GARY APPEL
Administrator, science educator, and author, Gary was a founding board member. An enthusiastic advocate for social justice, he rejoined and served on the board from 2007-2013 and recently accepted a position on the advisory council. Gary believes that poor planning and unbridled growth often hurt most those who have the least.
Betsy Corbett
Betsy is a fifth-generation Traverse City native and is currently an owner / director of the RE/MAX Bayshore real estate brokerage and Brick & Corbett real estate team. She brings 15 years’ experience in growing real estate brands, managing teams, and selling real estate, with an expertise in business development, brand strategy, and marketing. Betsy's passion for connecting people and building relationships in pursuit of stronger communities ties in perfectly with Groundwork.
DR. ORAN HESTERMAN
Oran is the President and CEO of the Fair Food Network, a national nonprofit that improves access to healthy, local food. His 2011 book, Fair Food: Growing a Healthy, Sustainable Food System for All quickly become a national sensation. Oran lives in Ann Arbor and spends time at his home in Omena.
HOWARD LEARNER
Howard is a leading environmental and energy litigation attorney and policy expert who serves as president and executive director of the Environmental Law and Policy Center—the Midwest’s leading public interest environmental law advocacy and eco-business innovation organization. Howard is an adjunct professor at University of Michigan Law School, teaching Clean Energy Law and Environmental Constitutionalism. Howard lives in Chicago.
JENNIFER LYON, D.O.
Jennifer is a family and sports medicine physician who is currently achieving certification in functional medicine. She strives to find the root cause of the disease process, which is often triggered by food choices, exposure to environmental toxins, or psychosocial experiences. She practices family medicine at Brookside Family Medicine and functional medicine at Table Health.
ALISON METIVA
Alison is vice president for strategic engagement and programs at the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation. She's involved in many community efforts, including the ICAN College and Career Access Network, Central Lake Experience and Opportunities, and the Traverse City Young Professionals.
MARK NEITHERCUT
Mark has worked for more than 25 years in the philanthropic sector, having served in leadership roles at family, private and community foundations. He heads Neithercut Philanthropy Advisors, which provides out-sourced solutions for family foundations from offices in Detroit and Traverse City.
KATHERINE PALMS
Katherine serves on staff for Young Life, a Christian Youth Ministry in Leelanau County, and is a Yoga instructor at Yoga4 Wellness Center. She is also a Trustee and Secretary for the HP Family Foundation. Katherine is passionate about our Great Lakes, clean energy, sustainable agriculture, plant-based nutrition, and thriving communities. She graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and focus in Public Health from Denison University.
LEBEAU POTGIETER
Lebeau is a financial advisor, entrepreneur, small business owner, parent, coach, board member and concerned citizen utilizing his experience and skills to create a better present and future for his family, community and the world. Born in South Africa, raised in England and returning to Michigan following three years in Southern Oregon, he brings a global perspective to solving local issues.
RUSSELL SOYRING
During his 30+ years as Traverse City planner, Russ earned respect for helping create one of the most admired small towns in the nation. Russ guided change with a devotion to keeping the city thriving at a human scale, where people chatted on sidewalks, hung out in cafes, and safely rode bikes—creating an irresistible town that drew people out of their homes and into the town environment.