Audubon Society of Rhode Island recently elected Barrington resident Richard Staples, Jr. president of its board of directors. The election took place at the society’s annual meeting held at the Roger Williams Park Casino, in Providence.

Staples has been a dedicated Audubon volunteer for years and joined the society’s board of directors in 2023. He has served as vice president of the board since 2025 and chaired the board governance committee.

Staples has photographed programs and events throughout the state, frequently visiting classrooms, wildlife refuges, and parks, sharing his talent behind the lens to support Audubon’s communications and marketing efforts. He and his wife Betsy were named Audubon Volunteers of the Year in 2021 for their ongoing commitment to beautifying the gardens and grounds surrounding the Audubon Nature Center and Aquarium in Bristol with help from their four young grandchildren.

Other officers currently serving on the Audubon Board of Directors include vice president Kat Burnham of East Providence, treasurer Patricia Thompson of North Kingstown and secretary Carol Lynn Trocki of Little Compton. Newly elected to the board of directors were Melissa Kollitides of Narragansett and Earl Simson of Warwick.