President Ellen Fred is a Traverse City native and an attorney whose solo practice is focused on land conservation law. She co-founded and co-directed the Humboldt Watershed Council in California, where she acquired skills and practical experience in nonprofit governance. Her legal and nonprofit experience and her energetic leadership style bring a clear sense of direction to the Museum.
Vice President/Secretary Gregory Kish is an attorney with Smith, Haughey, Rice, and Roegge in Traverse City, where he helps families with estate planning, elder law, and real estate matters. Previously, he designed programs and administered services for college students, which brought him experience in nonprofit management and educational program development.
Treasurer Bill Acheson is a Senior Vice President and former CFO of the Homeownership Preservation Foundation, a nonprofit conducting outreach and foreclosure prevention. He administers programs for the Obama Administration and Department of the Treasury and brings more than 20 years’ experience in financial services in the US, Canada, Latin America and Europe.
Trustee Lauren Jeffries is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School, currently pursuing a Master’s Degree in environmental sciences from Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs. She brings both legal acumen and environmental science skills to the Board.
Trustee Sara Kime is a graduate of Fort Lewis College with a BA in Anthropology, and is a former museum and nonprofit professional, specializing in volunteer management and educational programs. As a former Americorps National Civilian Community Corps member, she is passionate about children’s issues and making a difference in her community.
Trustee Leslie Miller is the Branch Manager of the West Bay branch of Northwest Bank, where she manages staffing and operations. She is also the Treasurer on the Pathfinder Parents Association Board. Her financial expertise and management skills are valuable assets to the Museum, as is her experience with fundraising events.
Trustee Matthew Missias has a BA, MA, and PhD from Michigan State University, with his PhD in Curriculum, Teaching, and Educational Policy. He currently works as an education policy consultant. Matt’s background as an educator, along his with critical thinking skills, assists the Museum with educational theory, policy development, and solid strategic planning.
Trustee Kelly Mitchell majored in Community Parks and Recreation at CMU, focused in program development, with a minor in Public Affairs and Political Science. She and her husband own and manage 1250 acres of cherry orchards. Kelly’s recreation background, along with her agricultural business experience, brings unique and valuable assets to the Museum.
Trustee Erica Mohr was born and raised in Traverse City and is a graduate of Western Michigan University. Erica is a sales professional with a global healthcare corporation. Her energy, creativity, and enthusiasm are all valuable contributions to the Museum, as is her commitment to use her networking skills for creative fundraising and team building.
Trustee Ann Neuenschwander was the Director of Development at the Ann Arbor Hands-on Museum for more than ten years, where her portfolio included annual giving, major gifts, planned giving, capital campaigns, special events, and grant writing. The Museum benefits from her ability to develop fundraising efforts to complement an organization’s needs as identified through its strategic plan.
Trustee Cecily Sanford is an AMI-certified Montessori guide with many years’ experience. She is committed to addressing environmental concerns and to advocating for education, encouraging children to explore the world in ways that excite and inspire a deep appreciation for life.
Trustee Dan Smith is a Co-founder and the Business Development Director at Flight Path Creative, an advertising agency based in Traverse City, where it represents clients from across the country. Dan’s sound business sense, communication skills, and strong marketing abilities are all valuable contributions to the Museum.
Trustee Nick Trahair is the General Manager of the AmericInn of Traverse City with more than 15 years’ experience in the travel and tourism industry. As a General Manger he has experience in management, marketing, and the hospitality industry in our region. Nick is focused on developing ways to better promote the Museum to the many families who visit our community.
Trustee Rachel White has a degree in Child Development and has worked with agencies and nonprofits whose missions are to improve the lives of children. The museum benefits from her understanding of children’s issues and early childhood development.
