Audubon International adds three new members to its board of directors

Audubon International — a nonprofit organization offering members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the environment — recently added three new at-large members to its board of directors.

The new board members are Jim Pavonetti, Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) and director of golf course and grounds at Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, Conn.; David Robinson, CGCS and senior director with Marriott Golf overseeing agronomics for Marriott’s global golf portfolio and JC Chi, principal and co-founder of Kuo Diedrich Chi Planners & Architects based in Atlanta, Ga. 

“As our organization continues to grow, welcoming these three outstanding people to our board gives us an even broader representation of stakeholders in the industries with which we work most closely to fulfill our mission,” said Christine Kane, CEO of Audubon. “They will help expand our message to future members who truly want and need to establish a sustainable culture through potent partnerships, best practices, consistent communication and wise investments. We are thrilled to bring their deep experience and new perspectives to bear as our board charts our way forward.” 

Jim Pavonetti 

A longtime champion of Audubon International’s mission, Pavonetti was named to his position at Fairview CC in 2008. Active in the field for over three decades, he notably held the same position at the Edison Club and the West Point Golf Course. 

Pavonetti led the way for Fairview CC to achieve the designation of Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, through Audubon International. His efforts were also recognized by the Metropolitan Golf Association, resulting in Fairview CC receiving the prestigious Arthur P. Weber Environmental Leader in Golf Award in 2019. He also earned the Environmental Leaders in Golf Award from the GCSAA and Golf Digest eight times between 2006 and 2023. In 2021, Pavonetti was featured in Golf Digest for his environmental conservation contributions to the field. 

“I am very honored to be asked to join the board of directors for Audubon International,” Pavonetti said. “I hope to promote the programs to turf students entering the industry, assistant superintendents and young golf course superintendents. They are the future, and I think that their participation is important to the golf and turf industry and to the future of the public view on golf course maintenance operations. I would also like to further promote these programs to the general golfer, from the daily fee player to members of the most prestigious country clubs in the world.” 

David Robinson

Robinson is a CGCS and a Certified Golf Irrigation Auditor. He is a member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association , Central Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association, and the Florida Turfgrass Association. He also serves on numerous boards and committees within the golf industry. 

Robinson earned a bachelor’s degree in turfgrass science from Pennsylvania State University and an associate degree in Golf Course Management along with a Certificate in Turf Equipment Management from Lake City Community College. He served as superintendent of golf grounds at JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, Golf Club and Spa in Naples, Fla. 

“I am honored to be elected to the board,” he said. “Audubon International has been Marriott Golf’s foundational sustainability program for nearly 20 years. I look forward to working closely with the organization to help build their presence within the industry and further promote golf sustainability  

As a board member, Robinson looks forward to helping Audubon International increase its number of certified facilities, strengthen programs and increase golf sustainability awareness. 

JC Chi

With more than 30 years of experience in the club design industry, Chi gained expertise in the areas of golf development feasibility, amenity master plan

ning, facility programming and design implementation of golf and recreational facilities on an international scale. Beyond having served the role as design visionary and architect for projects throughout the U.S., he has led efforts in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, Middle East, India and Southeast Asia. He joined the board at Chair Henry DeLozier’s personal invitation. 

“I wholeheartedly take it seriously,” he said. “On a personal level, I have time to devote to outreach and going beyond the commitments I have with my profession. I’m challenging myself to be more proactive and have a positive impact on other people, my projects and my club clients — and to help expand the network.” 

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