Jennifer Madson Appointed Regional Director For Central Sanctuaries

WORCESTER— Mass Audubon has named Jennifer Madson its new Central Regional Director, whose role includes oversight of more than a dozen wildlife sanctuaries in central Massachusetts, in communities extending from the Route 2 corridor south to the Connecticut border and west to the Quabbin Reservoir watershed.

She will work closely with the staff at Broad Meadow Brook in Worcester and Wachusett Meadow in Princeton, as well as with former director Deb Cary, who since 2020 has served as Community Advocacy and Engagement Manager for the region.

Madson brings to Mass Audubon an impressive background in nonprofit management, fund development, community engagement, and social justice leadership. The statewide conservation organization has embarked on an ambitious, five-year Action Agenda, prioritizing Inclusive and Equitable Access to Nature among its three top goals. 

Most recently, Madson served as Senior Director of Development at Girls Inc. of Worcester, the respected resources and development center that has been making positive impacts on girls’ lives for more than a century. 

Previous to that leadership position, her roles there included Director of Grants and Evaluation and Associate Director of Programs. She has also chaired and managed the Fund Development Committee; and founded and chaired the staff Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Taskforce and the DEI Staff Ambassador program.

As a volunteer, Madson serves on the boards of the Worcester Regional Environmental Council and Edward Street Child Services. A Leadership Worcester alumna, she also serves as a facilitator and mentor with the United Way Women’s Initiative. 

Madson is a graduate of Clark University in Worcester, where she did her Bachelor of Arts and Graduate Studies work in International Development and Social Change. 

“Mass Audubon will benefit greatly from Jenn’s commitment to social justice and community engagement, along with her growth mind-set as we look to take advantage of the many opportunities in the central part of our state,” said Stephen Hutchinson, Senior Regional Director, Central & West. 

Madson said, “As a longtime resident and nonprofit professional in Greater Worcester, I’m thrilled to take on this exciting new role with Mass Audubon. I look forward to working with our incredible team to ensure that access to nature is a right for all.”