At the May board of directors meeting, three new board members, returning board members, and officers were elected to serve for the 2023-2024 term.
New Directors
Bennett Amdor - Bennett was introduced to the ASO community by his co-workers at Fontenelle Forest. He grew up birdwatching with his family in Omaha, making trips out to see the Sandhill Cranes. He is currently a student at UNO majoring in Environmental Studies, with a concentration in Life Science to help continue his career in conservation. Bennett is interested in getting younger generations involved with ASO, as well as folks who haven’t traditionally been interested in wildlife habitat and conservation. In his spare time, Bennett enjoys camping, hiking, and building a pollinator-friendly habitat in his own yard. His favorite birds include the Great Horned Owl, Downy Woodpecker, and the Nebraska state bird, the Western Meadowlark.
Steve Geddes - Steve’s interest in ASO originated with his passion for ecosystem restoration. Pre-retirement, Steve worked for the Illinois Dept. of Transportation as a real estate appraiser. Before moving to Omaha in 2016, he volunteered with woodland & prairie restoration for the Nature Conservancy and Peoria Park District. Steve’s grandson has participated in ASO’s annual student art show for the past four years. Steve learned more about ASO through the Meadowlark newsletter, and was pleased to find that ASO owns prairie land that is actively being restored. He enjoys prairie hikes, native plants, and collecting seeds to establish his own pollinator garden in his yard. As for his favorite birds, he reluctantly names Black-capped Chickadees, House Wrens, and Pileated Woodpeckers.
Melissa Sitze - Melissa has been a member of ASO since moving to Omaha seven years ago. She is joining the board after many years of dedicated bird seed sale volunteer experience. Due to her time living in the American southwest, among many other places, she names her favorite bird as the Roadrunner. She also loves all Owls (whooo doesn’t?). Apart from her interest in birds, Melissa also enjoys reading, hiking, and binge-watching British television.
Elected Officers
President: Christine Prescott
1st Vice President: Kayla Johnson
2nd Vice President: Anne Maguire
Treasurer: Michelle Foss
Secretary: Katy Simmons
Returning Directors
Amy Campagna
Kyle Finley
Betty Fullerton
Virginia Stauffer
Board Meetings
The ASO board meets September - May, on the first Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the Audubon Society of Omaha office located at 4339 S. 90th Street, Omaha, NE. Board meeting minutes are posted on our website at audubon-omaha.org. Contact officers and the board with any agenda items or concerns by sending an email to audubonomaha@audubonomaha.org.
Looking for Bird(ers)
We need birders to plan and lead field trips near and far. If interested, please contact us at audubonomaha@audubonomaha.org.
ARE YOU A NUMBERS PERSON? Next year, we will need to fill our Treasurer officer position. There is a currently a director vacancy on the board and we would like to fill it with a numbers person who is willing to step into the Treasurer position in 2024-2025. Experience with Quickbooks is a plus. If this sounds like an opportunity you would enjoy, please email Amaguire@audubonomaha.org.
Photo of Red-headed woodpecker by Duane Schwery.
