Galápagos Conservancy Appoints Hugo Mogollón as New CEO and President
Washington, DC, January 20, 2025 – Galápagos Conservancy is delighted to announce the appointment of Hugo Mogollón as its new Chief Executive Officer and President, effective February 24, 2025. This historic appointment marks the first time an Ecuadorian will lead the organization, reinforcing Galápagos Conservancy’s commitment to local leadership and its mission to protect the Galápagos Islands.
Hugo Mogollón brings over twenty years of experience in nonprofit leadership, conservation, and sustainability. His extensive expertise and Ecuadorian roots uniquely qualify him to guide Galápagos Conservancy into a new era of growth and impact. In his most recent role as Executive Director at FRESHFARM, Hugo significantly increased the organization’s budget and expanded its reach, establishing it as a leader in food systems work in the Washington Metropolitan region.
Throughout his career, Hugo has demonstrated a deep commitment to environmental conservation and scientific research. As Executive Director of Finding Species, he spearheaded initiatives to protect endangered species and habitats while advocating for impactful conservation policies. He successfully managed projects that fostered multi-sector partnerships with U.S. federal agencies, Ecuadorian governments, NGOs, and multilateral organizations.
Hugo’s academic background includes a Bachelor’s in Science from Universidad Católica de Quito and a Master’s in Natural Resources and Leadership for Sustainability from Virginia Tech. He has also completed executive leadership and organizational management training at Stanford University and Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. His work has been recognized with prestigious honors such as the EXCEL Leadership Award and the David Bradt Nonprofit Leadership Award.
“I am honored to join Galápagos Conservancy and lead an organization dedicated to preserving one of the world’s most extraordinary natural treasures,” said Hugo Mogollón. “My experience in science, conservation, and nonprofit leadership has prepared me for this incredible opportunity. I look forward to collaborating with the talented team at Galápagos Conservancy and Conservando Galápagos to advance our mission and ensure a sustainable future for the Archipelago.”
James Gibbs, who has served as President of Galápagos Conservancy, will transition to the role of Vice President of Science and Conservation. In this capacity, James will focus on advancing research and conservation efforts for Galápagos Conservancy.
“We are deeply grateful for James Gibbs’ extraordinary leadership and contributions during his tenure as President,” said Dan Sherman, Board Chair of Galápagos Conservancy. “We are thrilled to welcome Hugo Mogollón as our new CEO and President. His appointment represents a significant milestone for the organization and reflects our commitment to empowering local leadership and ensuring the long-term sustainability of Galápagos Conservancy.”
This leadership transition coincides with Galápagos Conservancy’s preparations to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2025. The organization is poised for a future of continued success and impact, building on its legacy of protecting the unique biodiversity of the Galápagos Islands.
For more information, please contact: hugo@galapagos.org
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