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Writer's pictureEPI Staff

EPI Welcomes New Executive Director Miguel Fuentes


EPI is delighted to share exciting news about a change, or rather a much-deserved transition, in EPI’s leadership team. Miguel Fuentes, EPI’s Interim Co-executive Director for the past year, has accepted the role of Executive Director of Ecology Project International.


In addition to his 24 years of experience in the nonprofit sector, Miguel has brought stability and structure to EPI in his interim leadership role over the past year since the departure of EPI’s former Executive Director, Brant Warren. His forward-thinking, empathetic approach to leadership has been instrumental to our well-being and success over the past year, and we’re thrilled to support him to this new role.

The decision to appoint Miguel came after a thorough hiring process that included guidance from an outside consulting agency specializing in filling nonprofit leadership positions. EPI received dozens of applications and interviewed several qualified candidates, including Miguel.


Mike den Haan, EPI’s Chair of the Board of Directors, summed up the hiring process in this statement to staff: "Miguel brings an honest and empathetic approach to leadership, a deep passion for EPI’s mission, and an impressive combination of institutional knowledge and vision for organizational growth. The decision by the Search Committee to select Miguel was a unanimous one following a thorough, international search. Throughout the months-long search process, Miguel impressed the Committee, demonstrating the skills and vision we believe are foundational to lead EPI into its next chapter."

"The decision by the Search Committee to select Miguel was a unanimous one following a thorough, international search. Throughout the months-long search process, Miguel impressed the Committee, demonstrating the skills and vision we believe are foundational to lead EPI into its next chapter."

Miguel's career spans projects in science & technology, environmental conservation, and education. His passion lies in the intersection of these fields, making EPI's educational and conservation model an ideal match for his vision. As EPI’s first Executive Director from Costa Rica, Miguel's journey with EPI began in 2011. Over the past decade he has supported EPI as a field instructor, Operations Manager, and most recently, as Co-interim Executive Director of EPI. His academic background encompasses systems engineering and international relations, alongside advanced degrees in international cooperation and project management from Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica and an MBA from EUDE Business School.

"I am truly excited and honored to have the opportunity to lead this organization that means so much to me,” he said in a statement to staff. “My vision for the future of EPI is one that honors the lessons of the past while embarking on an exciting future where stability is combined with innovation in our processes. I envision a future where leadership is increasingly local and where we celebrate what makes us unique, different, and much more resilient: our diversity of cultures, languages, ages, and knowledge."

My vision for the future of EPI is one that honors the lessons of the past while embarking on an exciting future where stability is combined with innovation in our processes. I envision a future where leadership is increasingly local and where we celebrate what makes us unique, different, and much more resilient: our diversity of cultures, languages, ages, and knowledge.

Outside of his professional life, Miguel cherishes every moment with his wife and two children. He also enjoys activities like rafting and trekking.

1 Comment


David Joe
David Joe
Sep 06

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