Roland C. Clement, First Executive Director of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island Keynotes the 111th Annual Meeting

Roland C. Clement, biologist, author, and artist, was the first executive director of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island (ASRI). He was at the helm of the organization from 1950 to 1958, during a transitional period for both Audubon and the environmental movement.

In the early 1950s, the Society had reached a critical juncture. There was conflict in the ranks on what direction the organization should follow.  One fraction felt it should remain more of a birding club, while another group insisted that Audubon should become a strong advocate for the environment. Those who wished to become more issue-driven prevailed, and the decision was made to hire a full-time executive director.  Clement was chosen, and the organization moved forward into the modern era under his untiring leadership.

Leaving ASRI in 1958, Clement went on to accept a position with the National Audubon Society and became its headquarters biologist in New York City.  He remained with the National Audubon for 19 years and later served as president of the Audubon Society of Connecticut.   Although ASRI was founded in large part as an effort to stop the slaughter of birds for their feathers, the organization clearly changed direction under Clement’s leadership, developing into an environmental organization concerned not just about birds and wildlife, but also protecting the valuable habitats that these creatures depend upon.*

Clement will be the keynote speaker at the 111th Annual Meeting of the Audubon Society of Rhode Island on October 26, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. at the Marriott Providence, located at One Orms Street in Providence.  Reservations are required. Breakfast is included in the ticket cost of $20 per person. 

The business meeting will take place at 10:45 a.m. and the keynote presentation should begin at noon.