In September 2026, Megan stepped into the role of Chair, following Jude Berry. Many in the community will know Megan already. She is European Hub and Training Manager at The Long Run and was previously Head of Sustainability and Impact at LATA. She has volunteered with the Foundation since 2007, led the Events and Fundraising Team for six years, and has been a Trustee since 2019.

A vision for Latin America

Megan wants to see a Latin America where tourism helps regenerate the places, people and ecosystems it touches, and where the industry’s growth and the region’s long-term prosperity go hand in hand.

For her, that means backing projects led by the people closest to the ground, across conservation, community and culture, where tourism is part of the answer and leaves something that lasts. It also means making sure supporters can see where their help goes and are part of the result, whether that’s employing guides, adding experiences to itineraries or promoting the projects the Foundation backs.

A stronger team

Rachel returns from maternity leave on 9 November as Head of Foundation, leading the Foundation’s day-to-day development. She will be supported by Abbi, Fundraising and Volunteer Manager, who focuses on fundraising, donor relationships and volunteers. Two permanent staff means more capacity and stability, and more time for partners and for reporting back on what supporters’ donations achieve.

What’s coming

• A fresh look at how the Foundation chooses and supports projects, with a lighter route in for new ideas
• A strengthened partnership with LATA, which commits the Foundation to growing the money it donates to projects year on year
• More ways for the community to get involved
• The Foundation’s 20th anniversary in 2027, building on everything it has achieved

Thank you, Jude

None of this would be possible without the roots Jude laid. She joined the Foundation in 2009, became Head of Projects in 2014 and Chair in 2019, steering it through the pandemic and championing its work with communities and organisations across Latin America. The Foundation is enormously grateful for her time, energy and commitment, and Megan is delighted that Jude is staying on as a Trustee, so this isn’t goodbye.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to be Chair of the LATA Foundation. I have worked alongside some amazing people, both in the Foundation team and in LATA, and on the great, often grassroots, projects we have supported throughout Latin America. I think we can all be very proud of what we have achieved over the years as volunteers. I know that with Megan as the new Chair, the LATA Foundation is in great hands.”Jude Berry

How you can help

Supporters’ recommendations will help shape the projects the Foundation backs next. The team will be in touch shortly to ask which tourism-led projects people know and admire on the ground. In the meantime, there is a place for everyone, whatever their role or the size of their business. When enough people give regularly, even small donations add up to something none of us could achieve alone.

Keep an eye out for the Foundation’s message in the coming weeks, and bring your ideas, recommendations and enthusiasm. The more people who get involved, the more lasting the difference the community can make together across Latin America.