Ray Stocking
Board Candidate
Ann Arbor, MI
My leadership skills come from 30+ years of project and program management in the high-tech industry. My passion for birds and conservation helps drive this leadership together into one, which has served the non-profit organizations I have worked for in the past. One of the most significant contributions I helped lead for Michigan Audubon in the past was to generate both social change and financial returns on its investments. Together with the rest of the board, I led the team through the critical financial investment shift while maintaining a professional and fiscal calm to make sure the entire process was done in a timely and responsible fashion. This guidance helped the executive director at the time to move to socially responsible investments for the organization, completing the process in just under a year. There was no loss in investment value, and the returns shortly thereafter showed improved results than before. While serving as president of Washtenaw Bird and Nature Alliance (formerly known then as Washtenaw Audubon) between 2005 and 2011, I helped the organization jump into the computer age. New features like Facebook and Twitter presence, plus updated webpage designs that allowed membership renewals and donations to be made online were quickly added. Additionally, I helped reduce by 50% the #1 expense for the organization, the bi-monthly newsletter, by offering a non-printed online edition. Each of these additions added under my leadership remains in place today, some 15 years after they were first implemented.
Why do you want to serve as a board member for Michigan Audubon, and what would you like to contribute?
Serving on the boards of nonprofit organizations aligned with my passions has been a deeply fulfilling experience. I dedicated 14 years to the Washtenaw Bird and Nature Alliance (WBNA) and Michigan Audubon, including six years as President of WBNA and a combined 5 years as Secretary, Vice-Board Chair, and Board Chair of Michigan Audubon. These roles allowed me to contribute to critical conservation initiatives, foster community engagement, and advance the mission of preserving wildlife and natural habitats. As family responsibilities grew and professional travel demands increased, I decided to step back from my volunteer commitments to focus on these demanding priorities. However, my dedication to nonprofit leadership and conservation has remained steadfast. I have always viewed this as a temporary pause, intending to return to meaningful service when the opportunity aligns with my availability. Contributing to organizations that inspire stewardship and promote biodiversity is a profound source of joy for me. Now living the life of an empty-nester with my wife, and business travel reduced, it would bring me great joy to bring my experience and passion back to the Michigan Audubon board, helping it continue to serve the mission of connecting birds and people for the benefit of both through conservation, education, and research efforts in the state of Michigan.
What is your favorite bird and why?
For 30 spring migrations, my father and I cherished the Blackburnian Warbler, a vibrant symbol of our shared love for birding. Its fiery orange throat and sweet song always promised a day filled with the wonder of warbler diversity. Since his recent passing, this remarkable bird has taken on an even deeper meaning, forever reminding me of the joy we shared and the bond we formed through our mutual appreciation of spring migration. It stands as a poignant tribute to his memory and our connection to the natural world.