THE EVERGLADES FOUNDATION NAMES YEZID ACOSTA DIRECTOR OF DIGITAL STRATEGY AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

New Position Generously Funded by Knight Foundation Grant

MIAMI, March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Everglades Foundation has named Yezid Acosta the organization's first Director of Digital Strategy & Information Technology – a position generously funded by a grant from Knight Foundation.

Acosta will manage The Everglades Foundation's complex data framework and oversee a newly built IT environment while continuously improving operational efficiency. He will help acquire new data and analytics and design tools to implement system solutions that benefit organizational effectiveness while expanding and transforming the Foundation's communications and data management capacity. 

Acosta is not just a leader but a team player. His collaboration with various partners to develop an innovative mobile point-of-sale (mPOS) shopping experience akin to that of Apple is a testament to his teamwork skills. His extensive experience working with software developers and digital product designers, addressing non-profit organizations' technology and security needs, further illustrates his ability to foster strong relationships and work effectively in a team.

Before joining The Everglades Foundation, Acosta held digital and IT leadership positions at several organizations, including NYC Kids Rise, Rising Ground, I Love Velvet, RFG Global Management, and Nestlé Nespresso. He has a proven track record in creating and managing innovative digital products, such as a VIP shopping experience that integrates RFID chips and robotics, demonstrating his hands-on expertise and ability to deliver results.

"Knight Foundation sees this new role at The Everglades Foundation as a pivotal opportunity to harness the power of new digital technology to advance Everglades restoration through science, education, and communications," said Marta Viciedo, Miami Director at Knight Foundation. "We welcome Yezid Acosta to Miami — and look forward to his innovative leadership."

"With the generous support of Knight Foundation and the appointment of Yezid, The Everglades Foundation will leverage new technology to support our science team's research while continuing to engage decision-makers, teachers, supporters and the public-at-large in Everglades restoration," said Eric Eikenberg, CEO of The Everglades Foundation.

ABOUT THE EVERGLADES FOUNDATION
The Everglades Foundation is committed to the restoration and protection of America's Everglades through science, advocacy, and education. Founded in 1993 by two outdoor enthusiasts – Paul Tudor Jones II and the late George Barley – The Everglades Foundation works tirelessly to bring people together and provide a powerful bipartisan voice for Everglades restoration. The Foundation's team includes renowned scientists, experienced educators, policy experts, and professionals in communications. By coupling this breadth of expertise with a passion for restoration, The Everglades Foundation is leading the effort to restore and protect the flow of clean freshwater to the Everglades through the world's largest ecosystem restoration project. Learn more at EvergladesFoundation.org.

SOURCE The Everglades Foundation