The 2022 Dave Engelman Volunteer Benchmark Award Winner: Jeanne C. Olivier

Jeanne Olivier, left. Cathy Hagadorn, director of Deer Pond Farm, presented her with the annual Dave Engelman Volunteer Benchmark Award for 2022, on behalf of the Board of Directors.

Connecticut Audubon’s 2022 Dave Engelman Volunteer Benchmark Award for 2022: Jeanne C. Olivier, of Kent.

The award was established in 1993, and is given annually by our Board of Directors to one or more people whose volunteer activity has significantly enhanced our mission.

Jeanne C. Olivier has been the Board chair of Deer Pond Farm since it was bequested to the Connecticut Audubon Society in 2017. She has provided guidance during the transition of the property to Connecticut Audubon Society and as the center’s trails were opened to the public. 

Over the last few years, Jeanne oversaw the renovation of Kathy and Walter Wriston’s former home on the property.

A retired attorney, worked closely with the Deer Pond Farm Director, Cathy Hagadorn, and Board members to ensure that budgetary considerations were met and that the transformation of a residential building into a nature center was in compliance with  commercial and ADA regulations.

The building can now be used for meetings and classes and enjoyed by the public.  

We are so grateful for Jeanne’s leadership and guidance of stewarding this important preserve for all to enjoy for generations to come.

The award is named in honor of Dave Engelman, a member of the Board of Directors, who lost a courageous battle with cancer on March 9, 2007. He epitomized the characteristics of an extraordinary volunteer by helping Connecticut Audubon grow both in spirit and as an organization. He was a longtime member, donor, Board member, and for a time interim president managing day-to-day operations. 

You can find a list of previous recepients here.