Meet Our Advisory Council
Marshall Collins

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 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.

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.