The Michigan Land Use Institute Board of Directors recently welcomed its newest member.

Tim Pulliam

Tim Pulliam brings with him vast experience in the energy efficiency field as co-founder and president of Keen Technical Solutions, LLC. Keen provides clients throughout North America with analysis and energy conservation strategies. Inc. Magazine named Keen one of the “500 Fastest Growing Private Companies” in a profile last year.

“I’m so excited to help MLUI with its incredible work on efficiency and sustainability,” Pulliam said. “At Keen, we talk to a lot of people about the ‘right things’ to be doing. We help them bring those ideas to life. I hope to carry the same type of energy to my work on MLUI’s board.”

Pulliam’s expertise demonstrates what makes MLUI’s board so unique, said Board Chair Craig Sharp.

“The Board is made up of people with not only the passion, but the skills and initiative to get things done. Tim’s experience growing a successful business and his tremendous enthusiasm for our mission will be an incredible asset to this board,” Sharp said.

MLUI also added four members to its advisory council, each with their own unique blend of talents. The council is the Institute’s go-to source to bounce off ideas and help advance program goals and strategies.

Jeff Gietzen

Jeff Gietzen spent more than 30 years with D&W Food Centers in Grand Rapids, where he worked as head of retail operations, sales and marketing before becoming CEO and Vice Chair. Gietzen now lives in Glen Arbor where he owns and operates Northwoods Hardware while offering mentoring and coaching to local businesses.

“Northwest Michigan, as we all know, is a magical place—a collection of spirited people committed to both the ‘land’ and all that it touches: our lives, our family, our food and our future,” Gietzen said. “I’m honored to join MLUI’s Advisory Council and for the chance to learn, to share, and to help influence others toward a common goal that allows each of us to meet our legitimate needs and to care for others as they drive to meet their needs.”

Diane Butler

Diane Butler is manager of community health at Munson Medical Center. She is involved with community health initiatives, including the 11-county Northern Michigan Diabetes Initiative, which supports hospitals in purchasing 20 percent locally grown food by 2020. She also leads a new initiative to reduce obesity and its impacts on our community, economy, schools, and health.

“I have always believed the only way to accomplish great things is through a collaborative approach and MLUI is a perfect example of community collaboration,” Butler said. “I see a great connection between Munson’s goal to create a healthier community and MLUI’s focus on creating a more walkable, bikeable community and providing access to local fresh food.”

Jon Sebaly

Jon Sebaly is a senior partner in the law firm Sebaly Shillito + Dyer in Dayton, Ohio. He and his wife Diana are longtime supporters of MLUI and have an abiding interest in education and the environment. They spend as much time as they can at their second home in Leland.

“MLUI works toward real progress in improving the environment and pays appropriate attention to the economic implications of the policies it espouses,” Sebaly said. “Supporting and contributing what we have to offer was an easy choice.”

Deb McKeon

Also joining the advisory council is Deb McKeon, senior vice president for member services at the Council of Michigan Foundations in Grand Haven. Before joining CMF in 2012, McKeon was executive director of the Northsky Nonprofit Network in Traverse City where she was active in numerous community initiatives, including the Grand Vision regional planning initiative.

“MLUI uses data to develop their positions and they provide that information in everyday language to help people develop informed opinions,” McKeon said. “This combination of analysis, communication and public policy expertise makes them essential leaders in a fast-paced changing landscape, and I’m excited to join the effort on their advisory council.”

Hans Voss, MLUI Executive Director, said the current Board and Advisory Council members are some of the finest in the organization’s history.

“We lost a true friend and supporter on the Board last year when Helen Milliken passed away, but I think she’d be as amazed as I am at the quality and breadth of experience among the current members,” Voss said. “MLUI is lucky to have such able-minded and talented people working on our behalf. It’s going to be an exciting year.”