Environmental Leader, Educator, and Former Legislator Selected to Head Maine’s Largest Wildlife Conservation Organization

Theodore “Ted” S. Koffman of Bar Harbor, Maine will join Maine Audubon as executive director

FALMOUTH, Maine, February 12, 2009—Concluding a six-month national search, Maine Audubon has selected Theodore “Ted” S. Koffman of Bar Harbor, Maine as its new executive director. An accomplished educator, former legislator, and environmental leader in Maine, Koffman will join the prominent statewide conservation organization May 1.

“We are delighted to create new opportunities for wildlife conservation in Maine by welcoming Ted Koffman as Maine Audubon’s new leader,” said Karen Herold of Cumberland, president of Maine Audubon’s board of trustees. “Ted’s vast knowledge of critical conservation issues, combined with his numerous achievements bringing diverse Maine groups together to create mutually agreeable solutions, make him a stand-out choice.

“Ted genuinely is interested in hearing all sides of an issue. He is a warm, witty, and encouraging leader who makes sure people have the information they need to make good decisions. And that’s the essence of what Maine Audubon does—we educate people of all ages, from school children to legislators, by connecting them with nature and providing them with science-based information about Maine’s wildlife.”

Herold said a national search led by the Boston-based firm Isaacson, Miller resulted in environmental leaders from across the country competing for the executive-director position.

“It’s an honor to be selected as chief steward of an organization so highly respected for its work on behalf of Maine’s people, wildlife, and future,” Koffman said. “I’m eager to begin collaborating with a talented staff, dedicated board, local Maine Audubon chapter leaders, and other enthusiastic members and volunteers to shape and advance Maine Audubon’s mission and vision.”

Koffman and his wife, Joanna Allen, have lived in Maine for more than 30 years, and have four grown children.

Until terming out last year, Koffman served for eight years in the Maine House of Representatives. During the six years he was House chair of the Natural Resources Committee, the committee achieved a 95-percent record of unanimous decisions on bills concerning Maine’s wildlife and environment. Several policy successes have become national models.

Koffman also is well-known and admired for his achievements at Maine’s College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor. Serving in director roles there, he has led faculty and staff in running educational programs and events serving more than 10,000 people of all ages, including families enrolled in residential nature-based education sessions.

At the college and as a member of five nonprofit boards, he has helped raise millions of dollars and generate revenue from education programs.

A hands-on leader with a gift for bringing together varied stakeholders, Koffman also has directed groundbreaking projects to help Maine business, environmental, civic, and government leaders discover and prioritize common goals and strategies. He is a frequently requested speaker on smart growth and environmental policy at local, regional, and state forums and conferences.

“Ted is a man who cares deeply and personally about the woods, waters, and wildlife of Maine,” Herold said. “For years, he has traveled around the state for business and recreation, hearing the hopes and concerns of Maine people, learning the intricacies of conservation issues, and building alliances that help him lead effectively. He is ready to guide Maine Audubon.”

Maine Audubon is the state’s oldest and largest wildlife organization, with 11,000 members and supporters, and a history of wildlife conservation and environmental education in Maine that traces back more than 150 years.

Maine Audubon’s former executive director, Kevin P. Carley of Cumberland, Maine, accepted an appointment in August as Peace Corps country director for the Federated States of Micronesia and Palau. Maine Audubon Business and Administration Director Sue Cilley of Yarmouth has served as interim executive director since Carley’s departure.

Maine Audubon is recognized statewide as a resource for education about Maine wildlife and wildlife habitat.

The organization works with Maine policymakers, groups, and communities to provide science-based analysis and broad-based public outreach that help shape major conservation decisions having statewide impact.

Outreach programs and science curricula for young people bring Maine Audubon educators to classrooms, and school children to Maine Audubon nature centers and sanctuaries. The organization’s day programs and overnight trips help adults explore and learn about Maine nature year round.

Maine Audubon’s advocacy in the Maine Legislature in recent years has helped expand conservation of significant wildlife habitat, increase the number of species protected by Maine’s endangered species list, reform destructive forestry practices, bring Maine into a regional initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and win funding for riverfront community development and the Land for Maine’s Future program.

MAINE AUDUBON works to conserve Maine’s wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people of all ages in education, conservation and action. For more than 160 years, Maine Audubon has been connecting people with nature and leading science-based conservation in major projects across the state. An independent affiliate of Audubon’s national organization, Maine Audubon has seven local chapters, 11 nature centers and sanctuaries, and 11,000 members and supporters.

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