As Houston Audubon undergoes a search for a new President & CEO, Pam Smolen is honored to serve as Interim and lead the organization through the transition. Pam was raised as an army brat living in Alaska, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and finally settling in Texas. She grew up enjoying the outdoors, hiking and camping. She graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Chemical Engineering. She discovered the wonderful world of birds about 20 years ago and has been hooked ever since. Pam is a former Vice-Chair and Chair of the Houston Ornithology Group. Pam is a long time FeatherFest field trip leader. As a Houston Audubon member for almost 20 years and member of the Board of Directors, Houston Audubon has been an important part of her life. Since retirement in 2023, she has been able to get even more involved, currently serving as Board Chair-Elect, Chair of the Bolivar Peninsula Nature Trail Project, and Co-Chair of the DEIB Committee. Pam serves on the Education and Advocacy Committees. She answered a few questions for us to get to know her better.
1. What is your favorite bird?
The Chimney Swift is my favorite bird! When I first started birding, I was fortunate to help save the chimney at Pershing Middle School from getting torn down during the school rebuild. The chimney is important as a summer roost and for migrating swifts. We regularly still count swifts at Pershing. I also put together a presentation on Chimney Swifts that I’ve shared with master naturalist and nature groups.
2. What was your first experience connecting to nature (that you can remember)?
I grew up with parents that enjoyed spending time outdoors. I have fond memories of outdoor activities in Alaska, Virginia and Pennsylvania when I was growing up as a child. I remember the majestic scenery from living in Alaska. I remember the abundance of salmon that my parents caught during a fishing trip out of Valdez, Alaska. We had regular picnics at the local park in Virginia. I grew up hiking in Valley Forge. Appreciating the outdoors was more challenging after moving to Houston as I started high school. Being involved in Houston Audubon has allowed me to learn to appreciate nature on the Gulf Coast and reconnect with it.
3. What are you most excited about in your new role?
I’ve been involved in Houston Audubon as a member, volunteer, committee chair and Board member. I’m excited to learn about the perspective of the HA staff and the challenges that they face. My improved knowledge will help during my role in Board leadership.
4. What was your favorite vacation?
It’s impossible to pick one favorite vacation. I love to travel, and each trip is wonderful! I’ve been very fortunate to go on many trips. I like both nature / birding trips as well as history trips. I’ve been to many national parks and enjoyed the natural beauty of our country. I’ve been on several dedicated birding trips to Panama, Ecuador, Galapagos, Costa Rica and most recently Oregon. History has been the focus of my trips to the UK, Russia, Sweden, Greece and Prague. Last year I went on an awesome trip to Churchill, Canada to see the polar bears. A favorite part of each of these trips has been the many friends I’ve traveled with.
5. What’s the most interesting thing you can see out of your office or kitchen window?
I look at my backyard with its native plants while working from home. Over the last few years, I’ve learned the value of native plants. I’ve been sporadically trying to plant more native plants in my backyard. I enjoy seeing my backyard birds – wrens, nesting Carolina Chickadees, hummingbirds, Mississippi Kites and an occasional Chimney Swift. The local Red-shouldered Hawk and Cooper’s Hawk regularly make a pass through my backyard. During migration I’ve seen Canada and Magnolia Warblers as well as Great Crested Flycatchers. I can be easily distracted by birds during Zoom meetings!
6. What is your favorite book to read?
I’m frequently reading a Kindle book and listening to an audiobook. I read for entertainment and enjoy mysteries, action stories, police procedurals and espionage. Several authors that I follow include J. A. Jance, Robert Galbraith, Michael Connelly, and W. E. B. Griffin.
7. What’s your favorite holiday?
Any holiday spent with family and friends. Many Thanksgivings have been spent with my brother and his family. My brother, nephews and I start cooking the night before Thanksgiving Day. It’s been fun seeing my nephews grow up and learn to cook. I’ve also spent several holidays with close friends. Most recently we cooked a six course New Year’s Eve dinner with wine pairings.
8. What is your favorite thing about your career?
It’s been interesting transitioning from engineering to conservation. It’s great to have an office in the woods. It’s fun to take a break to see the Barred Owl or the American five-lined skinks rescued after Beryl. The skinks were juveniles and had bright blue tails. It’s been interesting how skills learned during an engineering career translate to conservation. The best part of working for Houston Audubon is being part of a mission I believe in!
Please join us in welcoming Pam to the team in her new role as Interim President & CEO.
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