our team
Max Knüll
President at Fundación Tierras Patagónicas
A lawyer raised in Neuquén, where his family has roots going back over 100 years. His paternal greatgrandfather was a rural schoolteacher in Aluminé, and both his maternal grandfathers managed estancias in the area. He completed his primary education at a public school in San Martín de los Andes and at a remote school of 10 students in Caviahue. In Neuquén lies his history, his place in the world and his drive to make a difference.
Tom Smart
Director of Human Resources
(Interim General Coordinator).
Graduate in Psychology. Specialist in Clinical and Organizational Psychology. I joined the Fundación Tierras Patagónicas to contribute to the well-being of the team by enhancing their human and professional development.
Valeria Greco
Director of Fundraising.
Bachelor of Psychology, MBA. More than 20 years of work in different types of organizations, developing and managing strategic plans and institutional growth. I joined the team convinced that people working together can assume our responsibility to care for the environment in which we live.
Luis Sosa Pfatschbacher
Director of Operations.
Environmental Management and Auditing Technician. Luis specialises in management systems and environmental plans for businesses and projects. He is an environmental consultant and risk assessor. He brings significant experience in flora, fauna and water quality surveying, as well as in overseeing the control and recovery of degraded or contaminated sites. Luis was in charge of the Fundación’s Brigade Training Programme.
Alejandro Dellacanónica
Director of Training and Technology Projects.
Graduate in Systems; CEO Symbolic Systems S.R.L. Official Inspector of the Meliquina Volunteer Firefighters, Head of Corps. Secretary of the Training School of the Neuquén Federation of Volunteer Firefighters. My experience providing services in emergencies, structural fire, forest fire, rescue, first aid, and being a passionate trainer brought me closer to the Fundación.
Matias Rapetti
Director of Administration and Finance.
A Public Accountant with a degree from the University of Buenos Aires (2013), Matias is currently studying for a Masters in Tax. I have always been interested in projects that involve helping people, and this one in particular involves environmental preservation with an impact that can benefit several generations.
Berenice Salomon
Head of Communications.
Graduate in Advertising. More than 10 years developing communication strategies for NGOs, B Corps and advertising agencies. Convinced that a conversation can change reality, I joined the Fundación because environmental care challenges me personally and I enjoy combining that passion with the professional field.
LUCIANO TRAPANI
Administrative Collaborator.
Public Accounting Student. Administrative-accounting with more than 2 years of experience in accounting information loading and analysis, direct relationship with suppliers and clients, taxes and fiscal procedures, and account reconciliations. I joined the team with the aim of acquiring more experience and knowledge that will contribute to my professional development in the future.
MICAELA VEIGA CASTRO
Legal collaborator.
Lawyer. 12 years of experience in Commercial and Corporate Law, advising clients on all their commercial, civil and administrative matters. I joined the Fundación to continue developing my negotiation and problem-solving skills for management.
Natalia Amendolaro
Internal Communications, Press & PR Analyst.
Social Communication and Digital Journalism. Lives in San Martín de los Andes, is a teacher and works on different communication projects related to socio-environmental care and education.
Santiago Frione
Digital Content Generator & CM.
Journalist, broadcaster and volunteer firefighter. Santiago lives in Villa Lago Meliquina and combines his passions for communication, protecting the environment and public service in his work. He is responsible for the Fundación’s communications, social networks and press.
Rocío Malen Prieto
Ecotourism – Vera Community.
Law student. Lives in San Martín de los Andes. Graduated as a Master Builder from EPET N°12. Studied English for 8 years and is currently training to be a Quimentufe (Mapuche language teacher). I joined the Fundación to help with projects in the communities, allowing me to continue with my studies and acquire more knowledge that will help me grow professionally.
Ingeborg Reingruber
Trainer.
Student of a Bachelor’s Degree in Geographic Information Systems and University Technician in Park Ranger. Forest firefighter for 5 years. AIDER instructor in Incident Command System, hemorrhage control and first aid, CPR and AED. Diploma in Disaster Risk Management, Environment and Human Health. Diploma in Fire Management and Climate Change. I joined because I firmly believe in the importance of caring for the environment, with that mission and as a trainer I am determined to inspire and contribute to the protection and preservation of our environment.
Darío D'Onofrio
Trainer.
Electromechanical Technician, more than 10 years of experience in Siemens Control systems, PLC, SCADA, Drives, low and medium voltage distribution. I am a Corporal in the Meliquina Fire Department and currently have the role of Second Chief of the Corps and Head of the Training Section. I joined the Fundación to contribute to the project and contribute to the protection of the environment where we live.
Facundo Kuljko
Energy and work at height.
Tech. in Industrial Maintenance and Electromechanical Technology. Electrician at a Hydroelectric Power Plant, Operations and Maintenance at the Vientos Neuquinos Wind Farm. Maintenance Manager at Corfone SA. – Professor at the UTN Junín de los Andes annex, Sustainable Energy career. Volunteer Firefighter, First Sergeant rank (15 years), forestry brigade member, rope rescue instructor. I joined the team with the goal of learning and sharing my knowledge in whatever is required, since I value the great work that the Fundación has been doing.
Mauricio Oliva
Brigade Chief.
Forest and structural fire specialist, with knowledge of rescue at height, pre-hospital care, vehicle and remote rescue. He has experience in the chain of command, and is an instructor in the Neuquén Firefighters Federation Academy. Mauricio is the chief of our Brigade, and is responsible for the its practical training exercises. He will be responsible for the work of the Brigade.
Leandro Vazquez
Brigade Chief.
I joined the Fundación because they have wonderful projects and working with Mapuche communities is a nice challenge for me.
Juan Cheuquepan
Fire fighter – Curruhuinca Community.
I joined the Fundación to have a new experience and to learn about forestry.
Nélida Purrán
Fire fighter – Cayún Community.
I joined the Fundación to improve myself and prove that it is possible to work in forestry.
Gisela Torres
Administration – Vera Community.
I decided to join the Fundación because it was a job opportunity for me and I was also interested in their environmental forestry initiatives.
Martín Leumano
Fire fighter – Cayún Community.
I joined the Fundación to gain new knowledge and I was interested in the topic of forestry with communities.
Piuque Cayun
Fire fighter – Cayún Community.
I joined the Brigade to progress, also for the forestry and environment knowledge.
Dalmiro Dinamarca
Fire fighter – Curruhuinca Community.
I joined the Fundación because I have always been interested in forest fires and the values associated with them. I believe that being a brigade member is a beautiful job.
Eduardo Godoy
Fire fighter – Cayún Community.
The reason I joined the Fundación was the job opportunity they offered and my interest in forestry.