LINCOLN-Mass Audubon has appointed Karen Stein Director of its Moose Hill Wildlife Sanctuary in Sharon, the respected conservation organization's very first sanctuary, dating back more than 98 years.

She succeeds Christina Turnbull, who had been director since 2003.

Previous to her new position, Stein had worked since 2005 at Mass Audubon's Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary in Lincoln, as Administrative Manager and since 2012 as Operations Manager. As a member of the senior team at the wildlife sanctuary and working farm, she managed visitor services, events, membership recruitment, financial, volunteer, and other administrative operations.

Before joining Mass Audubon almost a decade ago, Karen focused on museum-based education. She served in exhibit staff capacities of increasing responsibility at the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh before moving to the greater Boston area and The Discovery Museums of Acton, where she was Visitor Services Manager before being promoted to Operations Manager.

Karen is a 1994 graduate of Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology.

"Karen's responsibilities at Drumlin Farm, which have provided her a foundation in both visitor engagement and the administrative side of conservation, made her an ideal choice as Moose Hill director," said Regional Director Gail Yeo. "She is brimming with ideas and energy, and the wildlife sanctuary-and especially its visitors- can expect to benefit greatly from Karen's leadership."

When asked how she is settling in to Moose Hill, Karen said, "The staff and volunteers have been so warm and welcoming and the sanctuary is incredible-so many places to explore. I am looking forward to seeing the changes that come with each season. I am also looking ahead to our 100thAnniversary, which is just around the corner, and excited about the new opportunities we will discover as we enter our next hundred years!"

Mass Audubon works to protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and wildlife. Together with more than 100,000 members, we care for 35,000 acres of conservation land, provide school, camp, and other educational programs for 225,000 children and adults annually, and advocate for sound environmental policies at local, state, and federal levels. Founded in 1896 by two inspirational women who were committed to the protection of birds, Mass Audubon has grown to become a powerful force for conservation in New England. Today we are respected for our sound science, successful advocacy, and innovative approaches to connecting people and nature. Each year, our statewide network of wildlife sanctuaries welcomes nearly half a million visitors of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds and serves as the base for our work. To support these important efforts, call 800-AUDUBON (800-283-8266) or visit www.massaudubon.org.