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

At the request of Executive Director Kay Charter in July 2023, Mike Berst recruited several people willing to serve on her board. Started as an interim working group to help Kay and the remaining board directors save the organization, Mike and his recruits were appointed to the board by the existing SBTH board in September 2023. Mike and the other members of the interim working group were then elected as officers. They 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.