We have a Board of 11 Trustees and teammates that include 3 full-timers and seasonal interns throughout the year. Additionally, through 9 Committees we are able to tackle lake and land issues, boater safety, government relations, aquatic invasive species control, land conservation, preserve stewardship, fundraising, and public education.
BOARD
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Marty Makinen, President
Bob Flynn, Vice President
John Fettig, Treasurer
Holly Angileri, Secretary
2024/2025 TRUSTEES
Betony Braddock
Mary Ellen Geist
Michael Hayes
Laurel McAteer
Tom Saeli
Mary Ann Smith
STAFF

Anthony Rupard, Interim Executive Director
anthony[at]walloon.org
Anthony lives in Traverse City and has called northern Michigan home since 2013. He is passionate about conservation and enjoying the outdoors and brings over 25 years of experience working in the nonprofit sector.
As a principal of the nonprofit consulting firm, The Solvent Group, he works with nonprofits across the country in the areas of Strategic Planning, Fundraising, Marketing & Communications and Executive Searches. Prior to launching into full-time nonprofit consulting in 2020, he served as the Development Director for the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy’s successful $71.4M Campaign for Generations.
He will be serving as the Interim Executive Director at Walloon Lake Association and Conservancy through April 2025 while Walloon searches for a permanent Executive Director.

Tanner Yurk, Conservation Programs Manager
tanner[at]walloon.org
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, enjoy taking their dog, Theo, to the beach and to parks for walks and relaxing.

Kenzie Boesen, Membership and Communications Coordinator
kenzie[at]walloon.org
Kenzie is a proud Northern Michigan native and has always known that this unique and picturesque region is unparalleled in its beauty and charm. With a deep passion for both client relations and creativity, she is thrilled to bring her skills to the Walloon Lake community.
Outside of her professional life, Kenzie enjoys spending quality time with her playful German Shepherd/Goldendoodle puppy, Milo and boyfriend, Jordan. Whether embarking on outdoor adventures with Milo and Jordan, or relaxing together on the couch with a good movie, Kenzie cherishes the moments she shares with her family above all else.

Skylar MacNaughton, Trail Maintenance Technician
skylar[at]walloon.org
Skylar is a Northern Michigan boy through and through! He was born and raised in Boyne City where he still resides with his wife, Jessica, and two children, Bella and Jaxtyn. They are an outdoorsy family and enjoy camping, hiking, traveling the country, and raising monarch butterflies in the summer months. Skylar is also the president and founder of Michigan Butterfly Habitats Inc. where their mission is to spread knowledge about native plantings throughout Northern Michigan and to help landowners create pollinator habitats of their own. He is an entrepreneur at heart as well as a self-taught naturalist and spends most of his time in the woods learning and experiencing what Mother Nature has to offer.