Mike Vonk Set to Lead NSRI as New CEO in October 2024

In an exciting development for the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), seasoned volunteer and adept leader Mike Vonk has been designated to take the helm as the Chief Executive Officer, commencing his duties in October 2024. Mike Vonk steps into the role following the retirement of the highly regarded Dr. Cleeve Robertson, who has served the NSRI with distinction for over 11 years.

Vonk’s tenure as a volunteer at NSRI spans a remarkable 14 years, highlighting a profound dedication to the cause of sea rescue in South Africa. His recent tenure as the CEO of George Regional Hospital has equipped him with substantial leadership skills, invaluable for the dynamic and demanding environment of the NSRI. His volunteer record is laudable, including his crucial role as Station Commander at Station 23 in Wilderness, where his operational prowess was on full display.

Reflecting on his new venture during an interview with George Herald, Vonk expressed eagerness for the forthcoming "challenges and opportunities." His appointment as CEO is not merely professional but is further sentimental, marking the continuation of a three-generation-long family legacy within the NSRI.

He succeeds an iconic figure in Dr. Cleeve Robertson, whose leadership saw exponential growth within the NSRI. Dr. Robertson’s era was marked by an expansion in the volunteer base, service locations, and significant strides toward financial independence for the organization. His strategic emphasis on preventative measures in water safety has been a game-changer, potentially sparing numerous lives from maritime peril. The departing CEO's bond with the NSRI is personal, having once been the subject of a rescue in 1986.

Mike Vonk’s ascent to the top job is a promising sign for the NSRI. Grounded in a solid understanding of the NSRI’s operational facets and imbued with a strong leadership background, he is well-poised to propel the NSRI forward, building upon Dr. Robertson’s sturdy foundation and continuing the pivotal work of safeguarding lives and enhancing community safety in maritime contexts across South Africa.

The NSRI, rooted in a profound history that began with a tragic maritime event off Stilbaai in 1966, has grown into an essential component of South Africa’s maritime safety net. Founded through the advocacy of Patti Price and the support of the Society of Master Mariners of South Africa, the NSRI stands as a testament to the power of community and committed service to those at sea.

Mike Vonk’s appointment marks the beginning of a new chapter for the NSRI, one which the whole community watches with optimistic anticipation.