Meet Our Owners

Richard & Cynthia Fox began the Wild Bird Center of Chapel Hill, NC in March 1996. Cynthia now runs the store full-time while Richard is retired. After 10 years in the business, Cynthia works as needed and pursues her birding passion by leading a group every year to such places as Panama and Costa Rica. When asked about the business, she says”

“Being in the bird business has been a joy. I enjoy turning the key in the lock every morning. The Wild Bird Centers of America has given me the flexibility and latitude which allows me to use my creativity while at the same time giving me a successful framework in which to operate. The fact that I can pick up the phone and call other store owners or Home Office for guidance, suggestions and support has eliminated my fears of starting my own business.”


Senior Staff

Name Job Title Extension
Petrides, Sr., George Founder & Chairman Ext. 204
Weng, Henrik Lehmann Chief Executive Officer Ext. 205
Petrides, Jr., George Vice-President of Franchise Development Ext. 203
Gladner, Neil Vice-President of Retail Operations & Marketing Ext. 219
Darby, Kathy Accountant Ext. 201
Dawedeit, Mary Ann Retail Operations Manager Ext. 213
Karamanova, Abby Managing Editor, Wild Bird News Ext. 210
Horn, Dr. Director of Research & Development drhorn@nbfs.org
Kristin Augustine Senior Marketing Associate Ext. 209


To contact any one of these staff members via email please select a recipient on the right and fill out the following form:

Petrides, Sr., George
Weng, Henrik Lehmann
Petrides, Jr., George
Gladner, Neil
Darby, Kathy
Dawedeit, Mary Ann
Karamanova, Abby
Horn, Dr.
Kristin Augustine