Elise Cope

Isabel Alexander Executive Administratorshe/her/hers Isabel provides administrative support to the Executive Director and the Board. Prior to joining Friends, Isabel was the Program Director at a nonprofit summer camp in the San Juan Islands. There, she gained experience in fundraising, marketing, hiring, grant writing, and outdoor education. Isabel has also interned with both the EPA ... read more

Elise Cope Communications and Outreach Directorshe/her/hers Elise Cope is a dedicated advocate for both people and the planet, leveraging her expertise in information design and digital storytelling to construct bridges of understanding. Her passion for environmental stewardship, community empowerment, and social equity drives her work as the Communications and Outreach Director at Friends of the ... read more

Katherine Dietzman Shoreline and Mapping Specialistshe/her/hers Katherine is inspired by the rich coastal ecosystems and communities she works to protect. Katherine grew up on San Juan Island, traveling up and down the Inside Passage and Southeast Alaska on an old wooden forestry vessel, and snorkeling throughout the Salish Sea since her early youth. With a ... read more

Ken Putney Data and Gifts Administratorhe/him/his With experience in philanthropy, Ken is excited to use his skills to connect the critical work of Friends of the San Juans to those most interested and affected by it. Ken brings a BS in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems and decades of experience in Microsoft Office, Networking, ... read more

We’re so grateful to the local businesses, artists, and organizations that donated their time, space, and/or goods over the last year! Thank you! Alchemy Art Center  Alisha Merrick, Fern  Ayn Gailey Consulting  Cin Cin  Climb San Juan  Darvill’s Bookstore  FLOAT (For the Love of All Things)  FOLKS (Friends of Lime Kiln Society)  Friday Harbor House  ... read more

Do you love the islands and Salish Sea and want to connect with like-minded people? Are you interested in serving on our Board or a committee? There are many ways to get involved, and we would love your support! Bonus: volunteer 4 hours or more per year, and you’ll receive an automatic membership with Friends. ... read more

We are delighted to welcome a new staff member and 2 new board members to our team!  Isabel Alexander, Executive Administrator — Isabel provides administrative support to the Executive Director and the Board. Isabel will also be integral in communications with our donors, members, and volunteers. Prior to joining Friends, Isabel was the Program Director ... read more

The Washington State Legislative Session begins Monday, January 8th, and will run for 60 days, until March 7, 2024.   Stay informed. Make a difference. Don’t miss our legislative updates on policy issues impacting the San Juans and the Salish Sea! Click the button below to sign up, and select Regional Action Alerts from the list ... read more

Kai Sanburn Board of DirectorsLead Island Ambassador, Lopez Islandshe/her/hers Kai joins with respect for the steady presence of Friends of the San Juans where and when it matters most. She is honored to be part of an organization that plays a proactive role in defending the health and well-being of this island archipelago. After retiring ... read more

In a remarkable effort to return a beach to its natural state, a comprehensive restoration project was successfully completed in November of 2023 on Shaw Island. Situated on the western edge of Broken Point, this revitalized beach is re-joining a vast network of healthy shorelines that support forage fish, salmon, and, ultimately, the Southern Resident ... read more