Theodore "Ted" S. Koffman to Join Maine Audubon as Executive Director

Following a six-month national search, the Board of Trustees of Maine Audubon has voted unanimously to hire Theodore "Ted" S. Koffman of Bar Harbor, Maine as executive director of Maine Audubon. An educator, former Maine legislator, and environmental leader, Ted will join us May 1.

A Maine resident for more than 30 years, Ted is a warm, witty, hands-on leader with a gift for bringing together diverse stakeholders and motivating them to find solutions. Traveling for years throughout Maine for business and recreation, he has heard the hopes and concerns of Maine people, learned the intricacies of conservation issues, and built alliances that help him lead effectively.

Until terming out last year, Ted 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 the environment. Several policy successes have become national models.

Ted also is well-known and admired for his achievements at Maine's College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor. 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.

Additionally, Ted 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 has said he is honored by our selection, and greatly looking forward to collaborating with Maine Audubon's staff and board, our local chapter leaders, and other enthusiastic Maine Audubon members and volunteers.

In welcoming Ted Koffman's leadership, his vast knowledge of conservation in Maine and his ability to bring people together to find solutions, we are launching a promising new phase for Maine Audubon, and creating new opportunities for wildlife conservation across the state.

Karen Herold
President, Maine Audubon Board of Trustees

P. S. In the coming weeks, of course, you'll hear directly from Ted about how he will work to advance the mission and vision of Maine Audubon.