Russell Cozart serves as Executive Director of Believe in Belize, bringing together a lifelong commitment to service, entrepreneurship, and a deep personal connection to the country he proudly calls home. More than 25 years ago, Russell’s journey in service began as a Rotary Youth Exchange student - an experience that shaped his worldview and instilled a lasting belief in the power of community, cultural connection, and giving back. Today, he continues that legacy as Fundraising Chairperson of the Placencia Rotary Club, working alongside fellow Rotarians and community leaders to support impactful projects that strengthen local communities and expand opportunity.

Russell holds an MBA from the University of Texas and has spent more than two decades as a senior executive in the global technology industry, helping build and grow innovative cloud and infrastructure companies. Alongside his technology career, he is also an entrepreneur in Belize, where he owns and operates a yacht charter business based in Placencia that shares the beauty of Belize’s coastline, barrier reef, and cayes with visitors from around the world. His professional experience, combined with his passion for Belize’s people, culture, and extraordinary natural environment, drives his commitment to helping Believe in Belize expand opportunity, protect the country’s natural treasures, and support thriving communities for generations to come.

Shelley Falk serves as Board Member and Director of Public Relations for Believe in Belize, bringing a deep commitment to community service and a passion for strengthening connections between people who want to make a difference. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Shelley has called Belize home for more than eight years, where she has become an active and dedicated member of the local community. Her ability to connect with people, communicate purpose, and build relationships plays an important role in helping share the mission and impact of Believe in Belize.

Shelley retired from United Airlines after a distinguished 34-year career as an inflight service professional, based first in Chicago and later in Denver. In addition to her aviation career, she built and operated a successful legal services business for more than two decades, helping protect thousands of individuals, families, and business owners. A committed Rotarian, Shelley joined the Rotary Club of Corozal in 2014 and has served in multiple leadership roles while supporting initiatives including food drives, healthcare outreach, scholarships, and mobility programs for those in need. Alongside her husband, Dr. Michael Parrish, she continues to devote her time and energy to service projects that strengthen communities and improve lives across Belize.

Ron Green serves as Board Member and Director of Technology for Believe in Belize, bringing a passion for service, collaboration, and practical problem-solving to the organization’s mission. After moving with his spouse to Punta Gorda in southern Belize in 2022, Ron quickly became deeply engaged in the local community. He joined the Rotary Club of Punta Gorda soon after arriving and has since played an active role in numerous service initiatives throughout the Toledo District, building strong relationships and learning firsthand about the communities and culture of southern Belize.

Ron is particularly proud to have helped facilitate a partnership between the Rotary Club of Punta Gorda and Believe in Belize, which led to his joining the organization’s board in 2025. Through this collaboration, the organizations have already delivered meaningful impact, including distributing hundreds of children’s books, building bookshelves for local schools, replacing protective flooring at the Punta Gorda Sports Complex, and delivering donated bicycles from the United States to villages throughout the Toledo District. As Director of Technology, Ron helps support the organization’s technical needs while continuing to champion projects that strengthen education, recreation, and opportunity for communities across Belize. Outside of his volunteer work, Ron enjoys cooking with fresh ingredients from Punta Gorda’s vibrant produce market, sharing the beauty of Belize with visiting family and friends, and exploring the Caribbean through SCUBA diving.

William “Bill” Hunter serves as Board Member and Director of Operations for Believe in Belize, bringing decades of leadership experience, technical expertise, and a strong commitment to service. A US Navy veteran and graduate of Florida Southern College, Bill built a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years in the technology and telecommunications industries. Throughout his career, he held senior leadership roles at organizations including MCI, AT&T, Cable & Wireless, and Fannie Mae, where he guided operational teams and supported the adoption of emerging technologies within complex enterprise environments.

Since retiring in 2016, Bill has remained actively engaged in service and community initiatives, lending his experience in operations, management, and strategic planning to causes that make a meaningful difference. At Believe in Belize, he plays a key role in strengthening the organization’s operational foundation, helping ensure that programs and projects are executed effectively and responsibly. Bill’s disciplined leadership, thoughtful perspective, and dedication to service help advance the organization’s mission to support communities and create lasting impact across Belize.

Marsha Peterson is a Board Member of Believe in Belize and a dedicated community leader based in Placencia. She serves as President of the Rotary Club of Placencia, where she has been an active member for eight years and has led the club for the past two. In her role, Marsha helps drive impactful initiatives focused on education, health, and sustainable development, bringing together volunteers and partners to create meaningful, lasting change across the community.

Marsha is also a real estate agent with Keller Williams Belize, specializing in residential and investment properties throughout the Placencia peninsula and southern Belize. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree and spent 35 years in sales and sales management within the medical diagnostic industry, building deep expertise in relationship-building, negotiation, and project execution. A decade ago, Marsha and her husband made Belize their full-time home, giving her firsthand insight into the experience of living and investing along the coast. She brings this unique combination of professional experience, local knowledge, and service-driven leadership to her work with Believe in Belize.