After four years as Board Chair, Dr. Jill Curtis has passed the baton to long-time HWI supporter and board member Dr. Sarah George. Jill strongly advocated for our staff while pushing us to soar higher. Thanks to her leadership, we welcomed the Tubac HawkWatch to our migration network, invested in our international program to track the Endangered Flores Hawk-Eagle for the first time, and took on a transformative project we can’t wait to share more about in the new year. “The growth of the organization in the last four years could never have happened without Jill’s confidence in our staff’s abilities. She allowed us to grow with confidence, knowing we had her support and wisdom,” HWI’s Executive Director Nikki Wayment remarked.
Having accomplished so much under Jill’s leadership, we’re thrilled that she won’t be going far. Jill will remain on the board, serving in a special capacity that we’ll announce in 2026. She’ll also support our new Chair, Dr. Sarah George! Sarah joined the HawkWatch International (HWI) board in 2018, bringing a scientific background in mammalogy and genetics, as well as fundraising experience from her time as the Executive Director of the Natural History Museum of Utah and Chief Philanthropy Officer for the University of Utah. “I have always admired HWI’s commitment to good science—collecting data and using its results to positively impact the future of raptors,” Sarah shared.
Birds have weaved their way throughout Sarah’s career. After collaborating with ornithologists in her grad school days, Sarah oversaw the bird collection at the Natural History Museum of L.A. County. From working with birds professionally and appreciating the local Peregrine Falcons from her window, Sarah got the raptor bug. Serving on the HWI board has allowed her to take that passion to the next level by being part of the raptor research, conservation, and education, which is core to our organization.
“Two years ago, my husband and I joined a small group in the Chiricahua Mountains of Arizona to observe—and participate in—HWI’s Following Forest Owl program. It was amazing to see these tiny raptors and to understand how sensitively and systematically the research team was collecting data for their long-term study of these owls’ biology. The HWI staff is incredible, and to see them on the ground was inspiring,” she shared.
As Sarah steps into this role, she is already envisioning what the future looks like for HWI. We’ve experienced a lot of growth, and fast, over recent years, which is why Sarah wants to zoom out and craft a five-year strategic plan. While Sarah was quick to note that this will be built through a collaborative process that includes both the board and staff, there are a few things she hopes to see:
- Remain committed to long-term research. “The results from our long-term data collection and analysis are key to policy-makers’ decisions on raptor conservation issues,” Sarah explained
- Expand internationally. “Our investments around the world have a tremendous impact on our understanding of raptor biology, including North American species that cross borders,” she shared.
- And continue to emphasize education. “Good conservation decisions require an informed public,” Sarah added.
The HWI team is thrilled to welcome Sarah to this new role and collaborate alongside her to continue bringing the organization to new heights. What gives our organization strength is the people behind the scenes, including supporters like you. “Without our wonderful donors, we would not have the positive impact on the future of raptors and on our world that we do,” she reflected.
And that’s not just Sarah’s perspective. As we prepare to celebrate 40 years of raptor research, education, and conservation in 2026, we want to hear your perspective, too! You can send your suggestions—or questions—about our vision for the future to hwi@hawkwatch.org. We’ll make sure to pass them along to Sarah and the rest of the HWI leadership team.
This blog was written by Sammy Riccio, HWI’s Communications Manager. You can learn more about Sammy here.
