Meet Our Team

Chauncey Blade joined Galápagos Conservancy in 2023. His worK in fundraising began at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, and he is excited to be a part of the Galápagos Conservancy team. He holds a BA in linguistcs with a concentration in Sub-Saharan African Languages from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and an MM in Voice & Opera from the New England Conservatory of Music. His passion and care for all walks of life began at a young age and continued to grow, showing itself in his first job at the age of sixteen at a small animal hospital in his rural hometown, to the esteemed MSPCA & Angell hospital in Boston, MA where he worked as a Community Animal Welfare Specialist, and now with the Galápagos Conservancy. In addition to his work with Galápagos Conservancy, Chauncey maintains a
private performance practice as a vocalist. He currently lives in Chicago with his partner.

Adrián Cueva, although not born in the Galápagos Islands, has lived in this fascinating archipelago, known as the Enchanted Islands, for most of his life. This experience has allowed him to deeply engage in various conservation activities in the island environment. From a very young age, his parents instilled in him a profound love and respect for nature, enabling him to appreciate the true value of this unique and diverse place.

His passion for conservation began after finishing high school in the islands when he volunteered at the National Park nursery. There, he gained extensive knowledge about endemic plants. Subsequently, he worked at the Charles Darwin Foundation (CDF), restoring endemic gardens, which allowed him to delve into the vast plant world of the islands. Later, he served as a phytosanitary technician at the Galápagos Biosecurity Agency (ABG), where he learned about the biosecurity threats facing the delicate and complex ecosystems of the islands.

In 2021, he was offered the opportunity to work as a field assistant in the Pink Iguana project, a species he had encountered years earlier while working for the CDF. This opportunity allowed him to further contribute to the conservation and restoration of the islands. With the goal of continuing his academic preparation, he obtained a technical degree in Environmental Protection.

Since 2022, he has worked as a field assistant for Conservando Galápagos, supporting the organization’s main projects such as the Galápagos Initiative. This work involves collaborating with key island species such as giant tortoises, land iguanas, and waved albatrosses. Additionally, he investigates and collects crucial information about plants and their role in the ecosystems, which is vital for the organization’s expeditions.

Adrián is deeply excited to be part of an organization dedicated to conservation and environmental education. This experience represents a great opportunity to contribute to the protection and preservation of the Galápagos for future generations.

James P. Gibbs has been involved in research in the Galápagos Islands since 1981, living and measuring finches for many months on Daphne Island and then again for many more on Genovesa Island. Some 70 trips to Galápagos later, James now serves as President of Galápagos Conservancy and helps oversee the Iniciativa Galápagos — Galápagos Conservancy’s program focused on wildlife restoration. He has proudly served as “Wise Sage” with the Prometeo Program of the National Secretariat of Higher Education, Science, Technology and Innovation of Ecuador (2012-2014). In addition to work in Galápagos he has worked extensively on conservation projects in many other parts of the world including Tanzania (endangered amphibians), Russia (snow leopards and argali), and Brazil (river turtles). He remains a Distinguished Professor at the State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse.

Roberto Jiménez’s dedication to the conservation of the Galápagos Islands has been a defining part of his career. His journey began at the Charles Darwin Foundation, where he spent four years as a field assistant. During this time, he played a key role in studying and protecting the archipelago’s extraordinary biodiversity through scientific research and conservation projects.
Roberto then moved to the Galápagos National Park Directorate (DPNG), where he has spent over 20 years contributing to the management and protection of this unique environment. At the DPNG, Roberto has been instrumental in implementing conservation policies, monitoring ecosystems, and addressing environmental threats, all while working to mitigate the impacts of human activities and climate change.
Now, Roberto brings his extensive experience to Galápagos Conservancy. His ongoing commitment to the preservation of Galápagos reflects his deep passion for this irreplaceable natural treasure. As part of Galápagos Conservancy, Roberto continues to advance efforts to ensure that the Galápagos remains a vibrant and thriving sanctuary for future generations.

Jess Proctor joined Galápagos Conservancy in 2024. As a conservation scientist, she has always deeply admired the Galápagos Islands and is excited to be a part of the Galápagos Conservancy team. Jess completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Conservation Biology at the State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry in Syracuse, NY. While she was formally trained as a research scientist, she is passionate about science communication and strives to build connections for effective collaborative conservation. Previously, Jess worked with landowners to restore private properties and taught herpetology courses in the Adirondacks. In addition to working with the Galápagos Conservancy, Jess is a licensed Wildlife Rehabber in New York State and volunteers at a local animal rescue. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and wildlife photography as well as spending time with her small “collection” of rescue animals.

Washington Tapia is a distinguished conservation biologist with a PhD in Biodiversity and Environment. With over three decades of experience in conservation, particularly in Galápagos, he has held prominent positions such as Director of Applied Research and Executive Director of the Galápagos National Park. He has spearheaded critical initiatives, including the Giant Tortoise Restoration Initiative. Currently, he serves as our General Director, leading efforts to conserve and restore the unique ecosystems of the Galápagos archipelago. His contributions have been pivotal in advancing conservation and sustainability in this iconic region.

Janaí Yépez Ruiz, a young Galapageño, has completed his primary and secondary education in the Galapagos Islands. His passion for conservation and deep commitment to environmental stewardship have led him to distinguish himself as a volunteer in various projects, particularly since the age of 14. Notably, he has collaborated with several non-governmental organizations that specialize in the conservation of local flora and fauna. His love for his environment and his dedication to actively contribute to its conservation have resulted in significant contributions. Every task he undertakes is carried out with efficiency and responsibility, making a tangible difference to conservation efforts in the Galápagos.