Mary Goodchild is a proud new Houstonian who has spent the last two decades in Los Angeles. As a Louisiana native, finding herself once again surrounded by bayous feels like a homecoming! Her career in nonprofit management is built on a strong foundation in nonprofit accounting and finance, with over 15 years of hands-on experience keeping mission-driven organizations running behind the scenes. Mary’s work includes roles with SAG-AFTRA Foundation and Independent Shakespeare Co. (Griffith Park Free Shakespeare Festival) and numerous other nonprofits, both on staff and as an independent consultant specializing in accounting and financial management.
Mary is thrilled that a long-held wish—to combine her passion for this work with her lifelong habit of finding any excuse to be outdoors—has led her to Houston Audubon.
Mary answered a few questions so we can get to know her better.
1. What is your favorite bird?
First favorite is the American Robin. Perhaps a boring choice, but I’ve had a fondness for them all of my life. It’s wonderful to be able to see and hear a bird you truly love all the time! Honorable mention goes to bats. Ok—not birds, but pollinators nonetheless!
2. What was your first experience connecting to nature (that you can remember)?
My grandparents had a blueberry farm in Keatchie, La. when I was a kid and I have many happy memories roaming around the fields picking berries, pulling vegetables from the garden, and digging up worms for our fishing hooks.
3. What are you most excited about in your new role?
I’m a problem solver at heart, and I love creating systems that support human behavior. With so much program activity happening across multiple locations and talented team members, there’s no shortage of inspiration for this work. And I’m especially interested in seeing how we might expand the reach of our Natives Nursery’s impact in the coming years.
4. What makes you laugh the most?
My 11-year-old daughter’s jokes.
5. What did you want to be when you were young?
I remember sharing with my third-grade teacher that I wanted to be a singer—in particular, a “lounge singer.” I thought a lounge sounded like a comfortable, quiet place to work—not realizing that it was a bar.
6. If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Gumbo. Hands down. It has everything!
7. Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
Yes.
8. What is your favorite book to read? (or not a book)
The thing I enjoy reading the most is the newspaper—by which I mean an actual, real paper newspaper. I love folding the pages just so, the smell of the ink, reading it lazily with a cup of coffee, tucking it into a back pocket on the go. Is there anything more enjoyable to read than the newspaper?! The feeling that this ritual’s days are numbered as newspapers are dying out means I relish each newspaper as if it could be my last! I also love Shakespeare plays.
9. What is your proudest accomplishment?
Learning to become the kind of parent that makes space for my children to be themselves.
10. If you were a super-hero, what powers would you have?
The ability to pause time at will.
11. What are your hobbies?
Building things, sewing, doing art projects with my kids, following whatever creative mood strikes!
Please join us in welcoming Mary to the team and be sure to introduce yourself if you see her at a Houston Audubon Sanctuary!
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