The Team of UAP Coalition Netherlands
The UAP Coalition Netherlands team consists of a diverse group of professionals who volunteer to develop knowledge, provide policy context and engage in professional dialogue around Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP).
Roles and Expertise
Together, they form a multidisciplinary partnership focused on substantive quality and social relevance. The team fulfills various roles, from operational support and research to ambassadorship. Our ambassadors represent the Coalition from their specific field of expertise and actively contribute to a factual and non-stigmatizing image within the Dutch and European context.
Visible and underlying forces
Below are the team members and ambassadors who are publicly visible. In addition, UAP Coalition Netherlands is supported by several team members who play a role behind the scenes. Due to the nature of their current professional activities or privacy concerns, they are not listed by name on this page. However, their expertise is an integral part of our shared mission.
Our Team Members
Joachim Dekkers
Founder - Chairman
Joachim is the founder and chairman of UAP Coalition Netherlands. He is a former entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience on the boards of organizations. He is always looking for ways to contribute to a better world and is convinced that everyone has the power to bring about positive change. He is enthusiastic about sharing his knowledge and experience and contributing to the goals to be achieved. In 2008, he received the Golden Lifesaver Award, and in 2016, he was appointed Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau.
André Jol
Treasurer
André is active within the board as treasurer. He is a chemical engineer with a master's degree in water quality. He has worked at a Dutch engineering firm and the European Environment Agency, an EU institution. Here he was involved in advising national governments and the European Commission on air pollution, climate and energy. He has in-depth knowledge and experience in the use of data and scientific information in policy. He would like to use this expertise to support the goals of the Coalition.
Bram Roza
Secretary
Bram is active within the board as secretary. He is a graphic designer and graduated from the Grafisch Lyceum Rotterdam. In addition to his permanent job, he does volunteer work and has been an ambassador for discussing the UAP topic for 30 years. In 2005 he founded UFO Meldpunt Nederland and in 2023 he completed the first Dutch UAP-related documentary. This experience gives Bram unique knowledge of the subject.
Chiel Pieterse
School social worker
Chiel has over 20 years of experience in the social domain and education. He works as a school social worker in secondary vocational education (MBO), where he supports students in various areas of life, with an emphasis on mental health. He obtained his Bachelor of Education twice from the Arnhem Nijmegen University of Applied Sciences (Pedagogy and Teaching) and completed the Work and Health module at NTI in 2024. He is committed to sharing knowledge and is eager to enter into new collaborations to raise awareness about UAP, in line with the goals of the Coalition.
Tony Suurendonk
Healthcare psychologist and treatment coordinator
Tony is an experienced and versatile mental health psychologist and treatment coordinator with more than 12 years of expertise in both clinical and outpatient mental health care. His passion for the profession is reflected in his commitment to providing high-quality care and guidance to individuals. In addition to his work, Tony serves as a reservist at the Ministry of Defense. His service to the Netherlands reflects his strong commitment to the well-being of others. Tony has a Master of Science in Psychology and a pre-master in Theology and Religious Studies.
Our Ambassadors
Christian van Heijst
Pilot
Christiaan is a commercial pilot with twenty years of flying experience and is currently captain of the Boeing 747. His love for aviation started at an early age. He obtained his private pilot's license (PPL) even before his 18th birthday. In addition to his flying skills, Christiaan also has a passion for photography. He combines his two great interests by capturing impressive images during his flights. Christiaan attaches exceptional importance to the subject of Flight Safety, which is why he has chosen to be involved as an ambassador.
Nick Stein
Veteran
Nick is a professional and experienced veteran with 17 years of service in the armed forces. He served in the Air Mobile Brigade and experienced various operational deployments during his service. He has a passion for training and mentoring people and enjoys sharing his knowledge and experience to help others grow and develop. Thanks to his background in the armed forces, Nick has a highly developed focus on teamwork, safety and discipline, which makes him a valuable asset.
Tako IJserinkhuijsen
Pilot
Tako is an experienced pilot with more than 25 years of experience in civil aviation. He has flown on several aircraft and has extensive knowledge of various aspects of aviation, including safety, navigation and meteorology. His passion for aviation has motivated him to join UAP Coalition Netherlands as an ambassador and is therefore committed to achieving its goals.
