jon@walloon.org

Jon Breithaupt, Executive Director

Jon has been a lifelong steward of important natural landscapes. Born and raised in Traverse City, his deep connection to nature took root early, inspired by the forests, lakes and changing seasons of his home region. This passion evolved into a dedicated career in conservation and public land management that has spanned diverse ecosystems across the country.

He and his wife Kennedy, a fellow Michigander, have two cats and two energetic dogs. In his free time, you’ll find Jon hiking, mountain biking, gardening, fishing, paddling or skiing. Jon holds an associate degree in business administration from Northwestern Michigan College, a bachelor’s degree in outdoor and environmental recreation administration from Central Michigan University, and a master’s degree in natural resources stewardship from Colorado State University.

liz@walloon.org

Liz Meeks, Director of Business Operations

Liz grew up in Northern Michigan, where she developed a deep connection to the natural world among the hardwood forests and lakeshores. This passion led her to pursue a degree in environmental science at the University of Michigan where her most cherished memories are from her field botany and ecology classes at the biological station on Douglas Lake. Following graduation, Liz applied her analytical skills in the business sector, gaining valuable fiscal management experience. She is excited to bring this financial expertise together with her environmental passion in her role at WLAC.

Outside of work, Liz enjoys hiking with her husband and their two senior dogs, trail running, paddleboarding, and tending to her garden. She particularly treasures time spent backpacking, which allows her to immerse herself in nature and return to a slower pace.

laura@walloon.org

Laura Morris, Director of Outreach & Community Engagement

Laura has a background in development communications, event design, and marketing strategy and holds a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University. Her love of all things outdoors and appreciation for what makes Northern Michigan unique make her a great fit for advancing the WLAC mission.

Laura made the official move north in the summer of 2025 to build a life and community better aligned with her hobbies and passions and to feel more connected to the place she calls home. When not at the WLAC offices, Laura can be found with her partner Zach, and son Max skiing at Nub’s Nob, mountain biking as a Norte Coach, kayaking, hiking and running, or enjoying a swim at the Petoskey break wall.

tanner@walloon.org

Tanner Yurk, Conservation Programs Manager

Tanner is a native of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and a graduate of Michigan State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Fisheries and Wildlife. After graduating, Tanner gained experience with invasive species and habitat restoration in the private, governmental, and NGO sectors.

Tanner and his wife, Hannah, welcomed their son, Ellis, in 2024 and enjoy taking their dog, Theo, to the beach and to parks for walks and relaxing.

joey@walloon.org

Joey Pietrogallo, Stewardship Coordinator

Joey has lived throughout the midwest, but primarily in Michigan. As a kid, he discovered his passion for conservation by hiking and camping at Devil’s Lake State Park in Wisconsin. He graduated from Grand Valley State University with a degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Management. Joey is especially fond of soils and aquatic plants.

In his free time, Joey enjoys camping, running, and playing with his parent’s cockapoo puppy, Henry. He’s also an avid rock climber, and has traveled across the country to climb some of the world’s most iconic crags.