Chris Bason Takes Flight: A New Era for Conservation at Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania

The Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania (ASWP) is embarking on an exciting new chapter with Chris Bason at the helm as its Executive Director. Bason, a seasoned professional with a unique blend of business acumen and a lifelong love for nature, is poised to guide the esteemed organization into a future filled with expanded conservation efforts, enhanced community engagement, and a deeper connection to the natural world.

Hailing from Pine Township, 46-year-old Bason officially took up his new role on January 16, stepping into the shoes of Jim Bonner, who skillfully led ASWP for two decades.

Bason's professional journey is anything but conventional for an environmental leader. With 20 years in finance under his belt, he then ventured into founding a consulting firm dedicated to fundraising and strategic planning for non-profits. His impressive resume also includes significant roles as chief development officer for the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

This diverse experience equips him with a robust toolkit for strategic growth and financial sustainability.

Beyond his professional prowess, Bason's connection to nature runs deep. Growing up amidst the sprawling 10 acres of West Virginia, he cultivated an early and profound appreciation for wildlife and the environment.

This personal history isn't just a nostalgic memory; it's the fundamental wellspring of his passion for ASWP's vital mission. He understands, on a visceral level, the importance of preserving and celebrating the natural world for future generations.

Bason acknowledges the immense legacy built by his predecessor, Jim Bonner, and expresses his intent to honor and expand upon this solid foundation.

He sees a future where ASWP's reach is significantly broadened, making nature and its wonders more accessible to an even wider audience. His vision is not merely about maintenance but about dynamic growth, focusing on increasing the organization's impact across its core pillars: conservation, environmental education, and critical habitat restoration.

Under Bason’s leadership, ASWP plans to leverage data-driven insights to inform strategic decisions, ensuring sustained growth and maximum effectiveness.

The organization currently oversees three cherished nature centers: Beechwood Farms Reserve in Fox Chapel, Succop Nature Park in Butler, and Buffalo Creek Nature Park in Sarver, all serving as vital hubs for connecting communities with their local ecosystems. Bason is passionate about making nature relevant in the daily lives of individuals, ensuring ASWP continues to thrive as an essential community resource and a beacon of environmental stewardship.

The future looks bright for Western Pennsylvania's natural heritage with Chris Bason at the helm.