Josephine Roberts, Executive Director

josephine[at]walloon.org

Josephine is an East Jordan graduate who always envisioned moving back to the Northern Michigan area. She lived in Detroit and worked in the non-for-profit sector there for the past ten years. She attended DePaul University and Wayne State University and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology. During her time in Detroit, Josephine was invested in contributing to the city’s comeback through volunteer and board work in organizations like the Detroit RiverFront Conservancy, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Wayne State University and was an active member of the Detroit Yacht Club where she started a sailing program for inner-city children. Josephine and her husband, Justin, have many interests that include being on the water and in the woods, antiquing and eating their way through the world. They are thrilled to be able to raise their sons, Shepherd and Archer Roberts, in northern Michigan.

Cindy Hayes, Director of Membership & Financial Operations

cindy[at]walloon.org

Cindy grew up in North Conway, NH, camping, climbing mountains and rock hopping in the rivers. In 1991, she found her way to Petoskey, Michigan and it immediately felt like home. It has been a blessing to live and work in such a beautiful place for the past 25 years. Cindy began her career at the Walloon Lake Association and Walloon Lake Trust and Conservancy as their Administrative Assistant in 2000 and has seen her role expand throughout the years. When not at work, she and her husband Andy love to travel, bike, hike, ski, kayak and spend as much time as possible with their 4 children and 4 grandchildren.

Amy Klein, Director of Development & Communications

amy[at]walloon.org

Amy is from the Chicagoland area, but Michigan has always been a second home to her. She attended the University of Michigan and has worked in the non-profit sector for ten years, focusing primarily on fundraising, marketing, and events.

With a family cottage on the West Arm, Walloon Lake has been Amy’s happy place since she was a child. When not at work, you can typically find her outdoors. She enjoys swimming, hiking, and spending time out on the boat.

Connor Dennis, Director of Conservation Programs

connor[at]walloon.org

Connor is a Petoskey native who’s family lives on Indian Garden road, therefore, Walloon Lake is very near and dear to his heart. Connor is a graduate of Michigan State University with a degree in Environmental Studies and Applications. He also holds a Teaching Certificate in Secondary Social Studies from Northern Michigan University. Connor is a jack of all trades. From ski patrolling, teaching high school, to building houses he has done a little bit of everything and looks forward to putting all of his skills to good use in his position as the Director of Conservation Programs. Connor has a true passion for the environment and the outdoors. He is an avid downhill skier and in the summers he and his wife enjoy golfing on couples league and spending as much time as they can on their pontoon.

Jac Talcott, Watershed Stewardship Coordinator

jac[at]walloon.org

Born and raised out of Cross Village, Jac found his love for the environment through guidance from his parents, programs from the Little Traverse Conservancy, and skiing, sailing, surfing in his home area. During his time as an undergraduate student, he worked for Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council on research projects and community events. After graduating from Lake Superior State University with his Bachelor of Science in Biology, he worked with the Great Lakes Environmental Center for the EPA’s National Stream and Rivers Assessment. In 2019, Jac made the decision to move back to Northern Michigan and has been working for the organization ever since. When not at work, he spends his time at his new home in Harbor Springs, working as an alpine racing coach and doing just about any outdoor activity you can name.

Louise Mooradian, Office Administrator

louise[at]walloon.org

Louise is a Minnesota native who mostly grew up in Petoskey, MI. She learned the importance of our connection with nature from her mother, a biology teacher and naturalist, who enrolled her in many programs at nature centers growing up. Early on, Louise became an avid equestrian and competitor, working her way up to the college level. She competed at the Division I level at Albion College where she got her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications and English. After graduating in 2019, Louise moved out to the East Coast to work for an Olympic show jumper and travel on the horse show circuit until she decided to come back home to Northern Michigan. Louise has internship experience in social media, writing, and has done administrative work for the Bay View Association. When Louise is not at work, she still finds time to ride horses, enjoys downhill skiing and sailing, and has recently picked up fly fishing.