Tyson Lopez appointed Chief Executive Officer at Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba

ORANJESTAD, ARUBA – 1 JULY 2023 – Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba (FPNA) today announced it has appointed Tyson Lopez as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), who as part of the Executive Board will spearhead the implementation of FPNA’s Multi Annual Corporate Strategy 2023 – 2032 (MACS) to transform the organization from a traditional park management organization to a high-performing, modern conservation management organization.

Fundacion Parke Nacional Aruba is an independent conservation management organization, encharged with the conservation of nature, and the management of protected areas in Aruba which as of today encompass just over 24% of Aruba’s natural terrain and 0.02% of Aruba’s territorial waters. Most recently, FPNA launched its MACS 2023 – 2032 which is a strategy that responds to new ecological, social, and economic challenges, and represents FPNA’s enforced commitment to conservation with more emphasis on sustainability, biodiversity, ecosystem enhancement and restorative initiatives, while developing a base of social and economic support through value-creation.

Tyson is a native of Aruba who is as passionate as he is committed to the conservation of nature in Aruba and beyond. With a Bachelor’s Degree in Organization, Governance and Management from the University of Aruba and a Master’s Degree in International Development Studies from Utrecht University in The Netherlands, Tyson brings with him over 10 years of working experience across the Aruba Excellence Foundation, Office of the EU & Kingdom Relations, and the Government of Aruba – where he specialized in various areas including public management, public-private sector relationship management, sustainability, governance, public diplomacy, strategic management, program management, public speaking, and stakeholder management.

Prior to being promoted to CEO, Tyson served as Sustainable Recreation Manager for FPNA from May 2019 through June 2023 whilst also looking after the sales department. Under his leadership, Tyson developed and implemented a strategic visitor management framework to reduce visitor impact on nature within the managed protected areas. He also guided the process for FPNA’s organizational restructuring and developed a Sustainable Financing Guide. Additionally, he was key player in the strategic development of FPNA’s Multi Annual Corporate Strategy 2023 – 2032. His appointment as CEO was received with an overwhelming positive response from the management team and conservation rangers of FPNA.

“I am honored and excited to take up the role of CEO for FPNA, said Tyson Lopez, Chief Executive Officer, FPNA. “Conservation of our natural resources has never been more crucial, and we at FPNA are committed to add value to fortifying our conservation management work and stepping up to inspire all people to connect with the natural beauty and values, history, and heritage nature that Aruba has to offer, while collectively protecting it.”

“After an extensive selection process, the Supervisory Board of FPNA is proud to have appointed Mr.Tyson Lopez as FPNA’s new CEO. We are confident in Tyson’s ability as a dynamic and passionate leader who is ready to charge forward and strategically drive the organization as a modern conservation management organization committed to the protection, preservation, and restoration of nature for Aruba”, says Norman Kuiperi, Chairman, Supervisory Board, FPNA. “On behalf of the Supervisory Board, we would also like to take this opportunity give a heartfelt thank you to Natasha Silva, Chief Conservation Officer at FPNA for her unwavering commitment, continued dedication and flexibility in carrying the organization while we searched for the most suitable CEO to join Natasha in leading FPNA.”

Today, apart from leading FPNA, Tyson also holds the position of part-time lecturer at the University of Aruba where he facilitates project coordination modules and advises students on their academic progress. In his free time, Tyson enjoys exploring nature through hiking, keeps himself inspired and motivated by reading thought-provoking books and listening to educational podcasts. Tyson appreciates meaningful conversations with individuals over a strong cup of coffee, while always wanting to discover the story behind a good roasted blend.

Click here to read FPNA’s Multi Annual Corporate Strategy 2023 – 2032.