GRNA Board & Staff

Board and Staff

Board of Directors
	Zach Liggett President Zach Liggett, president of the board, has been affiliated with GRNA for four years. He holds a degree in Economics from Eckerd College and earned an International MBA from the University of South Carolina. Zach moved to northern Michigan in 2003 after living and working for several yeas in Japan. He currently works as an investment manager in Traverse City.

	Jill Spencer Vice President Jill Spencer has been on the GRNA Board of Directors for four years and serves on the education, membership and personnel committees. She completed both a bachelors and masters degree from Central Michigan University. Jill spent 31 years as an educator in Michigan public schools retiring from her position as an elementary principal in 2003.

	Vicki Palmer Secretary Vicki Palmer, secretary of the board, spent much of her youth on Grass River. She was a professional vocalist for 10 years, as well as founded and operated an entertainment booking agency in Columbus, Ohio. Vicki volunteers as a child's mentor in the Elk Rapids Schools and is a co-chair for a High Tea to support breast cancer awareness in Antrim County. She and her husband Tom currently live in the Elk Rapids area.

	Ron Blackburn Treasurer Ron Blackburn has served on the GRNA board for two years and is the current treasurer. Holding a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Miami University, he was employed in the insurance industry for over 40 years.


A volunteer board of 14 members meets monthly year round to oversee policies and operations of the nonprofit organization. Terms are three years with all members serving on working committees. Back row L to R: Gene Dawson, Zach Ligget, Rachell Pomerville, Ron Blackburn, Dottie Schaefer Front row L to R: Melynda Bagley, Tom Ross, Butch Bartz, Jr., Cathy Montgomery, Billy Bohannon, Vicki Palmer Not Available: Dr. John Edleman, Zach Matheson, Dr. Brian Rathke, Jill Spencer

Staff
	Melynda Bagley Education & Interim Director Melynda is Education Director, having joined GRNA in April 2004. She holds a Master's degree in Education and has many years of administrative experience. Melynda loves helping kids get connected to nature. "There's always a surprise waiting for you at Grass River. Experiencing that surprise with children is simply the best."
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	Tina Schrader Office Manager Tina joined Grass River Natural Area's staff in May, 2007. She grew up in Escanaba then attended Central Michigan University where she earned a degree in Office Administration. In her free time she enjoys walking, scrap booking, and spending time with her family. "When we moved to Bellaire six years ago, Grass River was the first place we chose to explore. It was a great day! I consider it a privilege to assist GRNA in reaching out to the community for the continued protection, growth, and enjoyment of this beautiful natural resource."
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	Lori Brandt Administrative Assistant Born and raised in Cadillac, Michigan, Lori moved to Bellaire area in 1994. Has been involved in office work for over 20 years - from front desk manager at an athletic club to night auditing, and now database/bookkeeping for non-profit organizations in the area. "I like working for GRNA because they are dedicated to protecting this beautiful area. I'm honored to be part of such a wonderful organization."
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Naturalists
	Anne Drake Anne has been a naturalist for 19 years, nine of those years have been spent at Grass River. "Being a naturalist at Grass River Natural Area gives me the chance to do what I like and love what I do. It is my great and joy to help share with others the inspiration that nature gives thru Grass River Natural Area."

	Franny Bluhm Franny Bluhm lives in East Jordan with husband Ken, and began working at Grass River in 1993. She shares her special interests of wildflowers, mushrooms and bird song ID with visitors to Grass River. "I fell in love with the calm and exquisite beauty of Grass River in 1982 when I first walked its flower-lined trails. To spend a day at Grass River is to spend a day nurturing the head, heart and soul. Every visit surprises the senses with new discoveries!"

	Arlene Westhoven In junior high school, an aptitude test said Arlene should be a forester. She followed the advice and has worked at GRNA for five years. Arlene holds degrees from the University of Michigan and Central Michigan University. An art and English teacher, she currently teaches environmental science at Ferris State University. "I love the beauty of Grass River and the good people who work there and the good people who support the natural area."

	Chuck Bauer Chuck's background is in public education. Over the years, he has taught Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science and Earth Science. He has always enjoyed hiking, kayaking, birding and biking. "Working as a Grass River Naturalist has been a varied and enjoyable experience. Teaching classes to adults and children, and guiding nature walks are perhaps my favorite activities. Grass River is the perfect place for a Field Biologist!"

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