National Audubon Society Names a New Vice President of Climate

(February 1, 2022) – The National Audubon Society named Sarah Rose as its next vice president of climate. The role will coordinate policy, conservation, and science teams in support of the organization’s broader strategy to address how climate impacts birds and the places they need to survive.

Rose currently serves as the executive director of Audubon California, one of NAS’ largest state offices. She has held the position for four years. Prior to this, she was with the California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV) for over two decades, serving as a policy director, a senior vice president, and six years as the CEO for both CLCV and the 501(c)(4) CLCV Education Fund. 

“Sarah understands what makes Audubon unique and what will help distinguish our work in the climate space: leading with science, policy pragmatism, and a powerful grassroots network,” said Marshall Johnson, NAS chief conservation officer. “Critically, Sarah also recognizes the importance of establishing genuine and constructive partnerships with local communities and organizations, ensuring that any work we undertake is done with deference and consultation with the communities most directly affected.”

Audubon’s 2019 report Survival By Degrees found that two-thirds of North American bird species will be vulnerable to extinction if global temperatures continue to rise at current rates. The organization has also documented how natural climate solutions like maintaining and restoring wetlands, grasslands, and forests can benefit both birds and people by protecting wildlife habitat and naturally capturing carbon. The organization has set a goal of helping to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“The effects of climate change will continue to intensify, and as they do they will not be experienced equally,” said Rose upon her hiring. “Many human communities and bird species will suffer more acutely, often those already bearing disproportionate burden and risk. Our solutions need to make sense on the ground for human and bird communities where they live now, and support pathways for aggressive global reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.”

“Sarah's work in California has shown how powerful Audubon is when we integrate our work on climate into all of our conservation priorities,” said Richard H. Lawrence, chair of the Audubon Board of Directors Climate Committee and executive director of the Overlook Investment Group. “She has presided over efforts to address climate threats such as intensified wildfires and drought, as well as conservation efforts in areas like the Salton Sea. She is dedicated to protecting the birds we love, as well as the places that both people and wildlife need to survive.”

Rose will be based in San Francisco, California and will begin her new role on March 1.

About Audubon
The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters, and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire, and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.

Media Contact: Robyn Shepherd, robyn.shepherd@audubon.org