/p>\nOur Values<\/h2>\nWe are a community of passionate, talented, and unique individuals, and our service is Seattle Audubon's most valuable resource. As a staff-run and volunteer-powered organization, we value:<\/p>\nInspiration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Birds inspire and inform conservation in a unique and powerful way.<\/p>\nInterconnectedness.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The health of birds and their habitats is tied to human health.<\/p>\nEquity and Inclusion.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Equity and inclusion are necessary to acheive our mission.<\/p>\nDiversity.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Diverse perspectives strengthen our understanding of birds, our community, and the environment.<\/p>\nHumility.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The are infinite ways to experience and enjoy birds and nature respectfully.<\/p>\nCollaboration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>We are most successful when we collaborate within and outside the organization.<\/p>\nScience.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Our policies and programs must be informed by science.<\/p>\nPrograms<\/h2>\nClick below for information on how you can get involved!<\/em><\/p>\n\nConservation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nEducation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nScience\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nStrategic Plan<\/h2>\n\n<\/ul>\nThe Seattle Audubon Board of Directors approved a new 2020-2023 strategic plan on June 11, 2020, released to the general public in July 2020. This plan, Cities at the Center, focuses the organization on five goals within three core themes: urban conservation, equity, and resilience.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/429516911\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" thumbnail_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.6)\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"1_3\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-485","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nBoard of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Board of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. 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![https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/Christine-White-headshot-200×200-1.png”<\/a>; _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″ custom_margin=”||27px|||”]<\/p>\nChris was raised in a vibrant, nature-revering Greek\/Cypriot household in NYC where she cut her birding \u201cchops\u201d on the backyard birdsong of jays, sparrows, starlings, and cardinals. She earned a BA in Sociology from CUNY at Queens College and an MPP from the University of Chicago. In 1994, she and her husband set roots in Seattle and raised a family of humans and canines, alike. She brings to BCS\u2019s board a career of governmental and nonprofit service in support of healthy communities, equitable access to opportunities, and the strategic stewardship of resources. Birding binoculars are Chris\u2019s \u201cfifth limb.\u201d She loves pickleball and knitting and is an avid cruciverbalist and hockey fan.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_team_member][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_menu menu_id=”1385″ dropdown_menu_active_link_color=”#000000″ module_id=”.sidebar_nav” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” menu_line_height=”1.2em” module_alignment=”center” custom_css_main_element=”border-top:3px solid #7cc68d; \t||border-bottom:3px solid #7cc68d;||padding:10px;” custom_css_menu_link=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_active_menu_link=”font-weight:bold;\t” custom_css_dropdown_container=”width:100%;\t” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_css_menu_link_last_edited=”on|desktop” custom_css_menu_link_tablet=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||” custom_css_menu_link_phone=”margin-top: 8px;||min-width: 280px;||display: block;||margin: auto;\t||”][\/et_pb_menu][et_pb_blurb title=”Bylaws” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.27.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url=”https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Birds-Connect-Seattle-Bylaws_11.14.2024.pdf”<\/a>; link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nLearn about the governance of Birds Connect Seattle in the organizational bylaws<\/a>, overseen by the Board of Directors.<\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][et_pb_blurb title=”Committee Leadership” url=”mailto:volunteerc@seattleaudubon.rg” url_new_window=”on” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac” image_icon_background_color=”RGBA(255,255,255,0)” _builder_version=”4.22.0″ _module_preset=”default” link_option_url_new_window=”on” global_colors_info=”{%22gcid-5a1ca006-481f-4215-8348-29a193f148ac%22:%91%22icon_color%22%93}”]<\/p>\nIn addition to the Board of Directors, Birds Connect Seattle has several program committees that support our organization’s mission. If you are interested in learning more about different committee roles, please send a message to volunteer@birdsconnectsea.org<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n[\/et_pb_blurb][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. They help to accomplish our mission\u00a0to advocate and organize for cities where people and birds thrive,\u00a0through a set of shared values that underline our vision of\u00a0a healthy environment in balance, where people enjoy, respect and care for our urban community.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":186787268,"featured_media":33166,"parent":202,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"[et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"3.22\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_column type=\"4_4\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_slider admin_label=\"About Us Slider\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_level=\"h1\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" module_alignment=\"center\" max_height=\"371px\" custom_margin=\"||||false|false\" custom_padding=\"10%||10%||true|false\"][et_pb_slide heading=\"About Us\" use_bg_overlay=\"off\" use_text_overlay=\"on\" text_overlay_color=\"rgba(255,255,255,0.7)\" text_border_radius=\"0px\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" header_text_align=\"left\" body_text_align=\"left\" background_image=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/08\/APA-2017_Canada-Goose_A1_3892_1_Robert-Peacock_KK.jpg\" background_enable_image=\"on\" background_layout=\"light\" border_radii_image=\"on|5px|5px|5px|5px\"]Seattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\n\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>[\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_slider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\"1\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\"][et_pb_row _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" column_structure=\"2_3,1_3\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"2_3\"][et_pb_text _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" hover_enabled=\"0\"]Our Mission<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon advocates and organizes for cities where people and birds thrive.<\/p>\nOur Vision<\/h2>\nSeattle Audubon envisions cities that integrate and value nature, minimize threats to birds, and protect habitat.<\/p>\nOur Values<\/h2>\nWe are a community of passionate, talented, and unique individuals, and our service is Seattle Audubon's most valuable resource. As a staff-run and volunteer-powered organization, we value:<\/p>\nInspiration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Birds inspire and inform conservation in a unique and powerful way.<\/p>\nInterconnectedness.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The health of birds and their habitats is tied to human health.<\/p>\nEquity and Inclusion.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>Equity and inclusion are necessary to acheive our mission.<\/p>\nDiversity.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Diverse perspectives strengthen our understanding of birds, our community, and the environment.<\/p>\nHumility.<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>The are infinite ways to experience and enjoy birds and nature respectfully.<\/p>\nCollaboration.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>We are most successful when we collaborate within and outside the organization.<\/p>\nScience.\u00a0<\/span><\/strong>Our policies and programs must be informed by science.<\/p>\nPrograms<\/h2>\nClick below for information on how you can get involved!<\/em><\/p>\n\nConservation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nEducation\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\nScience\u00a0(UPDATE LINK)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\nStrategic Plan<\/h2>\n\n<\/ul>\nThe Seattle Audubon Board of Directors approved a new 2020-2023 strategic plan on June 11, 2020, released to the general public in July 2020. This plan, Cities at the Center, focuses the organization on five goals within three core themes: urban conservation, equity, and resilience.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/429516911\" _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" thumbnail_overlay_color=\"rgba(0,0,0,0.6)\" hover_enabled=\"0\"][\/et_pb_video][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column _builder_version=\"4.5.1\" _module_preset=\"default\" type=\"1_3\"][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]","_et_gb_content_width":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-485","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"yoast_head":"\nBoard of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/birdsconnectsea.org\/about\/board-of-directors\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Board of Directors - Birds Connect Seattle\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Birds Connect Seattle is supported by a dedicated Board of Directors. 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