get to know the board!
Mike Eberlein
Mr. Eberlein is retired from the Michigan Department of Transportation as manager for several multi-million dollar grant programs with environmentally friendly purposes, and currently is Vice President of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance.
Barbara Kissling
Mrs. Kissling is retired from the Okemos Public Schools as a middle school math/science teacher. She is now the Ingham Country Chapter Specialist for Thrivent Builds with Habitat for Humanity and is writing an educational book for the National Middle School Association.
Gene Wasserman
Mr. Wasserman has been working for the State of Michigan, MIOSHA for 32 years. He is Vice President of Michigan Bluebird Society and a member of: Kiwanis Club of Haslett, several local, and Michigan nature centers and audubon societies. He also has a hobby/business called WoodCraft Kits doing programs about attracting songbirds and making nest box kits to sell and donate.
Mike McDonald
Mr. McDonald is a member of the National Recreation and Parks Association, as well as a member of its National Forum and Nominating Board Development Committee. He is also a member of the Michigan Recreation and Parks Association and Secretary, and past Chair of its Public Policy Committee. He has been a member of the Ingham County Park Commission since 2001 and currently serves as its Chair. During his career with the Michigan DNR from 1970-2002, his duties included Supervisor of the Recreation Grants Section and staff person to the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund including the $50 million 1988 Recreation Bond program. He was also the Program Specialist for the Federal Land and Water Conservation Fund and, earlier in his career he was a Park Ranger and a District Business Executive.
Norman Grannemann
Mr. Grannemann is employed by the U.S. Geological Survey as its Great Lakes Program Coordinator. In this position, he regularly interacts with other federal agencies as well as State agencies in all of the Great Lakes states. He is the treasurer of an Okemos Public Schools parent organization, Supporters of Okemos Science. The purpose of this group is to promote improved science teaching in the school system by sponsoring the Okemos Science Fun Day and by purchasing science equipment unavailable through other means. He is a member of several professional societies – the Geological Society of America, the American Geophysical Union, the Groundwater Foundation, the National Ground Water Association, and the Michigan Basin Geological Society.
Helen Tanner
Mrs. Tanner served on the Steering Committee for “Preserve Lake Lansing Trails,” an organization whose purpose was to acquire 120 acres of land for Lake Lansing Park North. She is the vice president of the Lake Lansing Nature Conservancy, a member of Friends of Historic Meridian, past state environment chairman and a District Director for Federated Garden Clubs of Michigan, and founder of the Meridian Garden Club.
Marilyn Lieber
Mrs. Lieber serves as President and CEO of the Michigan Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports and the Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF). The organization’s mission is to improve the health of Michigan’s citizens and focuses on the need for environments that support healthy lifestyles. MFF oversees the activities of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance (formerly the Michigan Chapter of Rails to Trails) and the statewide coalition for Safe Routes to School. Lieber is a member of the following organizations: Michigan Nonprofit Alliance, Michigan Recreation and Park Association, Michigan Society of Association Executives, that National Association for Health and Fitness and the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Jeffrey Hicks
Jeffrey Hicks is an Assistant Vice President with Fifth Third Bank. He has been with Fifth Third Bank's Business Banking Group for two years and in the banking industry for 12 years. His past non profit involvement includes the Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women and Heartside Economic Advisory Committee in Grand Rapids, MI. Jeffrey is a member of the St. Johns Kiwanis Club.
Rick Preuss
Rick Preuss is the owner of Preuss Pets, Michigan’s largest family owned and operated pet store. His pet store is the first in the world to become M.A.C. certified. (Learn more at www.aquariumcouncil.org). The store’s current selection of marine life consists of 70% captive raised coral and invertebrates.
Doug Eschtruth
Mr. Eschtruth is self employed as a Realtor/Builder for 35 years. Previously, he taught school in Haslett for 10 years. He is a founding member of the Haslett Kiwanis Club, serving as Club President and Michigan District Lt. Governor.
Ronald Bacon
Mr. Bacon is retired from Okemos Public Schools as the Director of Community Education. He is a member of Ducks Unlimited, Trout Unlimited, Red Cedar Fly Fishers, Michigan Trappers Association, National Wildlife Federation, Montana Wildlife Federation, MUCC (Michigan United Conservation Clubs) and Michigan Outdoor and Environmental Educators Association.