Greenwich, CT (July 2019) – Audubon Connecticut, the state office of the National Audubon Society, has named two new members to its Board of Directors – Robert O. Dryfoos of Essex and Robert J. Klee of Woodbridge. Both come to Audubon with impressive histories of environmental involvement and activism resulting in tangible conservation outcomes across Connecticut and beyond.

“Audubon’s newest board members bring a unique cross-sector perspective to our work protecting birds, people, and nature. As we expand our efforts to increase the resiliency of Connecticut’s coasts, forests, and urban areas, we will rely on their experience working with a wide range of stakeholders to help us move the needle,” said Ana Paula Tavares, executive director of Audubon Connecticut.  

Robert O. Dryfoos has long-existing ties to Audubon as son of the late Marian Heiskell, a founding board member of Audubon New York (1999-2019) and longtime board member of the National Audubon Society (1982-2001). Prior to taking up residency in Connecticut, Mr. Dryfoos lived in New York and sat on the board of Audubon New York. Mr. Dryfoos is recently retired after 53 years of employment at IBM. He is a lover of nature and the outdoors and remains passionate about Audubon’s mission to protect birds and the places they need.

“I am pleased to be returning to Audubon. I have deep respect for the organization and its mission and am looking forward to providing whatever support I can. I especially hope to help in areas of collaboration with other environmental and educational institutions,” said Mr. Dryfoos.

Holding a Ph.D. from Yale’s School of Forestry & Environmental Studies in industrial ecology, and a law degree from Yale, Robert J. Klee is a Lecturer at the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies and a Visiting Lecturer in Law at Yale Law School. Dr. Klee is the former Commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). He was appointed Commissioner by Governor Dannel P. Malloy in January 2014 and served until January 2019. Prior to joining state service, Dr. Klee was an attorney with Wiggin and Dana LLP, in New Haven, where he specialized in energy and environmental law.

Dr. Klee stated:  “I am honored to join the board of such a dynamic and distinguished organization that is committed to preserving and protecting the environment. I am particularly excited to work with Audubon Connecticut and stakeholders throughout the state to improve resiliency in the face of our changing climate, and to help people make meaningful connections to the natural wonders of our state.”

As Audubon Connecticut Board Members, Mr. Dryfoos and Dr. Klee join a strong statewide grassroots network of 20,000+ members, three nature centers, and five local chapters working together to see birds, wildlife and people thriving in healthy and resilient habitats. Their expertise will support conservation efforts on our coast, in our forests, and in local communities across Connecticut through education and engagement, policy and advocacy, and on-the-ground habitat protection and restoration.

About Audubon Connecticut

Audubon Connecticut, the state program of the National Audubon Society, protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education and on-the-ground conservation. State programs, nature centers, chapters and partners give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches millions of people each year to inform, inspire and unite diverse communities in conservation action. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon believes in a world in which people and wildlife thrive. Learn more at www.ct.audubon.org.