Carolina Raptor Center Staff Serve on Regional and International Volunteer Boards

The Carolina Raptor Center has long been powered by individuals with a passion for service. When the Carolina Raptor Rehabilitation and Research Center was founded as a 501(c)(3) in 1981, it operated entirely on volunteer efforts. The first staff members were hired in 1986, thanks to a grant from Mecklenburg County.

Today, the center thrives with an active Board of Directors and over 100 dedicated volunteers who assist with husbandry, food preparation for patients, property maintenance, raptor rescues, and docent roles on the zoological Raptor Trail.

Given this deep-rooted culture of service, it is no surprise that many current staff members extend their expertise to volunteer roles on regional and international boards, enhancing the impact of avian care and conservation globally.

Kristin Dean – International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (IAATE)

Since 2021, Kristin Dean has served on the board of the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators (IAATE), first as a general board member before being elected Secretary in 2023. IAATE is a global organization dedicated to advancing bird care, training, and conservation through education, collaboration, and professional development.

Kristin actively contributes to the IAATE community by writing papers, presenting at conferences, and leading webinars and workshops. Her work strengthens the organization’s impact on both birds in human care and worldwide conservation efforts.

Sunny Cooper – Wildlife Rehabilitators of North Carolina (WRNC)

Sunny Cooper serves on the Board of Directors for Wildlife Rehabilitators of North Carolina (WRNC), a nonprofit dedicated to sharing knowledge and resources for the benefit of native wildlife. At WRNC’s annual symposium at NC State, attended by over 200 people, Sunny was elected Vice President for a one-year term beginning in April 2025.

WRNC provides yearly grants to support wildlife rehabilitators and runs a mentorship program to help individuals obtain state and federal permits for rehabilitating orphaned and injured wildlife. The Carolina Raptor Center has been a long-term supporter of WRNC’s annual Wildlife Symposium, donating over 50 cadaver birds each year for hands-on training in bandaging, necropsy, physical exams, raptor identification, and fluid therapy.

Additionally, Senior Rehabilitation Coordinator Mathias Engelman served on WRNC’s board for a decade, and staff members Colleen Hartman, Maggie Stein, and Milan Starr have presented at the symposium. Sunny also plays a key role in organizing symposium speakers and events and teaches labs on bird bandaging and biosecurity.

Robert Koch – Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Charlotte

In January 2025, Robert Koch joined the Board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Charlotte Chapter as Recruitment Chair. In this role, he collaborates with fellow board members to encourage fundraising professionals across the Charlotte region to engage with AFP’s community.

AFP Charlotte, which serves over 200 members, provides opportunities for professional development through affinity groups, educational luncheons, and its flagship event, National Philanthropy Day. Before joining the board, Robert was an active mentor and frequent attendee of the North Carolina Philanthropy Conference, which will be held in Wilmington on Friday, September 5, 2025.

In January, Robert partnered with Shelley Hindmon Weifenback, CFRE, from Blackbaud to present “Navigating the Prospect Management Journey: From Identification to Activation” at AFP Charlotte’s chapter luncheon. He also spearheaded the creation of CAWCAW (Council for the Advancement of Worldwide Conservation and Avian Welfare), a new initiative that connects fundraisers at conservation organizations to share data and best practices. The group held its first virtual meeting on January 21, 2025, and now has active communities on Facebook and LinkedIn.

For questions about Carolina Raptor Center’s staff and volunteers, please contact [email protected].