Jonathan Hayes

In his role as Executive Director for Audubon Southwest, Jon Hayes oversees the National Audubon Society’s operations in Arizona and New Mexico—including two nature centers, a research ranch, and a team of scientists, educators, and advocates all working to advance bird conservation in the Southwest.

Jon has a strong background and a wealth of expertise in the areas of landscape-scale bird science and conservation, bird habitat management and restoration, grassland bird conservation, and endangered species issues. This has equipped him to lead a team that works tirelessly to educate the next generation of conservationists, advance bird science, deliver on-the-ground habitat projects, and change policies at the state and federal level to ensure the Southwest is a place where birds thrive and people prosper. He approaches leadership with collaboration, reciprocity, and receptivity, which empowers his team to advance Audubon's mission effectively and creatively.

A wildlife biologist by education and training, Jon worked for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and the US Fish and Wildlife Service before joining Audubon as Executive Director for Audubon New Mexico in 2017.