Raven Preston, Orcas Island — Raven is a seasoned user experience researcher and communication strategist with a passion for leveraging data-driven insights to drive impactful change. Her work focuses on improving user engagement and developing strategies within the SAFe Agile framework. With a background in integrating Black and Indigenous methodologies, Raven brings a culturally responsive approach to conservation initiatives, ensuring they are both equitable and effective. She is committed to community engagement and supporting sustainable strategies that protect natural resources while uplifting local communities.
John Pierre van Dongen, Orcas Island — 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.
Drew Harvell, San Juan Island — Drew earned her Ph.D. from the University of Washington in 1985 and is a researcher, professor, and author. Drew teaches at Cornell University where she is a Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. She also researches and teaches out of the University of Washington Friday Harbor Marine Labs. Her current research is focused on marine diseases and sustainable marine biodiversity. Drew has authored two books: Sea of Glass and Ocean Outbreak. Drew leads research into eelgrass wasting disease in San Juan County and across the west coast of the U.S. Drew lives with her husband, oceanographer Chuck Greene, near False Bay on San Juan Island. For more information visit drewharvell.com
