David Mears

David Mears

Executive Director of Audubon Vermont and Vice President of the National Audubon Society

David (he/him) joined Audubon in the fall of 2018. He directs Audubon Vermont  and in this role, supports the educational and outreach programs based out of the Green Mountain Audubon Center in Huntington. David also coordinates policy work for Audubon Vermont focused on bird species protection in the areas of climate, working lands, water, and bird-friendly communities. Prior to joining Audubon Vermont, he served as the Associate Dean of Environmental Programs at Vermont Law School. In addition to serving as a professor and administrator at Vermont Law School, David has held a number of positions in state and federal government including serving as Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation from 2011 to 2015.  He has also served in Texas state government, the U.S. Department of Justice’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, and the Washington Office of the Attorney General in the Ecology Division.  David has a degree in environmental engineering technology from Cornell University, and a Juris Doctor and Masters of Environmental Law and Policy degrees from Vermont Law School. He lives in Montpelier with his wife Nancy and spends his free time in the garden or roaming the hills, rivers and lakes in the region.

Articles by David Mears

Spring Snow and Gratitude
News

Spring Snow and Gratitude

— Wishing you and your family good health and well-being during uncertain times.
ACTION ALERT: Protect Vermont's Migratory Birds
News

ACTION ALERT: Protect Vermont's Migratory Birds

— Ask your Vermont state representative to protect migratory birds.
30 Groups Present 2020 Plan for Climate Action in Vermont Legislature
News

30 Groups Present 2020 Plan for Climate Action in Vermont Legislature

— 2020 Plan for Climate Action in Vermont
Is Burning Wood Good for Birds?
News

Is Burning Wood Good for Birds?

— Op-ed by David Mears
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets’ Emergency Exemption  Inconsistent with Clean Water Laws
News

Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets’ Emergency Exemption Inconsistent with Clean Water Laws

— PRESS RELEASE from Audubon Vermont, the Conservation Law Foundation, Vermont Natural Resources Council, and the Lake Champlain Committee
Take the Governor's Budget Survey
News

Take the Governor's Budget Survey

— The birds are counting on you!
Vermont birds, climate, and economy
News

Vermont birds, climate, and economy

— Audubon Vermont's policy interns grapple with the importance of Vermont’s forests
Birds are telling us it’s time to take action
News

Birds are telling us it’s time to take action

— Op-ed about Audubon's Climate Report