Audubon International Names New Membership Coordinator

Audubon International is excited to announce the hiring of Tara Pepperman as the organization’s Membership Coordinator. Tara joined the team at its headquarters in Troy, New York on January 2, 2014.

As Membership Coordinator, Tara will provide member services support for all Audubon International programs including managing the organization’s membership database and serving as the main point of contact for questions from members and the public. In addition, she will assist the team in managing finances, coordinating events, developing educational materials, and implementing strategic plans to further the organization’s mission.

“I am thrilled that Tara has joined our organization,” said Ryan Aylesworth, President & CEO of Audubon International. “Exceptional member service is a cornerstone of our mission. Tara’s strong communication skills, interdisciplinary academic training, professional experiences, and genuine passion for environmental conservation will help Audubon International’s globally-respected education and certification programs attain an even higher level of member satisfaction and overall environmental impact. I am supremely confident that Tara will be an outstanding membership coordinator and an invaluable addition to our team.”   

Prior to joining Audubon International, Tara served as Association Manager at The Association Development Group in Albany, New York where she managed memberships, donations, communications, and events for five professional trade associations. Tara has also completed internships with the British Embassy’s Climate Change & Energy Team in Washington, DC and with the New York State Governor’s Office Department of Environment.

“I’m so thrilled to be a part of Audubon International’s team,” Tara said. “I look forward to bringing my experience with non-profit membership, along with my passion and training for environmental work, to drive forward AI’s mission to promote sustainable environmental practices in the future.”

Tara earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from the University at Albany and a master’s degree in global environmental policy from American University in Washington, DC. As part of her degree program, Tara spent a month in the Galapagos Islands documenting the effects of invasive species and development on the area and ways to mitigate these issues moving forward. Tara is a native upstate New Yorker and loves spending her weekends hiking or skiing in the Adirondacks, depending on the season! She also enjoys spending time with her family and dog, Otto, or simply curling up with a great book.