SBTH Board of Directors

Saving Birds Thru Habitat is led by a volunteer working board. Currently, we have no paid staff. Board members provide governance, fiduciary oversight, and strategic guidance. They can also be involved in the planning and execution of fund-raising efforts, educational events, and various projects, including publications, grant requests and fulfillment, and on-site bird habitat stewardship.

Board Member Expectations

Board members are expected to:

• Care deeply about habitat restoration and ecological health.
• Commit consistent time and effort.
• Attend meetings regularly as needed. Often, board meetings are held through teleconferencing.
• Work respectfully and independently with other directors.
• Support the financial sustainability of the organization.
• Act with integrity and in the best interest of SBTH and the community it serves.

We do not require professional credentials or institutional connections. We seek commitment, steadiness, and a willingness to build and protect habitat for the long term.

Reflections from Board Members

Over the years, members of the board have written about their experiences with birds, habitat, and the work of the organization. These reflections are personal rather than official statements and describe what people have seen and learned while participating in SBTH.

• “Are You Admiring My Prairie?” — Mike Berst (2025)
• I Saw the World Differently — John Timothy (May 2025)
• “They Are All Going to Die” — Bert Thomas (2021)
• Finding Solace in Nature — Bert Thomas (2020)
• What a Thrill — Linda Ketterer (2018)
• Birding in Chicago — Gina Erb (2009)
• The Future Looks Bright — Marlin Bussey (2008)
• Because We Care — Bobbie Poor (2008)
• Michigan Breeding Bird Survey — Marlin Bussey (2007)
• Mea Culpa — Bobbie Poor (2007)

Current Board of Directors

Mike Berst recruited several people to serve on the SBTH board of directors at the appeal of Executive Director Kay Charter, who was seeking to form a new board because all the officers on the board and a few other members had resigned en masse. New directors to fill required offices would be needed soon in order for the organization to continue as a viable tax-exempt, nonprofit organization. Started as an interim working group to help Kay and the remaining board members save the organization, Mike Berst and his recruits were approved by the existing SBTH board to join as directors in August 2023. The members of the interim working group continue to serve as the current board of directors for Saving Birds Thru Habitat.

Mike Berst, President and Acting Executive Director
Kathie Albright, Treasurer
Beth Ayers, Secretary
John Timothy, Co-Secretary and Director at Large

Interested in Serving?

Individuals interested in serving on the board may contact us to begin a conversation.