Co-Founder · Past President
Steven Lill Coit
American citizen living in Costa Rica for more than 30 years. Creator of the Corcovado Foundation and owner of Casa Corcovado Jungle Lodge.
About Us
Rooted in territory. Built for long-term conservation.
Corcovado Foundation was born from a deep connection to the Osa Peninsula and the urgent need to protect one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. We are not visitors or outsiders—we are part of this land.
Our approach
Our approach is grounded in the understanding that true conservation cannot happen without the active participation and leadership of the people who live here. We build programs that empower communities, educate future generations, and create sustainable pathways for both nature and people to thrive together.
Corcovado Foundation: Built from decades of field experience
Every program we run is informed by years of hands-on work in the field, learning from the land, from scientists, and most importantly, from the communities we serve.
Our History
For over two decades, Corcovado Foundation has been at the forefront of conservation in Costa Rica's South Pacific. What began as a small initiative to support park rangers has grown into a comprehensive organization.
Our Approach
We've learned that conservation is not just about protecting land—it's about building relationships, creating opportunities, and ensuring that the people who live closest to nature are the primary beneficiaries.
Our Presence
Today, we're the only organization with a permanent, year-round presence working directly inside Corcovado National Park and its surrounding buffer zones.
Our Team
Meet the dedicated professionals, board members, and advisors who make our conservation work possible every day.
Founding Members
Co-Founder · Legal Advisor
Vinicio Zamora Chaves
Lawyer and co-founder. Helped establish the Foundation in 1992 and has worked side by side with Steven Lill ever since.
Leadership Team
Executive Director
Francisco Delgado
Entrepreneur, broadcaster and conservation leader with experience managing environmental programs and nonprofit initiatives in Costa Rica.
Project Assistant · Volunteer Coordinator
Zoraida Tenorio
Coordinates projects and the Rural Community Tourism volunteer program, caring for members, volunteers and donors.
Environmental Education Director
Helena Pita
Biologist specialized in Ecology and certified Environmental Educator. Leads the Foundation's education programs since 2012.
Local Liaison
Mayra Cano
Local liaison connecting the Foundation with the communities of the Osa Peninsula through the Community Development Program.
Volunteer Program Coordinator
Brayner Hardy
Coordinates the Nature Solutions for Community Development volunteer program and its conservation initiatives.
Communication
Mariel Vega Rojas
Digital marketing and communications specialist. Coordinates the Foundation's digital strategy since 2018.
Accounting Assistant
Ana Margarita Suárez
Accountant with the Foundation since 2005. Has transparently managed more than 100 projects across Osa and the country.
Office Assistant
Shirley Quirós
Supports project administration, procurement, accounting and electronic invoicing since 2015.
Board of Directors
President of the Board
Bill MacLachlan
CFA charterholder and Past Chairman of Mawer Investment Management. President of the Corcovado Foundation Board.
Board Member
Bradd Johnson
Owner of Aguila de Osa Hotel. Key figure in reactivating the Foundation in 1998 to protect the Golfo Dulce Forestry Reserve.
Board Member
Jim Damalas
Former Hollywood producer turned sustainable hospitality entrepreneur. Creator of Greentique Hotels and Si Como No Resort.
Board Member
Elmer Uva Beita
Merchant in Sierpe de Osa, president of the Development Association and member of the Osa Municipal Council.
Board Member
Stephanie Mory Villaseñor
Biologist and sustainable tourism specialist. 12 years with SINAC in the Osa Conservation Area and COP delegate.
Advisory Committee
Advisory Committee
Inga Gusarova
Counselling psychologist and impact measurement specialist. Volunteer with the Foundation since 2019.
Advisory Committee
Terri Peterson
Zoologist and environmental educator with 17 years in zoo conservation and 12 years in waste reduction programs.
Advisory Committee
Bill Callejas
Brand strategist and founding partner of Dauntless Creative. 30-year relationship with Costa Rica.
Advisory Committee
Michelle Long
Social entrepreneur and founder of NP Voice. Specialist in nonprofit strategy and organizational effectiveness.
Advisory Committee · VP of CETURS
Rayna J. Levin
Biologist, landscape designer and entrepreneur. Vice President of the Sierpe de Osa tourism board (CETURS).
Youth Board Advisor
Josie Humbert
Youth leader, student council VP and emerging environmental researcher from Chicago. Foundation volunteer since 2021.
Advisory Committee
Sara Bouska
Water resources scientist with experience at The Nature Conservancy and Oregon Watershed Councils. Volunteer since 2021.
Together, we can protect Corcovado for future generations
Whether through donation, volunteering, or partnership, your support creates lasting impact in one of Earth's most precious ecosystems.