For Immediate UseContact: Garrison Frost, (510) 601-1866, Ext. 225
April 14, 2009

Emeryville, CA – After serving as Audubon California’s deputy executive director and director of conservation for the past four years, Graham Chisholm recently was named the organization’s executive director, effective April 1. Chisholm replaces Glenn Olson, who has stepped down from the position to focus his attention on his primary passion: the conservation of birds and wetlands.

“It’s a great honor to lead such a dynamic conservation organization in one of the most extraordinary geographies of the world,” said Chisholm, who will also serve as a vice president within the National Audubon Society. “Sustaining our focus on bird and habitat conservation and linking our work to the aspirations of Californians for a great and healthy quality of life is my first priority.”

Chisholm’s transition into his new role should be a smooth one, as he has already been a major factor in our growing the organization’s conservation impact in California, implementing an aggressive conservation strategy, building capacity and fundraising. Just last year, he helped broker the landmark Tejon Ranch Conservation Agreement, which will permanently protect up to 240,000 acres of important California wildland.

Olson – whose 33-year career with Audubon is full of standout accomplishments – steps aside after having built a team that has brought Audubon California to the forefront of the state’s conservation community in just five years. 

“These are unique times for non profits. Audubon has been around for 100 years and will continue saving birds and their habitat for the next 100. Our leadership transition in Audubon California puts the next generation in place for the 21st century,” said Steve Blank, Audubon California’s board chairman. “We have a rising star in Graham Chisholm and we have tremendous organizational strength.”

About Audubon California
Audubon California is building a better future for California by bringing people together to appreciate, enjoy and protect our spectacular outdoor treasures. With more than 50,000 members in California and an affiliated 49 local Audubon chapters, Audubon California is a field program of the National Audubon Society.