Cathryn Wise
Audubon Southwest
Santa Fe,US
28
years of professional experience
Dynamic leader experienced in guiding successful conservation projects and teams in the Southwest. Proven record includes securing and overseeing over 1.8 million dollars in grant funds, managing complex community engagement efforts, and fostering strong, long-lasting relationships. A skilled and innovative communicator with the ability to inspire others and drive meaningful conservation action to meet Flight Plan objectives
Work History
Manager of Community Building
- Perform Chapter Relations Manager (CRM) duties: coordinate with Audubon Southwest's 12 chapters (eight in AZ and four in NM) to help guide the realization of Flight Plan objectives in diverse communities throughout our region.
- Connect chapters with Audubon Southwest's conservation projects: Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo surveys (Prescott and Sonoran Audubon Societies), Pinyon Jay Community Science (Northern Arizona Audubon, Prescott Audubon, Desert Rivers Audubon, Sangre de Cristo Audubon, and Central New Mexico Bird Alliance) Burrowing Owl relocation (Maricopa Bird Alliance and Yuma Audubon) and Plants for Birds (Desert Rivers, Central New Mexico Bird Alliance, and Sangre de Cristo Audubon). Chapters agree that having hands-on opportunities increases engagement.
- Connect chapters to independent breweries in Audubon's network that are in their areas to elevate Audubon messaging to new audiences. Participating breweries include Arizona Wilderness, Borderlands Brewing, Bow and Arrow Brewing Company, and Drinking Horn Meadery.Collaborated with staff in both Arizona and New Mexico to successfully develop and carry out ongoing projects and programs.
- Continued oversight of Audubon Southwest's annual WYBC survey training, in partnership with US Fish and Wildlife Service and AZGFD to train interns and volunteers to conduct surveys properly. We have hosted this training for 15 years and it continues to receive excellent reviews and generate income.
- Continue to apply for, receive, and manage grants supporting conservation work.
- Represent Audubon at regional and national conferences.
Community Science Manager
4 Years 6 Months- Managed bird monitoring and habitat restoration activities for priority bird species including Burrowing Owl, Western Yellow-billed Cuckoo, and Pinyon Jay.
- Developed new and fostered existing positive relationships with partners through proactive communication tactics throughout the region.
- Collaborated with staff in both Arizona and New Mexico to successfully develop and carry out projects and programs.
- Created innovative strategies for increasing diverse community engagement in bird and habitat conservation.
- Demonstrated leadership in managing volunteer teams of over 50 individuals in the field, utilizing effective problem-solving techniques.
- Represented Audubon at regional and national conferences.
Education Director
14 Years 2 Months- Secured grants totaling over $1,300,000
- Established a +10 year partnership with the Bureau of Land Management for biological surveying and youth career training
- Initiated and directed a partnership to relocate +500 displaced Burrowing Owls Involving +3000 volunteers and several partners
- Recruited, trained, and supervised staff and volunteers to deliver educational habitat improvement programming
- Represented Audubon at national, state and agency meetings
- Interfaced with diverse audiences to educate and inspire
Wildlife Specialist, Birds Program
7 Years 10 Months- Co-edited the Arizona Breeding Bird Atlas, published 2005
- Managed backcountry field crews and processed data
- Provided professional presentations on behalf of the Arizona Game and Fish Department
- Built relationships with diverse stakeholders including tribes
Education
Bachelor of Science - Avian Science
Skills
Project planning
People management
Relationship building
Verbal and written communication
Trusted convener in AZ and NM
Master Birder
Database Management
Fundraising
Timeline
Community Science Manager
Audubon Southwest
01.2021 - 07.2025Read More
Education Director
Audubon Arizona
10.2006 - 12.2020Read More
Wildlife Specialist, Birds Program
Arizona Game and Fish Department
03.1997 - 01.2005Read More
University of California
Bachelor of Science from Avian Science
Read More
Manager of Community Building
Audubon Southwest
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OVERVIEW
Wildlife biologist with over 25 years of experience planning and executing complex projects and managing crews in both urban and backcountry southwestern settings. A talented grant manager with strong communication and relationship-building skills. Reliable, creative, and an Innovative problem solver. Solution-oriented with a focus on long-term goals and cross-functional collaboration. Strong personal commitment to hemispheric bird conservation is brought to educational programming