Administrative Staff
Jacob Marlin
jmarlin@bfreebz.org
Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Jacob had a passion for the natural world at a young age – especially snakes. After receiving an A.S. degree in Biological Park Management in 1989, he worked in the Herpetology departments of several zoos. On an exploration trip to Belize, Jacob fell in love with the country and eventually moved there in 1993 to found BFREE, serving as Executive Director ever since. Jacob is Chairman of Belize’s Monkey River Watershed Association, President of the Heirloom Cacao Preservation Fund, and CEO of Crioco Cacao, LLC, a for-profit cacao and chocolate company.
His interest in cacao has grown since discovering wild cacao trees at BFREE and Jacob and his team are exploring the environmental, social, and economic benefits of shade-loving cacao as a tool for conserving and restoring tropical ecosystems. When not in Belize, Jacob enjoys spending time with his three grown children in the USA.
Heather Barrett
hbarrett@bfreebz.org
Heather Barrett was born in Louisville, Kentucky and grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina. She received her Master’s degree from the University of Florida. Heather began working with BFREE in 2011 while in Gainesville, Florida with the intention of helping the non-profit through a period of strategic changes. Over ten years later, her role has evolved and she continues to help lead the organization while splitting her time between western NC and Belize. She serves on the Board of Directors for Turtle Survival Alliance where she is Chair of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee.
Heather is passionate about education and manages all of BFREE’s educational programs. Much of her energy is dedicated to empowering future conservation leaders through work training, outreach and professional development opportunities. She believes wholeheartedly in the power of human potential and strives to connect people to opportunities that will allow them to flourish.
Rocento Pau
contact@bfreebz.org
Rocento Pau was born and raised in Sundaywood Village, Toledo District. He is a Ketchi maya and grew up working with his father in the forest for a living. Because of this, he loves nature. At the age of 17, he graduated from Toledo Community College High School with a diploma majoring in the Business Department. He was employed by Aqua Mar Belize Limited for 9 years where he worked in a variety of roles including Data Clerk, Office Supervisor and Field Supervisor. Aqua Mar closed in December 2022, so Rocento began searching for other opportunities.
Rocento joined BFREE in July 2023 because he was inspired by the biodiversity and beautiful nature of the reserve. He is pleased to be a part of BFREE’s family as Administrative Assistant and is excited to contribute to the work BFREE is doing to preserve the biodiversity of Belize.
BFREE Belize Staff
Elmer Tzalam
etzalam@bfreebz.org
Thomas Pop
tpop@bfreebz.org
Jaren Serano
jserano@bfreebz.org
Sipriano Canti
scanti@bfreebz.org
Esteban Cal
Marcos Kuk
Crispino Cucul
Mario Teul
Edwardo Pop
Ofelia Cus
Marcelino Pop
Hilberto (Ted) Canti
Kevin Pop
Michael Pop
Pedro Teul
Hubert (Jun) Cus
Damion Ack
Edward Canti
education@bfreebz.org
BFREE Fellowship Program
Roxanna Chen
rchen@bfreebz.org
Barney Hall
wildlifefellow@bfreebz.org
Mark Canti
cacaofellow@bfreebz.org