It is with bittersweet feelings that I pass along the news that longtime Director of Bird Conservation for Audubon Southwest (and formerly Audubon Arizona), Tice Supplee has retired from the National Audubon Society after nearly 20 years.   

Tice has been a champion for birds and other wildlife throughout her 50-year career in wildlife conservation. While we will miss Tice's expertise, wisdom and knowledge on our team, we want to take this moment to celebrate her incredible career and thank her for all that she has accomplished.  

Tice had a 29-year career with the Arizona Game and Fish Department before embarking on her “second” career with National Audubon Society. In this time, she led Arizona’s Important Bird Areas Program, participated in Arizona Partners in Flight and its reimagined Arizona Bird Conservation Initiative since its inception, led efforts to study and conserve numerous bird species in Arizona including the endangered Yuma’s Ridgeway Rail, and was vital in formulating and conducting the Arizona Coordinated Bird Monitoring Program.  

Tice has been a mentor to many, supporting the next generation of conservationists, and teaching others that conservation is a human act and to do it well you need to make connections. She effectively uses her past career, connections, and friendships to forge effective and far-reaching conservation outcomes. I have been fortunate enough to work directly with Tice since 2020 and include myself among those that have learned from her wisdom and experience. I am a better biologist and conservationist as a result.  

We are proud to have had Tice as a team member at Audubon Southwest and share a deep respect for her career and work. Congratulations on your retirement, Tice!