After a year-long search, Maine Audubon said it has hired Judy Camuso as its next president.
For the past seven years, Camuso has served as the commissioner of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. She will become the first woman to lead Maine Audubon.
She steps into a role held by long-time leader Andy Beahm, who will retire next month.
“Her deep commitment to conservation and proven leadership make her the right person to guide Maine Audubon forward into our next era,” said Michael Catania, chair of Maine Audubon’s board of trustees.
“There is no denying that it is a critical time for Maine’s environmental efforts and Judy brings the vision and experience we need to advance our mission and further strengthen our impact across the state,” he added.
Background in wildlife conservation
Camuso brings more than 25 years of experience in wildlife conservation and protection leadership to Maine Audubon.
She started her career in wildlife at Maine Audubon nearly 30 years ago, initially as a seasonal biologist and later as the staff naturalist and Gilsland Farm Audubon Center director for more than a decade.
In 2007, Camuso left to join the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, where she advanced from assistant regional biologist to special projects coordinator, then director of the wildlife division, and was ultimately named commissioner in 2019.
“Maine Audubon has always possessed a special place in my heart since I began my career there,” said Camuso. “I’m looking forward to leading Maine Audubon to new levels as the premier conservation organization in the state, and beyond. I truly believe people protect what they love, and I want more people to love the wildlife and natural resources of the state.”
Through her leadership, the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife expanded and improved its communication and outreach, diversified its advisory council and grew its budget. Camuso served in several national roles, including serving as vice chair of the North American Wetlands Conservation Board and president of the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, where she was the first person from Maine to serve in that role.
Andy Beahm, who originally served on Maine Audubon’s board of trustees before becoming the executive director in 2017, announced his plans to retire last fall.
