Audubon International announced the addition of three new at-large members to its board of directors: Jim Pavonetti, CGCS, director of golf course and grounds at Fairview Country Club in Greenwich, Connecticut; David Robinson, CGCS, senior director with Marriott Golf overseeing agronomics for Marriott’s global golf portfolio; and JC Chi, Principal and co-founder of Atlanta-based Kuo Diedrich Chi Planners & Architects.
“As our organization continues to grow, welcoming these three outstanding people to our board gives us an even broader representation of stakeholders in the industries with which we work most closely to fulfill our mission,” CEO Christine Kane said. “They will help expand our message to future members who truly want and need to establish a sustainable culture through potent partnerships, best practices, consistent communication and wise investments. We are thrilled to bring their deep experience and new perspectives to bear as our board charts our way forward.”
A longtime champion of Audubon International’s mission, Pavonetti was named to his position at Fairview Country Club in 2008. Active in the field for more than three decades, he notably held the same position at the Edison Club and the West Point Golf Course.
Pavonetti led the way for Fairview to achieve the designation of Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary through Audubon International. His efforts were also recognized by the Metropolitan Golf Association, resulting in Fairview receiving the Arthur P. Weber Environmental Leader in Golf Award in 2019. He also earned the Environmental Leaders in Golf Award eight times between 2006 and 2023.
“I am very honored to be asked to join the board of directors for Audubon International,” Pavonetti said. “I hope to promote the programs to turf students entering the industry, assistant superintendents, and young golf course superintendents. They are the future, and I think that their participation is important to the golf and turf industry and to the future of the public view on golf course maintenance operations. I would also like to further promote these programs to the general golfer, from the daily fee player to members of the most prestigious country clubs in the world.”
Robinson is a certified golf course superintendent and a certified golf irrigation auditor. He is a member of the GCSAA, the Florida GCSA, the Central Florida GCSA, and the Florida Turfgrass Association. He also serves on numerous boards and committees within the golf industry.
Robinson earned a bachelor’s degree in turfgrass science from Penn State and an associate’s degree in golf course management along with a certificate in turf equipment management from Lake City Community College. He served as superintendent of golf grounds at JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Naples, Florida.
“I am honored to be elected to the board,” Robinson said. “Audubon International has been Marriott Golf’s foundational sustainability program for nearly 20 years. I look forward to working closely with the organization to help build their presence within the industry and further promote golf sustainability.”
As a board member, Robinson says he looks forward to helping Audubon International increase its number of certified facilities, strengthen programs, and build on overall golf sustainability awareness.
With more than 30 years of experience in the club design industry, Chi has gained expertise in the areas of golf development feasibility, amenity master planning, facility programming, and design implementation of golf and recreational facilities on a global scale. Beyond having served as design visionary and architect for projects throughout the United States, he has led efforts in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, the Middle East, India, and Southeast Asia. He joined the board at chair Henry DeLozier’s personal invitation.
“I wholeheartedly take it seriously,” Chi said. “On a personal level I have time to devote to outreach and going beyond the commitments I have with my profession. I’m challenging myself to be more proactive and have a positive impact on other people, my projects and my club clients — and to help expand the network.”
