John Weston, Entrepreneur
As CEO of Newbury Consulting Group from 2005 to 2021, Jack founded, grew, and sold three technology consulting firms before retiring from the private sector. He now focuses on using his business experience to strengthen nonprofit organizations in the U.S. and Nicaragua through strategic planning, fundraising, and financial stewardship. Jack serves on the Boards of The Roberto Clemente Health Clinic, CREA, and The NEO Fund, and is an Advisory Council member of Buy Food with Plastic. He is also the founder of the Los Cocos Community Organic Farm in Tola, which creates opportunities for local families and actively supports grassroots local entrepreneurial initiatives.
Frank Sarria
COO & Co-Founder
Global Operations
Frank Sarria is the Chief Operating Officer and Co-Founder of Buy Food with Plastic, a social enterprise operating in Nicaragua, Ghana, and India. He oversees global operations, focusing on sustainable growth, financial systems, and collaboration with local teams. With a background in corporate law and experience at companies like Pepsi and Colgate-Palmolive, Frank brings strong operational and commercial expertise to the social impact sector. His work centers on developing community-based solutions that reduce plastic pollution and create economic opportunities for families.
Michelle Chackerian, Chair
Michelle Chackerian is one of CREA’s founders, currently sitting as the Board Chair. Michelle first came to Limón many years ago with her family and immediately fell in love with the local people, community, and passion for life.
Bismarck Rodriguez, Director of FunLimón
Bismarck Rodriguez
Ron Hockely
Executive Director
Ron’s journey—from the Alaskan backwoods to more than 40 countries—has uniquely prepared him to lead The NEO Fund. As founder of five nonprofit organizations in Europe, Latin America, and the US, Ron is a visionary leader with deep expertise in organizational leadership, international development, and poverty alleviation. He launched The NEO Fund in a garbage dump, and has grown it into a microfinance institution empowering communities in Guatemala, India, and Nicaragua. With an eclectic background that includes roles as a factory worker, IT manager, bartender, and leadership coach, Ron brings an uncommon blend of insight, empathy, and entrepreneurial spirit.
Dr. Troy Sibera Brannon,
founder of NicaRisas
In 2014, Dr. Brannon was first introduced to Roberto Clemente Clinic. Since then, he’s founded Project NicaRisas, which aims to help the clinic establish a permanent dental operatory complete with a new chair, compressor, vacuum system, and the essential equipment to meet Nicaragua’s licensing requirements.
Julia Guth, Founder and Executive Director
Julia Guth has been the CEO and Executive Publisher of The Oxford Club since its inception in Baltimore more than 34 years ago. She is also the founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit Roberto Clemente Health Clinic in Nicaragua. Julia is also on the board of Relief International.