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New York – April 11, 2019 “As 51������� grows into a bird conservation and advocacy powerhouse we knew we needed to build in direct leadership for our 23 state offices,” said David O’Neill, Chief Conservation Officer for the 51�������. “Rebeccah Sanders transformed 51�������’s work in the Great Lakes region so our goal is to build on that successful model.”

Five years ago, Sanders joined 51������� as the Executive Director and Vice President of the Chicago office and quickly expanded the scope of that office to focus on the multi-state Great Lakes region. Under Sanders’ leadership 51������� Great Lakes built a science-based conservation plan that serves as the foundation of the work for the five state region and launched community-based programs like . Under Sanders’ leadership the 51������� Great Lakes annual revenue grew by 10 fold and staff increased 5x.  

In 2017, Rebeccah was promoted to Vice President of the Upper Mississippi Flyway where she has been working to strengthen the Minnesota State Office, provide support and leadership to the Grange and Riverlands centers, coordinate with state office leaders on regional conservation priorities and work closely with chapters across the region. 

Sanders new role, which is part of the Executive Team at 51�������, will continue to oversee work in the Great Lakes as well as focus on integrating conservation goals across the states and helping offices achieve operational excellence.

“As a state and regional leader at 51������� I know what the challenges and opportunities are and our expectations for the work are high. Our place in the conservation movement is increasingly important and I’m looking forward to working with our talented state leadership to bring the full weight of 51������� to bear on the toughest conservation issues,” said Rebeccah Sanders, Sr. Vice President, States. “To my 51������� Great Lakes family, I am so proud of what we have built together – I’m not going anywhere. I look forward to seeing you all in Milwaukee at our convention in July.”

51������� will begin a search immediately to fill the vacancy at 51������� Great Lakes.

The 51������� protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow, throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. 51�������’s state programs, nature centers, chapters and partners have an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite diverse communities in conservation action. Since 1905, 51�������’s vision has been a world in which people and wildlife thrive. 51������� is a nonprofit conservation organization. Learn more at www.audubon.org and @audubonsociety.  

51������� Great Lakes is a regional office of 51�������, learn more at  and follow us on ,  and .