Chairman’s Corner by Henry DeLozier

CHAIRMAN’S CORNER

Launching into the Next Generation

In the three decades and more since Audubon International was formed, environmental sustainability is now of ever greater importance. As Audubon International celebrates its 35th anniversary, it is good to return to the basic values that have engaged thousands of golf courses and clubs, hospitality venues, and businesses.

Our mission continues to be to create environmentally sustainable environments where people live, work, and play. We remain devoted to our mission while inviting others to join us.

Audubon International is on solid financial footing thanks to the considerable efforts of Christine Kane, our CEO, and her terrific team working from our Troy, New York, headquarters. Christine and the AI leadership team have adroitly navigated the financial threats of the novel coronavirus pandemic to keep Audubon International financially fit and prepared to continually fulfill its mission.

The AI Board is made up of such servant leaders as Matt Ceplo, now a horticulture specialist after a 30-year career as a golf course superintendent in New York; Jennifer Grant, an entomologist and IPM expert recently retired from Cornell University ; Rich Katz, marketing and business strategist now serving as CEO at Katz Strategy in the Washington, DC area; Marvin Moriarty, a birder from Massachusetts after 40 years of service with the US Fish & Wildlife Service; Dan Murphy, CEO of Bridgestone Golf in Georgia; Jake Riekstins, Chief Development Officer at Landscapes Unlimited after 20+ years as a golf course superintendent, and Jim Singerling, former CEO of the Club Management Association of America. The AI Board of Directors has updated the strategic plan for the organization and provides good counsel and support to the AI mission.

More than 2,000 members participate in certification programs that focus on reducing water and chemical usage, increasing wildlife habitat areas, saving energy, and more. Six dedicated certification programs include the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP), ACSP for Golf, Green Hospitality and Green Lodging, the Signature Sanctuary, and the Sustainable Communities Program. We are proud that so many have joined the cause and always encourage more to join us.

Three conservation initiatives actively support our mission: BioBlitz, Monarchs in the Rough, and the Raptor Relocation Network.

Launching into its next generation with purpose and determination to be of good service, Audubon International is prepared to make the earth and our use of it even better.

Henry Delozier, Chairman of the Board