Gary Langham has been named Audubon's Chief Scientist, after four years as Director of Bird Conservation for Audubon California. While with Audubon California, Dr. Langham led a team that developed a predictive GIS-based model that identifies specific habitat areas and species at risk from climate change.  Audubon is now expanding this groundbreaking approach to encompass 600 bird species across North America, and to create a framework for innovative conservation planning. He also pioneered many successful conservation solutions benefiting diverse bird species, including the endangered California Condor and threatened Western Snowy Plover.

"The leadership Gary showed in creating the 'no regrets' climate change model is the kind of bold thinking Audubon needs," said Audubon President & CEO David Yarnold. "He has both broad science expertise and acute insight on how the intersection of social change and innovative technology can drive effective conservation.  Audubon has always been a science-based organization; Gary's leadership will bring new creativity and impact to our work."

As Chief Scientist, Dr. Langham will be instrumental in shaping and implementing Audubon's conservation strategy.  He will lead efforts to promote and expand citizen science programs including Audubon's Christmas Bird Count, to broaden the Important Bird Areas initiative, and to engage partners, donors and other stakeholders in Audubon's science work.  Dr. Langham received his Doctorate in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from Cornell University; and was a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and Instructor at the University of California, Berkeley.  He will assume his new position on July 25 and will be based in Washington, DC.