Statement of Candidacy, Peter A. Precario

       I have been involved with Audubon since the early 1970's. Over the years, I have been deeply involved in Chapter activities, having served as President of the Columbus Ohio Audubon Chapter several times as well as serving as the Chair on various committees. As a result of this grass roots experience, I have become a believer in the value and the importance of Audubon Chapters in their local areas. More importantly, I have come to see that the Chapters are a significant component of the entire Audubon organization. Chapters are and will be a significant factor in the future success of Audubon. 

      In addition to my involvement with a local Chapter, I have also spent a significant amount of time working on State level policy and programs through the Ohio Audubon Council (now called the Council of Ohio Audubon Chapters). I served as President of that organization as well as serving as a board member for a number of years. The Ohio Audubon Council was a well organized and active body. It was involved in numerous statewide conservation and education activities and programs as well as providing support services for Ohio=s twenty local Chapters. 

      During this time I have also had a significant amount of involvement with the National Audubon Office on a variety of policy issues. Most significantly, I served as Co-Chair of the ad hoc Chapter Committee which led to the creation of  the regionally elected director positions on the National Board. I worked on the development of both the policy behind the regionally elected directors as well as creating the procedures and regulations needed for the regional elections. Since their inception, I believe that the regionally elected directors have played a significant role in enhancing the voice and the position of Audubon=s Chapters in our organization.  

      I am optimistic about Audubon. I firmly believe that in the future, our Chapters will play a significant role implementing state programs and helping to carry us into the future. To succeed in this role, Chapters must find ways to enhance their relationship with National and National must provide an environment for Chapters to succeed and prosper. The many issues challenging all of us -- Chapters, State Offices, and National, must be met with a united effort. All levels of Audubon need to find ways to operate both efficiently and cooperatively.  

Peter A. Precario
Columbus, OH 43206
peterpre@aol.com