Selected work

Work carried from idea to action.

Selected projects from Ed’s executive leadership at Buffalo Audubon, 2020–2026, developed with staff, boards, public agencies, funders, and community partners.

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Public examples

The challenge, Ed’s role, and what the work produced

Each example is framed from public professional history. Where public project coverage exists, it is linked directly.

Tern Island

The challenge

Common terns needed protected nesting habitat in the Niagara River, and delivery required public funding, scientific guidance, construction coordination, volunteers, and long-term organizational stewardship.

Ed’s role

As Buffalo Audubon’s executive director, Ed helped advance funding and coordinate partnership and project delivery with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, scientists, volunteers, and construction partners. Audubon’s 2021 coverage identifies Loren Smith and Edward Sirianno as helping secure funds and work with DEC; Buffalo Audubon managed construction.

What the work produced

Construction began in 2020, and the first common terns nested on the island in 2021. The work connected conservation planning with funding, partnership, construction, and long-term habitat stewardship.

Relevant expertise

Strategic Direction & Implementation · Sustainable Revenue & Campaign Readiness · Experience, Operations & Mission Delivery

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Read the project coverage Visit the project source

Capital Campaign & Fundraising

The challenge

Buffalo Audubon needed a stronger case for support and a practical way to connect mission priorities, capital needs, donor and foundation relationships, public funding, and organizational readiness.

Ed’s role

In executive leadership, Ed helped launch and advance the campaign and case for support. His work included concept development, case narrative, donor and foundation cultivation, public and private funding, and the organizational preparation needed to pursue support responsibly.

What the work produced

More than $2.5 million in public and private support across Ed’s six-year leadership, alongside development of the campaign case and advancement of accessible treehouse and trail priorities.

Relevant expertise

Sustainable Revenue & Campaign Readiness · Brand Positioning, Public Trust & Communications · Organizational Strength & Growth

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Strategic Planning & Implementation

The challenge

A growing nature-centered nonprofit needed priorities that connected board and staff decisions across programs, facilities, fundraising, people, partnerships, and implementation.

Ed’s role

Ed led successive planning processes during his Buffalo Audubon tenure, bringing board and staff perspectives into a usable direction and connecting mission choices with responsibility, resources, and operating decisions.

What the work produced

Clearer priorities connected mission, board and staff responsibilities, programs, facilities, fundraising, and operating decisions, giving leadership a practical basis for implementation.

Relevant expertise

Strategic Direction & Implementation · Board Governance & Leadership Alignment · Organizational Strength & Growth

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Bird-Friendly Buffalo

The challenge

Bird-safe buildings, nighttime lighting, native habitat, and public understanding required a shared civic conversation extending beyond any single conservation organization.

Ed’s role

Ed conceived and launched the initiative under Buffalo Audubon leadership, bringing together academic, conservation, civic, and business participants. The first symposium was held at the University at Buffalo in 2025, when Sean Ryan was a New York State senator. A second symposium in 2026 included Ryan in his role as Buffalo mayor and the University at Buffalo.

What the work produced

The initiative brought academic, conservation, civic, and business participants into a shared forum for Lights Out practices, bird-safe glass, native habitat, and public engagement.

Relevant expertise

Brand Positioning, Public Trust & Communications · Strategic Direction & Implementation · Board Governance & Leadership Alignment

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Read about the 2025 launch Read about the 2026 symposium

Leadership experience behind the counsel

These examples draw on Ed’s executive leadership at Buffalo Audubon alongside boards, staff, agencies, scientists, volunteers, funders, civic leaders, and community partners. Current advisory work brings the judgment developed through that experience to each organization’s own situation.

Explore Ed’s broader experience

Bring the work into view

What is your organization trying to move forward?

A complimentary conversation can establish the situation, fit, and a sensible next step.

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Or reach Edward J. Sirianno directly at ed@sirianno.org · 518-526-5492