Smalling is taking the reins after more than 20 years with the organization, where he got his start surveying Golden-winged Warblers in the North Carolina mountains. 

Today, he serves as conservation director, in addition to his new interim role, and oversees all aspects of Audubon’s conservation and advocacy work in the state. 

“I am excited to help aid our leadership transition, and to continue supporting our amazing staff and chapter network,” Smalling said. “North Carolina is home to an amazing diversity of bird life. When we work together to protect them, we’re helping to create a better future for North Carolinians too.”

Anyone interested can hear Smalling deliver his “State of the Birds 2023” address at Grandfather Mountain on Aug. 26, as part of the Grandfather Presents Series.

Smalling will speak about the biggest opportunities and challenges for bird conservation in North Carolina. How are emerging social, economic, and ecological realities impacting work and what is Audubon doing, thinking and planning for those realities, at the national, state, and local level? With a new strategic plan just announced, Smalling will discuss Audubon’s vision for bird conservation for the next decade and beyond. But most importantly, he will focus on how you can help birds in your community.  

The program begins at 2 p.m. Find more details and registration info here.