JULIE METTY BENNETT
As chief executive officer at Public Sector Consultants, Julie leads more than 60 talented staff members and affiliated consultants. She also spearheads the development and implementation of the firm’s short- and long-term organizational plans as well as its sales and marketing strategies to realize PSC’s mission of improving the quality of life for Michigan residents and beyond.
George Cochran
George Cochran is co-founder and managing partner of Cochran Booth & Co., a private investment firm. Mr. Cochran has been an independent director at public and private companies as well as several nonprofit organizations and at St Lawrence University.
Marshall Colllins
Marshall Collins is a career-long educator who currently serves as an elementary school assistant principal with Kingsley Area Schools. Marshall has previously led student health and farm to school initiatives for the North Ed intermediate school distriict and has been a leading voice in the northern Michigan equity movement.
Ed Gergosian
Ed is a retired lawyer from San Diego who served there for years on local and regional land use planning committees. As a child growing up in Detroit, he learned the value of Michigan's beautiful and abundant natural resources.
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.
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.
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.
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.