From raptor volunteers to camp counselors, program coordinators to monthly donors, it truly takes a village to keep Piedmont Wildlife Center running. This month, we're celebrating the heart and soul of that village: Karen McCall, PWC's Executive Director!

Karen grew up in Chapel Hill, NC, and spent much of her time outside camping, hiking, sailing, kayaking, backpacking, snorkeling, and diving. She was introduced to the great outdoors by her parents, who took her on her first camping trip when she was less than 8 months old! Karen attended UNC-Wilmington, where she initially pursued Marine Biology but finished with a B.S. degree in Mathematics with emphasis on Physics in 1986 to broaden her opportunities.

After graduation, Karen's love of being outside in nature grew stronger while living and working on sailboats in the Caribbean for 7 years. Upon moving back to the States, she settled near family outside of Charlotte and worked for 10 years at the Charlotte Nature Museum, where she taught kids and families about the wonders of our natural world.

Karen eventually returned to the Triangle, and in May 2012, she joined Piedmont Wildlife Center as a raptor volunteer, outdoor educator, and eventually Director of Education. She became Executive Director in late March 2020 - just as the COVID-19 pandemic was beginning! Thanks in large part to Karen's compassionate leadership, PWC not only survived that difficult time but managed to expand many of our programs, and we're now preparing to celebrate our 20th anniversary in January.

In addition to being an expert outdoor educator and naturalist, Karen is a skilled artist who likes to dabble in linocut printmaking, painting, basket-making, and drawing inspired by her nature encounters. You can find some of her work in our Nature Store!

As a leader, Karen embodies our core values of gratitude, respect, curiosity, inclusivity, and awareness. She is committed to making sure every staff member, volunteer, and camper feels heard, and her passion for helping others form a deep connection with nature keeps PWC's programs grounded in our mission. We are so grateful to have her at the helm of our growing non-profit as we prepare to enter PWC's third decade. Thank you, Karen, for all you do for our staff, campers, Ambassador Animals, and community!