Connecticut Audubon members choose a new Vice Chair and a new Board member

At Connecticut Audubon’s 2024 Annual Meeting, held at the Roger Tory Peterson Estuary Center in Old Lyme on Saturday, October 26, members elected a new Board member and four members of the Board’s Executive Committee, including a new Vice Chair.

Here are the details:
 
Elected to the Board of Directors Eleazar Lanzot, New Haven 
Eleazar Lanzot is a dedicated community advocate and skilled communicator with a passion for social justice and civic engagement. He currently serves as a communications specialist for Local 34 UNITE HERE!, where he develops and implements communication strategies for organizing programs, manages public relations, and oversees social media for the union. He also plays a key role in planning large-scale events. 

In addition to his professional work, Eleazar is a key leader with New Haven Rising, a grassroots organization dedicated to empowering residents and improving their communities. He leads committee meetings, speaks publicly on important issues, assists community members in advocating for themselves, and organizes residents to participate in events and rallies that promote positive change. 

Eleazar’s commitment to community action is rooted in his early experiences volunteering on political campaigns in New Haven. He honed his skills in voter outreach, campaign material design, and social media management while supporting candidates dedicated to improving the city.  

Eleazar’s diverse background also includes valuable administrative experience in various settings. He held several temporary positions at Yale University, where he managed projects, coordinated events, and provided high-level administrative support to faculty and staff across different departments. He also briefly worked as a Temporary Recruiter for American Cruise Lines, efficiently screening and interviewing candidates. 

Eleazar’s dedication to communication, community building, and social justice makes him a valuable asset to the Connecticut Audubon Society.  

 
 
Elected to the Executive Committee  
 
Pamela Fraser, Ph.D., Chair. Easton. Pam was elected to the Board of Directors in 2018. She graduated from the University of the West Indies with a BSc in Botany, Zoology, and Chemistry and is Professor Emerita, Science Education, at New York University. She is recognized both nationally and internationally for her expertise in the development, implementation, and evaluation of STEM curricula. Fraser served as a gender expert consultant to the United Nations Gender Working group to formulate plans to stimulate action and research for a more equitable world through science and technology and has written over 20 books, 50 chapters, and articles. 
 
Richard Perkin, Vice Chair. Fairfield. Richard is co-founder and president of Gells Apparel, a premium accessories brand and serves as a consultant for Fremont Wealth Management, both based in Southport. Previously, he held several positions in the investment management industry with a focus on the Alternatives Sector. A native of Fairfield, Richard was introduced to the Connecticut Audubon Society at a young age and still enjoys spending time at the Fairfield Nature Center with his wife and four boys.  In addition to serving on Connecticut Audubon’s Board of Directors, Richard is a member of the Foundation Leadership Council at the University of Vermont. He holds a BA in History from the University of Vermont, and an MBA from the Gabelli School of Business at Fordham University.   
 
Gilles Carter, Secretary. New Haven. Gilles was elected to the Board in 2019. He spent the first part of his career as an entrepreneur in the food and agriculture business, and then became a film and video producer for PBS and the National Endowment for the Humanities, among other entities. He was educated at the University of Montreal and Princeton University. 

Harshad Kuntey, Treasurer. Glastonbury. Harshad was elected to the Board of Directors in 2020. He is a Diversified Engineering Professional at Pratt & Whitney with a keen interest in volunteering and environmental causes. He was a long-time board member and volunteer for Connecticut Audubon’s Glastonbury Center. Harshad is particularly enthusiastic about trying to attract younger people to the organization.