Connecticut Audubon Society Announces Executive Director Transition

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Connecticut Audubon Society today announced that Joyce Leiz will step away from her position as Executive Director of the organization effective July 3, concluding a distinguished tenure.

 

The Board of Directors has appointed Bill Cavers to serve as Interim Executive Director.

 

Leiz joined the Connecticut Audubon Society in July 2018 as Director of Development, overseeing fundraising and membership. She advanced to Chief Operating Officer in 2022 and became Executive Director in January 2024.

 

Over the past eight years, Leiz advanced Connecticut Audubon’s recognition as a statewide environmental advocate. She helped pass numerous conservation initiatives, including one of the most important environmental victories in years — a neonics ban on turf grass, covering roughly 300,000 acres of lawns and golf courses.

 

Under her leadership, Connecticut Audubon grew its conservation science initiatives to include undertaking an Osprey prey study and working with partners to increase river water testing across the state.

 

“Her commitment to environmental stewardship and vision for our organization have left a lasting impact on both our mission and the communities we serve,” Board Chair Pamela Fraser said. “Her leadership has helped shape the organization into what it is today.”

 

“Beyond the accomplishments themselves, we are especially grateful for the passion, integrity, and collaborative spirit Joyce brought to her work each day,” Fraser added. “She inspired countless individuals to care more deeply about protecting our environment and to take action on behalf of our planet.”

 

Leiz has accepted the position of Executive Director of the North Salem Open Land Foundation in Westchester County, NY, where she will continue to protect the environment.

 

“It has been an honor and privilege to work with Connecticut Audubon’s dedicated staff, volunteers, members, and supporters,” Leiz said. “This team always inspires me and, together, we have made meaningful progress in protecting birds, preserving habitats, and inspiring others to care for the natural world.”

 

Cavers brings extensive conservation leadership experience to Connecticut Audubon. He most recently served as Executive Director of the Bedford Audubon Society and as a Senior Fellow with Conservation Law Foundation. He has led key conservation initiatives in the Town of Darien and serves on Conservation Law Foundation’s Connecticut State Advisory Board and the Citizens Advisory Committee of the Long Island Sound Partnership.

 

After retiring in 2018 from a career financing clean energy and infrastructure projects, Cavers devoted himself to conservation and environmental leadership.

 

“I am honored to step into the role of Interim Executive Director at the Connecticut Audubon Society and to help guide the organization during this important transition,” Cavers said. “I have long admired Connecticut Audubon’s remarkable history of protecting birds and habitats in our state, and I believe its people, resources, and mission are uniquely positioned to meet today’s many environmental challenges.”

 

The leadership transition follows a carefully planned succession process designed to ensure continuity in the organization’s operations and strategic priorities. Leiz and Cavers will work together during the transition period to provide a seamless transfer of responsibilities.

 

Founded in 1898, the Connecticut Audubon Society protects Connecticut’s birds, other wildlife, and their habitats through conservation, education, and advocacy. With eight centers and 16 sanctuaries, the organization preserves and manages over 3,400 acres of habitat statewide and educates more than 100,000 children and adults annually.

 

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Media Contact:

Melissa Chan

mchan@ctaudubon.org

203-259-0416 ext. 408