Glen Chown, Executive Director
Glen is the founding Executive Director of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. He oversees the Regional Conservancy’s efforts to protect scenic, natural and farm lands in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Manistee Counties. Since the Regional Conservancy’s founding in 1991, more than 32,000 acres of land and over 90 miles of shoreline along the region’s scenic rivers, lakes and streams have been forever protected. Glen is a member of the Land Trust Alliance’s Leadership Council and a founding board member of Michigan’s Heart of the Lakes Center for Land Conservation Policy. Glen holds Bachelor and Masters degrees in Natural Resources from the University of Michigan. He lives on the Old Mission Peninsula with his wife, Becky, and their sons, Martin, William and Leonard.

Megan Olds, Associate Director
After spending childhood vacations near the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Megan always knew she wanted to live in northern Michigan. In 1999, her dream came true when she moved to Traverse City and accepted a job at the Northwest Michigan Council of Governments. For the next eight years, Megan created and directed programs that protected scenic road corridors, expanded non-motorized transportation options, researched affordable housing solutions, and offered tools to local units of government to achieve balanced growth and development that protects significant natural resources. Megan joined the Regional Land Conservancy in 2007 as the Director of Communications. In early 2008 she assumed the direction of the fundraising, communications, and volunteer programs. She became the Conservancy’s first Associate Director in September 2008. Megan has undergraduate degrees from Miami University (Ohio) in both Geography and Interdisciplinary Studies, with a focus on local food systems. She also earned an M.A. in Organizational Management. Megan lives in Traverse City's Old Town neighborhood with her husband, Andy, and daughters Eleanor and Maggie Rose.

Matt McDonough, Director of Land Protection & Stewardship
Born and raised in southwestern Michigan, Matt joined the Conservancy in 2000. After working exclusively on conservation easement and land acquisition projects for 8 years, Matt now directs the land protection and stewardship departments. He continues to work on some land projects, but focuses much of his time on developing new programs for land conservation and innovative finance strategies. He holds a B.S. from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Michigan State University. His past experience includes water rights and fisheries work in Montana, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts; aquaculture work as a Peace Corps volunteer in Gabon, Africa; and, land conservation work in southwestern Michigan. Matt lives in Traverse City with his wife, Ann, and their children, Sam and Abby. In his spare time he enjoys spending time outside with his kids, mountain biking, cycling, hunting and reading.

Brian Bourdages, Farmland Protection Specialist
Born and raised in Southwest Michigan where he first cultivated his love of our state's woods and water, Brian received a bachelor's degree in Philosophy from Western Michigan University. After eight years in Colorado working with at-risk youth, Brian returned to Michigan and worked for several years as a Land Protection Specialist with the Leelanau Conservancy. Now focusing on farmland protection, Brian says "I'm constantly amazed at the intimate knowledge and connection that our area farmers have with their property, much of which has remained in the same family for generations. It's an honor to work with those farmers and farm families that want to utilize various farmland protection methods to ensure our globally unique farmland remains valuable for faming in the future." He currently serves as a board member of the City of Traverse City and Township of Garfield Joint Recreation Authority. He is an avid fly fisherman and enjoys rock climbing, mountain biking, playing guitar and – most of all – spending time with his wonderful sons, Joe and Elliot.

Brad Gerlach, Land Protection Specialist
Growing up spending his summers on the Chain of Lakes, Brad always planned to, eventually, live full-time in Northern Michigan. And after several years away, during which he earned a B.A. from Wake Forest University and a M.A. from the University of Toledo, both in history, his plans finally came to fruition. As with many who try to make a living in our area, Brad has a varied employment background, but has concentrated his work mainly in social services and education. He and his wife, Xiomara Cordoba, live adjacent to Antrim County's incredible Grass River Natural Area, one of his favorite places in the world. Even better, Brad has three children, Annika, Soren, and Linnea who love to play outdoors as much he does.

Chris Sullivan, Land Protection Specialist
Born in Wisconsin, Chris first moved to Traverse City when he was four years old. He received a B.S. in Natural Resources from the University of Michigan, and has worked as a Research Assistant in limnology for the University of Michigan and with threatened/endangered salmon and trout stocks for the U.S. Forest Service in the Pacific Northwest, before joining the Regional Land Conservancy in April 1999. After seven years as the Conservancy's Director of Stewardship, Chris now focuses on land protection efforts in Benzie and Manistee Counties. Chris lives in Traverse City with his wife, Ali, and sons Riley and Owen.

Todd Vigland, Land Protection Specialist
A native of Benzie County, Todd grew up sailing Crystal Lake and hiking Lake Michigan dunes. Todd completed a bachelor's degree at Michigan State University in Landscape Architecture which included a semester of study in Europe and later returned to MSU for a masters program in Urban and Regional Planning. In the early 90's, Todd began his career at GTRLC doing seasonal stewardship work for three years. He then headed to Maryland, where he spent four years preserving farmland and critical Chesapeake Bay shoreline at the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy. Thankfully, he returned to GTRLC in 2002 and now focuses primarily on preserving the best of the Chain of Lakes and Jordan River watersheds. Todd resides in Traverse City with his wife Susan where both can often be found on a trail or in a boat.

Abby Gartland, Preserve Program Manager
Abby joined the Stewardship Staff in 2001 following the completion of her B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife from Michigan State University. She spends much of her personal and work time tromping in the woods learning about and enjoying the unique flora and fauna of NW Lower Michigan. Although Abby envisions Michigan as her home base she hopes to travel extensively, double her life list (at least!) and experience as much of the natural world as she can. With the support of the Stewardship Team, Abby is responsible for much of the biological work at GTRLC's nature preserves including completing baseline inventories of the flora and fauna on site; she also manages the invasive species program.

Mike Okma, Conservation Easement Steward
Mike has a B.S. in Applied Ecology and a B.S. in Wildlife Management from Michigan Technological University. His work experience includes time as a volunteer general park ranger on North Manitou Island. Before joining the Regional Land Conservancy as a full-time employee, Mike worked part-time for the organization, writing environmental reports and working with the field crew. Now Mike works with conservation easement owners throughout GTRLC’s service area. Mike and his wife Daniele are grateful to be able to live and play in the Traverse City area, where they both grew up.

Vic Lane, Sustainable Forestry and Easement Stewardship Manager
Vic earned a B.S. in Fisheries and Wildlife from Michigan State University, which he has put to use in a variety of arenas. Before joining the Regional Land Conservancy, Vic worked as a Stewardship Specialist for the Little Traverse Conservancy in Harbor Springs and, prior to that, as a Wildlife Assistant for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources at their Traverse City Field Office. He has also held various short-term positions that included tracking radio-collared moose in the Upper Peninsula and conducting biological surveys. Vic's duties at the Regional Conservancy include managing the organization's sustainable forestry program at Arcadia Dunes, coordinating farmland stewardship activities, and assisting with other conservation easement and nature preserve stewardship. A Frankfort native, Vic is very excited to be part of a team working to protect the natural places he enjoyed as a child.  Vic lives with his wife, Erin, and daughter, Robin,on a small farm in Leelanau County.

Steve Lagerquist, Land Steward
Steve is a native of Northern Michigan growing up on High Lake in Traverse City. The area cultivated his passion for wildlife and biology ultimately influencing his educational path later in life. After attaining both a B.S. and M.S. in Biology/Zoology at Portland State University, Steve return to the Traverse City area to be near family and to re-immerse himself into Northern Michigan living. Steve worked for the GTRLC as a seasonal employ for two years before joining full-time in early 2009. He has a diverse work background, such as bicycle mechanic, electrophysiology/neural development research technician, biological science technician for USFWS, and carpenter/remodeler, all skills which serve him well in the diverse Preserve Stewardship world.

Angie Lucas, Preserve Steward
Originally from Northwest Lower Michigan, Angie has lived in the Upper Peninsula for the past ten years where she received her B.S. in Physical Geography and Biology from Northern Michigan University. After graduating, she worked seasonally on botanical projects for Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the Hiawatha National Forest on threatened and endangered plant surveys, vegetation mapping, and native plant restoration projects. Before joining the GTRLC, she also worked for The Nature Conservancy on invasive plant issues including coordinating volunteer workdays, presentating workshops, creating a website for the Upper Peninsula Invasives Council, and helped formalize a Cooperative Weed Management Area in the Central U.P. She also served as a board member of the Central Lake Superior Land Conservancy. She enjoys photography, kayaking, cross country skiing, and walking with her two dogs. Angie and her husband Scott are excited to return to the Grand Traverse area and she looks forward to working with volunteers on preserve projects.

Jennifer Jay, Director of Communications and Outreach
Growing up in Petoskey, Jennifer's appreciation for our freshwater paradise began early and was deepened after living for a time in the Arizona desert. Jennifer has lived in Traverse City since 1987. She has a passion for connecting people to each other and to their environment in support of stewarding our natural resources. Jennifer worked for 10 years at The Pathfinder School and was the Project Coordinator for the Boardman River Dams study for two years before joining the Regional Land Conservancy, viewing her role as an excellent merge of her passions and skills. She serves as a board member for the Grand Traverse Conservation District and is the proud mom of Zara, an Environmental Studies major at Portland State University. Jennifer lives with Evan, a writer, in the Old Town neighborhood where they enjoy organic gardening and restoring their 100 year-old home.

Lee Maynard, Engagement Specialist & Volunteer Colleague Program Assistant
Lee grew up in Athens, Georgia and traveled Up North every summer to Bois Blanc Island in the Straits of Mackinac. These summers instilled in her a love for Northern Michigan’s fresh water and forests. Lee received a bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M University in Recreation, Park & Tourism Sciences. Following graduation, she traveled to Lincoln University in Christchurch, New Zealand and completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Environment, Society and Design focusing on Human Geography and Policy & Urban Planning of Natural Resources. From her studies, Lee knew she wanted a career in land conservation and she is very thankful to preserve the unique beauty of Northern Michigan. Lee began her career with GTRLC in 2009 as a summer AmeriCorps VISTA intern. She works with the Engagement Team assisting with communications, events and the volunteer colleague program. Lee resides in Traverse City and happily survives Michigan winters snowshoeing and snowboarding. She can often be found outdoors with her dog Greta.

Rolf von Walthausen, Volunteer Program Coordinator
A native of southeast Michigan, Rolf spent many weekends and summers during his formative years "up north" vowing one day to return home to northern Michigan. He and his wife Mari enjoy rock hunting, quiet places and just being out-of-doors. Rolf’s most recent work has focused on expanding the volunteer program and creating sustainable models to help protect and steward our Preserves. Rolf enjoys applying his passion for land preservation and interest in sustainable community to helping connect people to the land in meaningful ways. To share your gift of time and talent please contact Rolf at 922-1268 or email him.

Anne Brasie, Charitable Giving Specialist
Anne grew up in Midland, Michigan but spent most of her summers and weekends either on HigginsLake or tromping around in the woods with her sisters at her family’s vacation property in Boyne Falls. She has lived in or near Traverse City for the better part of twenty-two years, working for the Traverse City Convention and Visitors Bureau, InterlochenCenter for the Arts, a foray to ManisteeCounty as the director of the Manistee Economic Council and Chamber Alliance, and five years as the Executive Director of The Watershed Center. Anne also spent 15 months in Lansing working for The Nature Conservancy.  She is ecstatic to be back "up north" living and working in the coolest place on the planet.  She has a BA in Economics from University of Michigan and an MBA from DePaul University.  Anne has served on a number of local, regional and national boards including the Waterkeeper Alliance, the North American Vasa, the Grand Traverse County Planning Commission and our local literacy council.  She enjoys anything having to do with being in or on the water, downhill and cross country skiing, college football (watching, not playing) and golf (playing and watching!).

Barbara Mort, Donor Relations Assistant
Barb was born in Hamtramck and spent her childhood summers at her family’s cottage on Lake St. Clair. Her deep appreciation for clean water began when the lake experienced catastrophic mercury poisoning. Her family moved to Traverse City when she was ten, and since then, she has enjoyed the rivers, lakes, and woods of northern Michigan skiing (all kinds), kayaking, hiking and camping. Barb attended Northwestern Michigan College and went on to earn her bachelor’s degree in business administration. She has an extensive public relations and marketing background and has worked in the health, education, energy, and printing industries. Most recently, she owned and operated a promotional calendar business, which she sold in 2008. Barb says it may have taken a long time, but she has found her passion in farmland protection and land preservation. She and her husband of 28 years, Greg, have two sons – Mitch, a sophomore at Michigan State University, and Jackson, an eighth grader at TC West, as well as two dogs, Rosie and Ladie.

Kate Pearson, Charitable Giving Specialist
A lifelong resident of Traverse City, Kate brings to her position a deep love of the region and appreciation for the wonderful people who make up our community. Kate's interest in land stewardship was ignited while studying in Krakow, Poland, where she observed first-hand the positive influence that good community planning can have on the quality of life of future generations. Kate earned a B.S. in Community Development from Central Michigan University. Before joining the Regional Land Conservancy, she was the Visitor Center Manager for the Traverse City Convention and Visitors Bureau. Kate enjoys outdoor recreation of all kinds, making art, reading, and creative writing. Kate, her husband Steve Cruzen, and her daughter Sophie (one of the Conservancy’s youngest donors), enjoy life together on Spider Lake.

Sarah Naperala, Executive Coordinator and Director of Human Resources
Sarah earned her B. S. in Biology from Michigan Technological University. Her work experience has included coordination of various programs and projects, including research with the U.S. Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients. After many years of visiting her in-laws in beautiful northern Lower Michigan, Sarah and her family decided to make their visits permanent and move to Traverse City in October 2005. Sarah loves to hike with her children, Kyle and Amelia, and her husband, Troy, an Environmental Engineer. As Executive Coordinator, Sarah advises and supports Executive Director Glen Chown, to advance and sustain the work of the Conservancy. Sarah also has the role of Director of Human Resources and focuses her work on organizational training, team strengthening, and leadership development. Not only is she passionate about sharing the Conservancy’s message with our community, she has an affinity for stewarding the professional growth of Conservancy employees.

Birgit Yetter, Director of Finance & Administration
Birgit has been with GTRLC since 1992 and oversees the financial and administrative management of the organization. Born and raised in Germany, Birgit moved to Traverse City in 1990 and later earned a B.S. in Accounting from Ferris State University. She has two grown children, Shawn and Serena, and enjoys hiking, cross-country skiing, canoeing and aspires to be a world-traveler.

Pam Hooker, Office Assistant
After ten years as office manager for a small engineering firm in Traverse City, Pam joined the Regional Land Conservancy in 2005 where she manages our front desk with ease and good humor. Except for six years spent in Grand Rapids after marrying her husband, Mike, Pam has spent her adult life in the TC area. They have no children but dearly love their Springer Spaniel, Molly. Pam enjoys country dancing, reading good novels, and anything to do with history – especially ancient history.

Barbara Waite, Office Manager
Born and raised in Virginia, Barbara traded the Blue Ridge Mountains for the lakes and dunes of northern Michigan in 2003. She describes herself as a southern girl who came north and found a home. Barbara is responsible for HR functions such as employee benefits administration and payroll, as well as other office administrative functions and donation processing.. She is the mother of two grown children, Kyle and Leanna, and is hoping to welcome grandchildren in the near future.  She's an avid Detroit Red Wings fan and never misses a televised game.  Barbara lives in Kalkaska County with her husband Lew, a Michigan native.

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