Marcus Gray has been named the first Executive Director for the North American Butterfly Association (NABA). Since its founding in 1992 the non-profit, dedicated to increasing enjoyment and conservation of wild butterflies, has been overseen solely by a dedicated volunteer President and Board of Directors. Gray begins his duties in July 2016 giving specific attention to building the membership base, forging partnerships, enhancing development efforts and securing grants to promote science-based stewardship of butterfly populations.
Gray has an extensive background in natural resources management having worked in the governmental and non-profit sectors. His resume includes time improving agricultural sustainability, supervising research and management projects for large mammals, monitoring birds, conducting surveillance for wildlife diseases and more. Marcus possesses a combination of field work and administrative experience and is well-versed in rare species management. Raised in central Virginia, he holds a Master of Science in Wildlife Science from South Dakota State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Conservation from Maine's Unity College.
His wife, Jess, is Head Field Hockey Coach for Drew University and they have three young children. The family enjoys various outdoor activities including hiking. Gray is excited to work with stakeholders through collaboration across the continent to address complex natural resources concerns to benefit butterflies, and the habitats on which they depend.
The North American Butterfly Association (NABA) is a 501 c(3) non-profit entity headquartered in Morristown, NJ. The organization's largest project is the National Butterfly Center in Mission, TX. Through an active Chapter system and engaged membership, NABA works locally to promote on-the-ground conservation work and institutes policy initiatives to further its mission. For more information visit http://www.naba.org. Search for "North American Butterfly Association" on Facebook & follow along on Twitter @NABAButterfly.
