Priscilla de la Cruz

Priscilla De La Cruz was appointed as Audubon Society of Rhode Island Senior Director of Government Affairs in 2021. In this role she will work to initiate and advance legislation and policies at the state and local level to protect birds, wildlife, and Rhode Island’s environment. Ms. De La Cruz will advocate for legislation that promotes renewable energy and other policies that work to mitigate the impacts of climate change in the Ocean State. Other Audubon legislative priorities will include limitations of pesticide use, protecting forested land, and advancing green infrastructure and stormwater solutions.

“Priscilla De La Cruz has experience in the energy and environment sector and has worked on policy solutions that address the challenges Rhode Island will face in the climate crisis,” said Audubon Executive Director Lawrence Taft. “She has proven skills in organizing environmental coalitions and advancing critical environmental legislation. She will be a valuable member of the Audubon team.”

In 2019, Ms. De La Cruz was elected President of the Environment Council of Rhode Island (ECRI). Under her direction, and working with other policy leaders, the Council launched the Climate Crisis Campaign, playing a key role in advocating for the successful passage of the 2021 Act On Climate legislation. Working with the Council’s executive committee, Ms. De La Cruz is also leading an equity-based strategic planning process. She recently became the co-chair of the Climate Jobs Rhode Island initiative, a partnership among labor and environmental groups working toward a just transition to a green economy.

Before joining Audubon, De La Cruz held the position of Rhode Island Director of the Green Energy Consumers Alliance, where she developed strategic management and marketing and oversaw advocacy initiatives, including coalition organizing.

Ms. De La Cruz earned a Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) with a concentration in Management, and Sustainability & Innovation from the Harvard University Extension School. She also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing from Rhode Island College. She is a life-long resident of Providence.