International Bird Rescue is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of seabirds and other aquatic birds. The organization operates wildlife centers in California and Alaska, rescuing over 3,000 birds each year. As a prominent wildlife conservation group, International Bird Rescue relies on strong leadership to carry out its mission.
History of International Bird Rescue
International Bird Rescue was founded in 1971 by Alice Berkner. After witnessing an oil spill off the coast of California, Berkner assembled a group of volunteers to help rescue and rehabilitate the seabirds affected by the spill. This marked the beginnings of International Bird Rescue.
In the 1970s and 1980s, International Bird Rescue responded to many major oil spills along the California coast. The organization expanded with additional wildlife centers and more staff and volunteers. By the 1990s, International Bird Rescue had centers along the entire West Coast from Northwest Canada to Southern California.
International Bird Rescue’s efforts garnered worldwide attention after the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska. Staff and volunteers rescued over 800 oiled birds, pioneered new wildlife rehabilitation techniques, and brought awareness to seabird conservation. This legacy has continued with International Bird Rescue’s involvement in many high-profile spills since.
Leadership and Management
International Bird Rescue is overseen by a Board of Directors that provides guidance and governance for the organization. Additionally, a team of executives and senior staff lead operations, fundraising, communications, and other functional areas.
The current President and CEO of International Bird Rescue is JD Bergeron. She assumed this role in 2017 after serving as the Executive Director of the organization for 11 years.
JD Bergeron – President and CEO
As President and CEO, JD Bergeron is responsible for overseeing all operations and programs at International Bird Rescue’s wildlife centers and leading strategic planning. Key accomplishments under her leadership include:
– Opening the International Bird Rescue’s Alaska Wildlife Response Center in 2014 to provide rescue capabilities in a region with high concentrations of seabirds and aquatic birds.
– Launching a rebranding and modernization of International Bird Rescue in 2017 to reposition the organization as a leader in oiled wildlife care and aquatics bird conservation worldwide.
-Leading the organization’s response to major oil spills and avian disease outbreaks, including the 2015 Refugio Beach Oil Spill and the 2019 avian cholera outbreak in the San Francisco Bay Area.
-Expanding International Bird Rescue’s intern and volunteer programs to engage more community members in bird rehabilitation and conservation.
-Developing partnerships with corporate sponsors and foundations to increase fundraising capabilities.
-Increasing International Bird Rescue’s visibility and support through strategic communications, social media campaigns, and branding initiatives.
Background and Education
JD Bergeron’s passion for wildlife and conservation started early in her career. She attended the University of Notre Dame, earning degrees in Biology and Environmental Science. She later received a master’s degree in Biology from San Francisco State University, with a research focus on avian reproductive physiology and behavior.
Bergeron gained experience at the California Academy of Sciences, monitoring seabird populations and behaviors along the Central California coast. She later worked as a bird trainer at Marine World Africa USA, teaching behaviors for veterinary care and gaining hands-on experience rehabilitating sick and injured birds.
Bergeron joined International Bird Rescue in 1997 as a rehabilitation technician and eventually worked her way up to the executive leadership role through dedication and effective management of the organization’s programs and volunteers.
Organizational Priorities and Initiatives
Under Bergeron’s leadership, International Bird Rescue has several key priorities:
Expanding Aquatic Bird Rescue Capabilities
International Bird Rescue has focused on growing its resources and expertise in treating aquatic bird species affected by environmental threats. This includes expanding facilities, resources, and rehabilitation management practices tailored to species such as loons, grebes, pelicans, cormorants, and diving ducks.
Driving Innovation in Rehabilitation Practices
The organization prides itself on pioneering new and innovative techniques for rehabilitating oiled birds and other patients. Bergeron has focused on advancing veterinary care, rehabilitation methods, and release strategies through research partnerships and scientific review.
Leading in Oiled Wildlife Response
As a leader in responding to oil spills across North America, International Bird Rescue prioritizes maintaining a state of readiness and capabilities to mobilize and deploy to major spills affecting seabirds and aquatic birds. This involves extensive preparedness training and maintaining robust response plans.
Building Global Partnerships
Given its reputation as a leader in the field of oiled wildlife rehabilitation, International Bird Rescue collaborates with response organizations and wildlife conservation groups across the world to share techniques and build capacity. Bergeron has focused on establishing these relationships.
Engaging the Next Generation
Outreach and education are core parts of International Bird Rescue’s mission. The organization has expanded internships, volunteer programs, and educational partnerships to build greater passion for bird rehabilitation and environmental conservation among youth.
Looking Ahead
As International Bird Rescue approaches its 50th anniversary in 2021, Bergeron is focused on positioning the organization for continued success in conservation impact and ecological sustainability. This will involve fostering innovation, adapting to emerging environmental threats to birds, and collaborating with new partners to care for an increasing number of avian patients each year.
Under Bergeron’s continued direction, International Bird Rescue is well-poised to provide quality rehabilitation and build awareness for avian conservation causes well into the future. Her tenure as CEO ensures strong, effective, and passionate leadership that will allow the organization to continue fulfilling its mission of mitigating human impacts across North America and beyond.
Conclusion
JD Bergeron has served as the CEO of International Bird Rescue since 2017. Her background combines extensive experience in wildlife rehabilitation and organizational leadership. As CEO, Bergeron has expanded International Bird Rescue’s aquatic bird rescue capabilities, pioneered innovative rehabilitation techniques, maintained readiness for oil spills, built global partnerships, and engaged younger generations. Her strategic leadership and dedication to bird conservation ensures that International Bird Rescue will remain at the forefront of aquatic bird rehabilitation, research, and education for decades to come.
