Audubon International Welcomes Three New Board Members

Audubon International – the environmentally focused non-profit organization offering members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we all live, work, and play – announces the addition of three new at-large members to its Board of Directors: Jim Pavonetti, Certified Golf Course Superintendent & Director of Golf Course and Grounds at Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, Connecticut; David Robinson, Certified Golf Course Superintendent & 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, Georgia.

“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,” says Christine Kane, CEO. “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, Mr. Pavonetti was named to his position at Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, Connecticut, 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 Country Club 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 Country Club 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, Mr. 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 says. “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

Mr. Robinson is a Certified Golf Course Superintendent and a Certified Golf Irrigation Auditor. He is a member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, 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 & Spa in Naples, Florida.

“I am honored to be elected to the board,” he says. “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 build on overall golf sustainability awareness.

JC CHI

With over 30 years of experience in the club design industry, Mr. Chi has gained expertise in the areas of golf development feasibility, amenity master planning, facility programming, and design implementation of golf and recreational facilities on global scale. Beyond having served the role as design visionary and architect for projects throughout the United States, 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 says. “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.”

To learn more about how your local golf course, community or resort can gain recognition for your environmental efforts or to learn how to expand your initiatives through Audubon International’s numerous environmental certifications, visit www.auduboninternational.org or call toll free: 1-844-767-9051.

About Audubon International

An environmentally focused non-profit organization, Audubon International offers members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives to protect the areas where we all live, work, and play. Its certifications are designed to increase environmental awareness, encourage sustainable environmental efforts, and educate both its members and their communities.