Peg Olsen

Peg Olsen oversees Audubon's Atlantic Flyway Programs  as well as the International Alliances Program.  She works with these field teams in developing and implementing large scale conservation projects aimed at full life cycle protection of priority birds and their habitat. Since stepping into this role, Olsen has been integral in developing a hemispheric vision for Audubon and for encouraging collaboration with our international partners.   

Through her extensive conservation work experience, Olsen understands the importance of interdisciplinary and multi-institutional approaches to addressing environmental problems.  Olsen leverages the full power of Audubon's vast conservation network to tackle threats to birds with a cross-organizational coalition and directed mission.  A top priority for Olsen is growing the institutional capacity and effectiveness of Audubon by ensuring rigor in our conservation planning process and by growing the talent pool in our staff and board members.   

Prior to taking on the position in 2009, Olsen spent four years as Vice President of Field Operations for Audubon, covering 10 states on the East Coast, and serving as interim director of the International Alliances Program.  Before coming to Audubon, Olsen worked for The Nature Conservancy for 14 years--four years as Deputy Director of the Asia Pacific Region, where she had oversight for seven country programs and established the first program in Australia, and 10 years as director of the Eastern New York Chapter.

Education 

Ph.D. in Ecological Economics, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

M.Sc. in Urban and Environmental Studies, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

B.A. in Political Science, University of New Hampshire