Heather Starck

Executive Director

Heather Starck joins CORAL with over 20 years of executive non-profit conservation management experience.  Most recently serving as the Vice President of Grassroots for the National Audubon Society, she brings expertise in strategic planning, fundraising, team management, finance, and partnerships.  

Heather began her career with the National Audubon Society in 2000 when she managed the Everglades Education Center for Audubon of Florida where she led field study programs in Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge, Everglades National Park, Biscayne Bay National Park and John Pennekamp State Park.  In 2004, she moved to Columbus, Ohio to design and develop a new nature Center including completing a $14.5M capital campaign, brownfield remediation and new wetland complex.  

In 2011, Heather was chosen as the new Executive Director for Audubon North Carolina. In this role, she managed all aspects of the North Carolina program including conservation, policy, finance, fundraising and communications.  Under her leadership, Audubon North Carolina grew to focus on five strategic initiatives for the purpose of protecting birdlife across the state.  Heather was selected to co-chair Audubon’s most recent strategic planning process to help lead the organization into a new era of conservation and also sat on the National Audubon Society’s 10-person Climate Cabinet.  

In January 2018, Heather was promoted to Vice President for Grassroots – a vital new role focused on building and engaging Audubon’s network for conservation action.

Heather led the growth, development, and engagement of Audubon’s grassroots network of chapters, volunteers, activists, and youth leaders (including a college campus program).

It is a magnificent thing to be alive in a moment that matters so much.  Let’s proceed with broken-open hearts, seeking truth, summoning courage, and focused on solutions.

Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Katharine K. Wilkinson