Charles Darwin Foundation Announces Interim Executive Director
The board of directors of the Charles Darwin Foundation appointed Maria Elena Guerra as acting executive director yesterday in an internal meeting of the Foundation that took place in the Galapagos Islands. "Maria Elena's appointment represents the beginning of a new era of stability and growth supported by our national and international allies," said CDF's president Dr. Peter Kramer, who made the official announcement.
As acting executive director, Ms. Guerra will work closely with the CDF board and the staff of the research station staff to maintain and improve ongoing programs for the conservation of the marine and land ecosystems of the Galapagos Archipelago. "I look forward to this new challenge knowing that I have the unwavering support of the Foundation's excellent team," said Ms Guerra.
Maria Elena first joined the Foundation in 1995 as general manager of the Charles Darwin Research Station in the Galapagos Islands. In 1998, she left to manage a development program in Oxford UK before returning in 2000 to resume her position as general manager. In 2001, she was promoted to director of administration and finance for the Charles Darwin Foundation and since has led different components of the Foundation's restructuring process.
Ms Guerra obtained her degree in accounting and audit in 1989 from the Catholic University in Quito, Ecuador, followed by a Master of Business Management from Austin University, Texas in 1995 as a Fulbright Scholar. She is a certified Ecuadorian Public Accountant and previously worked as an accountant for USAID public health and community programs in Quito. Working with USAID from 1992 to 1993, Ms Guerra helped develop and implement an accounting system in different Ecuadorian provinces.
The selection process for the position of executive director is expected to take several months. In the interim, the board is pleased that the management of the Foundation is in Maria Elena's capable hands.
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