CHARLES DARWIN FOUNDATION - Key Persons


Adrián Chapa

Job Titles:
  • Junior Promoter
Adrián Chapa has been contributing to the Charles Darwin Station since April 2022 in the role of a junior promoter. With a background as a chef, he is passionate about hotels and hospitality, striving to provide the best customer experience. His goal is to ensure that visitors to the Charles Darwin Scientific Station always leave with a smile.

Agustina Masaquiza

Job Titles:
  • Assistant
  • Cleaning Assistant

Alfredo Carrasco

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board of Directors
  • International Consultant
Alfredo is an international consultant on environmental and social topics. He has experience working in Antarctica, Bolivia, Ecuador, Honduras, Belize and Peru. Studied Business Administration at the Central American Institute of Business Administration in Costa Rica and Geological Engineering at the National Polytechnic School in Quito. Alfredo was the Secretary General of CDF; Sub-secretary of Natural Capital; President of the Forest Stewardship Council - Ecuador; Vice President of the Committee on Reforestation and Forest Management; and a member of the Panel of Experts of the International Tropical Timber Organization. Member of the World Commission of Protected Areas of the IUCN. Promoted the incorporation of the Galapagos Marine Reserve as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. He supports indigenous organizations with the development of institutional development processes and the management of natural resources.

Ambre Tanty-Lamothe

Job Titles:
  • Director of Marketing and Communications
Ambre is passionate about storytelling and the Galapagos. She joined CDF in September 2022 as Director of Marketing and Communications to amplify the foundation's work and strengthen its position in conservation. Prior to joining CDF, Ambre worked for various private and publicly listed businesses across Europe. For seven years she advised international organizations on corporate communications matters in London and Brazil while at corporate communications agency Brunswick Group. Ambre holds a Bsc in Management from Manchester University and a Masters in International Communications Management. She speaks English, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Dutch.

Ana Moya

Job Titles:
  • Junior Researcher
Her name is Ana Victoria Moya Serrano, and she has been working as a local researcher for the Shark Ecology project since 2022. In 2016, she graduated as a marine biologist at the International University of Ecuador in Quito and obtained a Master's degree in Marine and Lacustrine Science and Management from an inter-university program between the Free University of Brussels, Ghent University, and Antwerp University. In 2015, she joined the Foundation Charles Darwin as a thesis student in the Seamounts project. She returned in 2017 as a volunteer for the Shark Ecology project, where she eventually received a scholarship to pursue her master's degree. Currently, she is working as a researcher for the project, helping to monitor sharks around the archipelago. Since she was very young, her great motivation has been the protection of ecosystems. Being part of the shark project that seeks the conservation of these endangered species is a great privilege that motivates her to continue working and learning for the cause.

Anderson Herrera

Job Titles:
  • Volunteer and Scholarship Program Manager
In 2023, Sebastian joined the Human Resources team of the Charles Darwin Foundation, establishing his residence in Galapagos despite his origin in Quito. Specializing in administration, economics and projects, he has a degree in public management engineering and advanced studies in Project Management and Control, with an emphasis on international cooperation. In the private sector, he has provided administrative and financial advice to micro-entrepreneurs and is the founder of HERRMOR, a micro-enterprise dedicated to training and advising entrepreneurs in Galapagos. With plans to pursue doctoral studies in political economy, Sebastian is interested in understanding the interrelationship between economic and political aspects at the community level. With a penchant for data analysis and project management, he leads F.I.G.A., a social project that uses soccer to address social issues in Galapagos, involving women and men of all ages. He currently leads the volunteer and intern program of the Charles Darwin Foundation, consolidating his position as a key element in the management and development of social and community initiatives in Galapagos.

Andrea C. Román

Job Titles:
  • Taxonomist - Entomologist at the Terrestrial Invertebrate Collection

Andrea Cahuana

Job Titles:
  • Research Assistant
Andrea Cahuana has a Bachelor's Degree in Ecological Tourism and came to CDF in 2012 as a local volunteer while finishing her studies. She first worked in the Herbarium where she became interested in the conservation of the flora and fauna of the Galapagos. In 2014, she joined the Philornis project Since 2015, she has been working as a research assistant. She is responsible for all field activities including; monitoring Philornis downsi populations and conducting trials to test attractants that can be used to lure and trap flies. She also assists with research in the laboratory to develop methods for mass rearing Philornis downsi.

Andrea Espín

Job Titles:
  • Accounting Assistant
Andrea Espín joined the Charles Darwin Foundation on July 2017 to provide support in the Accounting area as a consultant; six months later she was incorporated as part of staff. Andrea has a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting and Auditing CPA from the Escuela Superior Politécnica del Chimborazo. Andrea is a professional with 12 years of experience in the accounting area. Before joining the Charles Darwin Foundation she has worked as an accounting assistant and warehouse manager in a textile production company (Only Basic), as an assistant in a law office (Torrez Verónica), and as an Accountant in a company that sells goods and services (Grupo AT). She mainly enjoys her family and life in the Galapagos Islands; She is interested in the activities carried out by CDF researchers.

Andrea Muñoz

Job Titles:
  • Principal Investigator - Sustainability for Conservation
Andrea Muñoz Barriga has a PhD in Natural Sciences in the area of Human Geography from the Sustainability Department at Ernst-Moritz-Arndt, University of Greifswald, Germany. The topic of her doctoral studies was "Governance and Management of two Biosphere Reserves in Ecuador: Galapagos and Sumaco". Moreover, she has a M.Sc. in the area of Agroecology from the Georg-August University of Goettingen, Germany where she was conducting research related with coffee in agroforestry systems. She also has a B.Sc. in Biology from the Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador (PUCE) in Quito. Her research has an interdisciplinary characteristic, working since 2007 in the Galapagos Islands with different topics linked with the development and conservation in protected areas, social ecological systems, gentrification, links between nature and society, among others. She was recruited by the Charles Darwin Foundation in June, 2023 as the Principal Investigator of the program of Sustainability studies for conservation. At the moment she is developing the research line of sustainable tourism, where one or the Project is related with the evaluation of ecological, social and psycographic carrying capacities of the Galapagos Islands. In 2024 she will start with a new project of coffee in agroforestry systems in the humid highlands of Santa Cruz looking for the balance between conservation and development.

Andrea Táez

Job Titles:
  • Accounting Assistant
Andrea Táez joined the Charles Darwin Foundation on March 01, 2018 as an accounting assistant in the financial department. Andrea is a professional with 13 years of experience in business administration and accounting as an assistant. Throughout her career, she has worked for several local companies such as Galamundi Children's Center (administrator), Finch Bay Hotel, Metropolitan Touring (accounting assistant) and Canton Santa Cruz Notary Office (assistant). Andrea has a degree in Business Administration and a B1 level English certificate. She enjoys spending time with her family and loves nature and the sea.

Andres Cruz

Job Titles:
  • Research Hub Donate

Andrew Balfour

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board of Directors
  • Business Manager from the Galapagos Islands
  • Founder of Galadis Del Ecuador
Andrew Balfour is an entrepreneur and business manager from the Galapagos Islands, with over 15 years of experience in the luxury hospitality sector. As the General Manager of Pikaia Lodge, he has assembled a dedicated team focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences while prioritizing sustainable practices to minimize environmental impact. Under his leadership, Pikaia Lodge has garnered recognition for its unwavering commitment to sustainability and excellence in hospitality. In addition to his role at Pikaia Lodge, Andrew is the founder of Galadis Del Ecuador, where he oversees a diverse portfolio of small businesses in hospitality, retail, and yachting operations, showcasing the unique natural wonders of the Galapagos to visitors. Andrew also serves as the President of the Galapagos Chamber of Tourism, collaborating closely with local government entities to foster a tourism model that enhances service quality while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainability. Furthermore, he holds the position of Honorary British Consul for the Galapagos Islands. Having spent the majority of his life in the Galapagos, Andrew is deeply passionate about developing a balanced approach that harmonizes conservation, sustainable business practices, and community well-being.

Andrés Campoverde

Job Titles:
  • Human Resources Analyst
Andrés is passionate about numbers and human talent management. He joined FCD in August 2023 in the Human Resources department, with a strong background in accounting he combines his profession with a deep interest in talent management, making him a versatile and unique professional.

Andrés Córdova

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board of Directors
Andrés Córdova, a career diplomat, is currently the Acting Director of Environment and Sustainable Development at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility of Ecuador. He serves as the political focal point for various multilateral environmental agreements. Previously, from 2017 to 2022, he served at the Permanent Mission of Ecuador to the United Nations in New York, handling issues related to sustainable development. He negotiated numerous agreements and resolutions on behalf of Ecuador and the Group of 77, and facilitated consensus on resolutions in the UN General Assembly's Second Committee. During Ecuador's presidency of the G77 in 2017, he chaired processes to consolidate the position of the 134 developing countries. He has worked at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2009 in areas of bilateral relations, international political analysis, environment and sustainable development, and in the Minister's cabinet. He holds an undergraduate degree in economic and administrative sciences from the Universidad de las Américas in Ecuador; an MBA from the University of South Florida, St. Petersburg, USA; a Master's in International Relations and Diplomacy from the Instituto de Altos Estudios Nacionales in Ecuador; and a Master's in Public Administration from Columbia University in New York City.

Andrés Romero

Job Titles:
  • Fisheries Scientist - Habla Tiburon Project
Andrés joined the CDF in 2024 as a Fisheries Scientist for the Habla Tiburón project, collaborating with the Shark Ecology team. He holds a Master's degree in Marine Resources Management from CICIMAR-IPN and his main interests are research and conservation of sharks, as well as sustainable fisheries. Andrés has extensive experience working with both small- and large-scale fisheries. He has served as an observer aboard tuna purse-seine vessels, a fisheries inspector for government monitoring programs, and a scientist sampling artisanal fishing ports along the Ecuadorian coast. His research has focused on the life history traits of pelagic sharks and small coastal rays. Before joining CDF, Andrés worked with large fisheries databases at the IATTC, gaining hands-on experience with the complexities and scientific challenges involved in the management of pelagic fisheries.

Anna Calle

Job Titles:
  • Junior Researcher
Anna has always been fascinated by the biodiversity of the Galapagos Islands and the Amazon rainforest. Her desire to protect these unique ecosystems motivated her to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara, with the support of a SENESCYT scholarship awarded by the government of Ecuador. She also holds a master's degree with a specialization in Conservation Planning and a focus on Environmental Data Science from the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management. She is a member of the Galapagos' Plants Specialists Group of the IUCN's Species Survival Commission and the Society for Ecological Restoration. She joined the CDF in 2020 where she serves as a junior researcher for the Galapagos Verde 2050 program. Her work focuses on ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation, and data analysis.

Anna Dolma Alonso

Job Titles:
  • Web Developer
Dolma is a web developer with a unique blend of technical and artistic expertise, her background spanning mathematics, computer science, and fine arts. She joined the Charles Darwin Foundation in 2008 and has since contributed as a volunteer, consultant, and staff member. Her primary focus has been developing web applications for the scientific information portal "dataZone". Dolma is passionate about leveraging new technologies to improve dataZone and make it a powerful open science resource. She stays updated on the latest advancements and is a lifelong learner. As an artist, she actively explores AI-assisted art and finds inspiration in the parallels between the Web3 and Open Science movements. Dolma is thrilled to be part of the ongoing cultural-technological revolution and aims to integrate her diverse interests and expertise into her daily work.

Arianna Parrales

Job Titles:
  • Field Assistant
Arianna is a biologist passionate about marine conservation and climate change research. She joined the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF) in November 2024 as a Field Assistant in the Sea Turtle Project, where she continues to work on research focused on climate change and anthropogenic threats to these iconic species. Previously, Arianna participated as a volunteer at the CDF, collaborating on the same project, which strengthened her commitment to protecting marine biodiversity. During her undergraduate studies, she worked on research related to marine ecology and physiology, including an international project that assessed the impact of ocean acidification on commercially important species in Ecuador, contributing to the understanding of marine ecosystem resilience to climate change. Her experience reflects a comprehensive approach to applied research and conservation, aiming to support the sustainable management of marine resources. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the natural environment of the Galápagos Islands.

Birgit Fessl

Job Titles:
  • Principal Investigator - Landbird Conservation
Birgit has been studying land birds on the Galapagos Islands for just over 25 years. She has extensive experience in bird ecology, bird monitoring and host-parasite interactions with a special focus on the impact of the invasive avian vampire fly, Philornis downsi, that she and her colleague Sabine Tebbich from University of Vienna discovered in 1997. Birgit led the project Protection and Recovery of the Mangrove Finch from 2006 to 2009. In addition to population monitoring, she conducted nest predation studies and initiated, together with the Galapagos National Park Directorate, a program to control the introduced rat (Rattus rattus). Birgit still offers technical support to the Project. Since 2014, and in partnership with the Galapagos National Park Directorate, Birgit has been coordinating priority actions outlined in the Galapagos Land Bird Conservation Plan that includes the evaluation of the conservation status of land birds, the identification of the principal threats that some of these species are facing, the development of management actions, and a citizen science component.

Bolivia Rentería

Job Titles:
  • Senior Promoter

Boris Herrera

Job Titles:
  • Graphic Designer

Bryan Vallejo

Job Titles:
  • Knowledge Manager

Byron Delgado

Job Titles:
  • GIS Researcher

Camila Bermúdez

Job Titles:
  • Digital Marketing & Communications Officer

Carla Pinto

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board of Directors
  • President of Pinto Enterprises
Carla Pinto is the President of Pinto Enterprises, a major affordable fashion retail chain in Ecuador. She has worked her way up the family business over the past 18 years working in different leadership functions including as Sales Director and New Product Development Manager, among other. A graduate of Yale University and the University of Cambridge, Carla is an Ecuadorian national. She also holds an MBA from IDE Business School. Carla joined CDF's Board in January 2024 and is serving as its Treasurer. As a passionate advocate of sustainability and a firm believer in the importance of scientific research's contribution to conservation action, Carla looks forward to contribute her finance, marketing and commercial skills, experience and network to further advance the CDF's mission and vision.

Darrel Schoeling

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board of Directors
  • Director of Expedition Development at Lindblad Expeditions
Darrel is director of expedition development at Lindblad Expeditions in New York. An entrepreneur, writer and travel executive based in New York; Darrel is a former Galapagos naturalist guide #137. A founding member and former executive secretary of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, he is active in conservation and environmental policy. He was expedition leader for seven seasons in Antarctica and has organized and led trips from Galapagos to Costa Rica, French Polynesia, Greenland and the Russian Arctic. He was founder and president of Longitude Books.

Dr. Lúcia G. Lohmann

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board of Directors
  • Professor at the University of California
Dr. Lúcia G. Lohmann is a renowned botanist and professor at the University of California, Berkeley, where she directs the University and Jepson Herbaria. Lúcia is also a tenured faculty member at the University of São Paulo, where she has contributed extensively to research on plant ecology, evolution, and biogeography, particularly in tropical and neotropical regions. Her work has helped shape the field of biodiversity conservation, with a strong focus on the Amazon basin and other highly biodiverse areas. Starting in January 2025, she will assume the role of President and Director of the Missouri Botanical Garden, an institution deeply involved in botanical research and conservation in Ecuador. Lúcia has held numerous leadership positions, including President of the International Association for Plant Taxonomy and Executive Director of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation. With over two decades of experience in scientific research, international collaboration, and conservation leadership, she is widely respected for her contributions to plant systematics and her role in building global networks dedicated to environmental stewardship​.

Dr. Mary C. Pearl

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board of Directors
  • Scientist
Dr. Mary C. Pearl is an internationally recognized scientist, conservationist, and educator with a distinguished career in environmental and academic leadership. A Yale graduate with a Ph.D. in physical anthropology and evolutionary biology, Mary began her career at the World Wildlife Fund and the Wildlife Conservation Society, laying the foundation for her lifelong commitment to conservation. She later served as President of Wildlife Trust (now EcoHealth Alliance), where she developed conservation programs across 20 biodiverse countries. As the Founding Dean of Stony Brook Southampton, a campus dedicated to sustainability, and later as Dean of Macaulay Honors College at CUNY, Mary pioneered innovative environmental programs and secured major funding to expand educational opportunities. Currently, she coordinates the International Biodiversity Network, linking conservation scientists globally, and chairs the Center for Large Landscape Conservation. Widely regarded as a pioneer in conservation medicine, Mary's work bridges environmental, health, and social sciences to address complex global challenges. Her career reflects a profound dedication to biodiversity protection and conservation education.

Fernando Araujo - CFO

Job Titles:
  • Audit Manager
  • Director of Finance
Fernando Araujo joined the Charles Darwin Foundation in October 2023 to manage its finance department. Fernando is a seasoned professional with 24 years of experience in accounting, finance, and auditing. Over his career he has worked for a range of national and multinational companies with a risk-based approach. He has also been actively involved in fundraising projects, and has served as Board member of several companies such as Bwise Group and Paymovil. Over the last 10 years as a Financial Controller, he has wielded his expertise in developing financial models, business plans, and a wide range of financial control activities. As Audit Manager, Fernando has led a range of activities, from financial planning and financial auditing to commercial project development, across companies including AT&T, Ecuador Bottling Company (Coca Cola), Phillip Morris International, Unilever, Chubb Ecuador, Pan-American Life, AIG, Fundación Natura, IBM and many more. Fernando holds an Engineering Business Administration degree, a Certificate in International Financial Reporting Standards, and a degree as Business Administration Specialist. He is currently doing an MBA. He enjoys spending time with his family and practices triathlon.

Francisco Martínez

Job Titles:
  • Head of IT and Data
Francisco has been a driving force behind Galapagos' technological advancements since 2001, collaborating extensively with prominent organizations and institutions in the region. Joining the Charles Darwin Foundation in 2017, he played a pivotal role in strengthening the technology department as a developer, earning him the position of head of the department in 2020. With a clear vision, Francisco aims to cultivate a modern culture of knowledge management and embrace Open Data and Open Science practices within CDF and across Galapagos. His dedication to open access has led to the significant development of CDF's "dataZone," now serving as our primary information portal and garnering over 25% of our website's traffic.

Jim Boyle

Job Titles:
  • Chief Development Officer
  • Chief Development Office
Jim brings more than 30 years of professional experience supporting nonprofit organizations by employing his visionary leadership, inclusive communications style, and a data-driven approach to cause based fundraising. Jim serves as the Chief Development Office for the Charles Darwin Foundation managing all fundraising activities for this international organization. Prior to joining Charles Darwin Foundation, Jim served as the Vice President of Philanthropy for the Organization for Tropical Studies and as the Senior Director for Philanthropy at the University of Washington. Complementing his development experience, Jim brings to bear his experiences in nonprofit management and public service having served as Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Department of the Interior and Director of several environmental organizations. In his community, Jim serves on the Whatcom Marine Resource Community and the Climate Impact Advisory Committee. Jim holds a Master of Environmental Management degree from Duke University School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Washington and Lee University. Jim lives in Bellingham, WA with Elizabeth and their two dogs - Rizzy and Baker. Jim and Elizabeth have two sons - Jackson a Junior at Gettysburg College and Thomas, a first-year student at the University of Utah.

John Loudon

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board of Directors
  • Non - Executive Member of the Board
John Loudon is a non-executive member of the Board of the Charles Darwin Foundation and Executive Director of the COmON Foundation, a major and long-time donor of CDF. John is also a member of the Executive Board of the Peace Parks Foundation, a member of the board to Commonland, and Advisor to the Management Team of Wetlands International. He also served as the Treasurer to the Prince Bernhard Nature Fund and lastly, he is a member of the advisory board of Het Loo Royal Estate. John has a long career in conservation and nature preservation. He began his career in 1993 as Managing Director of the Savage Paradise Foundation, delivering several successful films in co-production with Walt Disney Corporation and Discovery Channel. He also co-founded and managed Holland's largest Sponsorship Strategy agency, GLP/BrandWorlds Network and later opened his own company to service non-profits, governments, and multinationals to integrate and execute CSR programs. John studied business economics at the University of Groningen, The Netherlands. He is married to Yolanda and has a daughter and son.

Joshua Vela

Job Titles:
  • Board of Directors
  • Land

Juan Manuel Garcia-CDF

Job Titles:
  • Land

Juan Pablo (JP) Moncayo

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board of Directors
  • Principal
Originally from Quito, Ecuador, Juan Pablo (JP) Moncayo is a Principal within the Impact team at private equity firm Apax. In his role JP invests in tech and services companies which deliver tangible societal and/or environmental impact. He is based in New York. Prior to joining Apax, JP held various investment positions at L Catterton, Highstar Capital and Goldman Sachs. JP currently serves on the board of TIVIT and on the board of Bonterra.

Mark Bauman

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board of Directors
  • Media and Strategic Communications Executive
Mark Bauman is a media and strategic communications executive, who has been recognized with numerous broadcast, web and print journalism honors, including an Emmy, more than a dozen Cine Golden Eagles, and various film festival awards. Before serving in his current position as CEO of Virtual Wonders, he oversaw the Smithsonian Institution's commercial media units, including Smithsonian and Air & Space Magazines, Smithsonian Books, Smithsonian.com, and the Smithsonian Channel partnership with Showtime, which gross more than $60 million dollars a year. Previously, Mark served as Chairman of National Geographic's Cross Platform Committee, and as EVP of National Geographic Television, where he oversaw more than 400 hours of programming, as well as National Geographic's Digital Studio (which tripled the Society's YouTube traffic, garnering more than a billion streams). Before National Geographic, Mark, who is fluent in Spanish, Russian, Czech and Italian, was based in Eastern Europe and Latin America for ABC News. He has covered war and genocide in Central Africa, Lebanon, Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq, for some of the best broadcast and print media outlets in the world.

María Cristina Guerra - CHRO

Job Titles:
  • Human Resources Director
María Cristina believes in supportive leadership as a driver of collaborative behaviors within organizations. Her passion is to drive human development as a key factor in creating better outcomes and achieving strategic goals. An Industrial Psychologist, María Cristina has more than 25 years of experience working in Human Resources departments across various organizations. At the executive level, she has supported strategic decision-making and the implementation of best practices with a people-centered approach. She has international experience in multiethnic and multicultural environments, as well as in non-profit organizations, including the IUCN. Before joining CDF, she worked for 8 years as an independent consultant in Human Resources Management, advising organizations in various fields, both locally and regionally. Additionally, she has volunteered as a facilitator providing psychological support and crisis intervention in disasters.

María José Barragán Paladines

Job Titles:
  • Science Director
María José obtained a PhD in Human Geography at Memorial University of Newfoundland in St. John's, Canada. Her undergraduate in Biological Sciences at the Pontifical Catholic University and her Master's in Sustainable Resource Management at the Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany, paved her research interest on coastal marine ecosystems and marine protected areas (MPAs) with special attention paid to marine wildlife management. Her PhD research was inspired by the interactive governance framework applied to better understand the governability of MPAs, oceans and marine systems, with the case study of the Galapagos Marine Reserve. As a postdoc at the "Development and Knowledge Sociology" Working Group at the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) in Bremen, Germany, she advanced new research agendas, by integrating the development and knowledge sociology approach into small-scale fisheries sustainability, fishing communities' viability, marine food security and marine systems and ocean governance. Over the past decade, María José collaborated with various research clusters, such as Too Big to Ignore TBTI and Global Research Partnership for Small-Scale Fisheries. These collaborations produced initiatives and publications on small-scale fisheries. She is currently the Science Director at CDF, having served as its Interim Executive Director from April 2020 to February 2021.

Paul A. Baker

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board of Directors
Paul is Professor of Earth and Ocean Sciences at Duke University. He is Chair of the newly founded Andean Sustainable Development Solutions Network (part of the global SDSN). Paul is also a member of the Committee on Research and Exploration of the National Geographic Society. His research focuses on the geologic and climatic history of tropical South America, asking the question: how does evolution of the physical environment helpa to determine the origin and evolution of the biota?

Rakan Zahawi - CEO

Job Titles:
  • CEO
  • Executive Director
  • CDF As Its Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer
Dr. Rakan A. "(Zak") Zahawi joined CDF as its Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer in March 2021. With an affinity for oceanic archipelagos, Rakan comes to CDF from the Lyon Arboretum, a research unit of the University of Hawaii at Mānoa. Prior to that, Zak was Director of Las Cruces Biological Station & Wilson Botanical Garden for 10 years, one of the largest and busiest in Costa Rica. He advanced the mission of the Las Cruces Biological Station by improving facilities, revitalizing collections, increasing staffing, and enhancing outreach with the local community. Zak is a tropical restoration ecologist who has worked in many areas of Latin America, including fieldwork for his master's in northwestern Ecuador. He is committed to putting research into practice to promote conservation. He holds a B.S. in Botany from the University of Texas at Austin and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in Plant Biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He is also an Associate Researcher at the University of California, Santa Cruz and Adjunct Faculty at Duke University, North Carolina.

Rashid Cruz-CDF

Job Titles:
  • Management Team
Our management team drives the strategy and day to day operations at the CDF and its Research Station, inspiring a new era of excellence in Galapagos stewardship.

Ronnie Stewart

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Board of Directors
  • Member of the Dean 's Council of Weill Cornell Hospital
Ronald. P. Stewart, along with his wife, Jayme, founded York Preparatory School in New York City. Prior to starting York Prep, Mr. Stewart practiced as a barrister in London. While successful as a barrister, Ronnie partnered with Jayme to pursue their joint dream of starting a school that would support and challenge its students to succeed at their highest level. In June 2023, after 54 years, Mr. Stewart retired as Head of York Prep. From 1984 on, the Stewart family came to the Galapagos Islands every year for over a decade. Mr. and Mrs. Stewart credit these trips as changing the course of their children's future. Their son, Tripp Stewart is a veterinarian and real estate entrepreneur. Mallory Stewart is Assistant Secretary of State for the Bureau of Arms Control, Deterrence, and Verification at the State Department. Gillian Stewart is a Professor of Marine Biology at Queens College, City University of New York. Mr. Stewart is a member of the Dean's Council of Weill Cornell Hospital and has been a member of a number of educational Boards including Macaulay Honors College of the City University of New York. He was a regular speaker in the Klingenstein Program at Teacher's College, Columbia University.

Ángel Celi

Job Titles:
  • Gardener

Ángel Sagubay

Job Titles:
  • Maintenance Assistant
Angel Sagubay is a member of the Charles Darwin Foundation, having joined in November 2011 as a logistics assistant. Among the responsibilities undertaken by Angel was providing support to visiting scientists and volunteers and gathering information from the meteorological base in Bellavista.