CT Audubon Welcomes New Board Chair and Four New Board Members
Pam Fraser (left) passes the torch to Sam Gilliland (right), the new Chair of the Board of Directors. Photo by Cathy Hagadorn.
About 65 people gathered at Connecticut Audubon’s Stratford Point building and sanctuary on Saturday, Oct. 24, for the society’s Annual Meeting of Members.
The weather was beautiful, and the event kicked off and closed with bird walks by Conservation Manager Stefan Martin around the property.
In addition to highlighting the year’s activities and reporting on the organization’s strong financial position, the meeting marked the changing of the guard as the Board of Directors welcomed Sam Gilliland as the new chair and thanked outgoing chair Pam Fraser, now Chair Emerita, for her dedicated service.
Four new board members were elected: Amanda Baker, Luke Giroux, Marek Chawarski, and Michael Kelly. They each bring valuable experience and a shared commitment to our mission of protecting birds and their habitats in Connecticut.
Special recognition was also given to board members Kathy Van Der Aue and Sarah Middeleer, who both received the 2026 Dave Engelman Volunteer Benchmark Award in honor of their extraordinary contributions to the organization.
Guest speaker Elizabeth Cherry, an environmental sociologist and author, closed the meeting with a fascinating presentation on her research into birders, birding, and the ways people connect with and work to protect wildlife.
Thank you to all our members and guests who attended! We owe each of you our sincere gratitude for your strong support this past year!
Miley Bull (left) with board members Kathy Van Der Aue (right) and Sarah Middeleer (center), who both received the 2026 Dave Engelman Volunteer Benchmark Award. Photo by Deb Eccleston
Connecticut Audubon Society members take a tour of Stratford Point on Oct. 24, 2026. Photo by Deb Eccleston
