John Pierre van Dongen | President

John Pierre van Dongen

Board of Directors
He / Him / His

John Pierre was born and raised in South Africa.  After graduating from Medical School and completing his military draft in the South African Defense Force, he sailed around the world for 10 years, landing in the USA where he opened a solo Family Practice in Naples, Florida.  Having a passion for nature, he served on the Board of the Conservancy of SW Florida and worked on their Climate Resiliency subcommittee.

John Pierre and his wife, Annette, retired to Orcas Island in 2018 to raise their two daughters closer to nature. Recognizing that the San Juans are experiencing many similar environmental issues as Naples, he is excited to join the team of the Friends to further the mission of protecting our beautiful but fragile home for the future.

John Pierre loves being outdoors, especially out on the water, beach or hiking.

Back to …

It wasn’t until 1979 that San Juan County got a comprehensive growth plan and that was largely due to the Friends of the San Juan’s being there to advocate for the shoreline and the ecosystem. Since then, there have been constant waves of pressure by developers. Friends have risen each time, fighting to protect this fragile and precious place.

Liza Michaelson

member, San Juan Island