Board of Advisors
The Board of Advisors determine programs, objectives, curricula, related applied field research, fees, and issues that should be addressed by the Great Lakes Park Training Institute. Board members maintain the highest possible knowledge of industry and professional trends; state and constituency needs for development and training; and practical and professional leadership needs for park operation and management activities. This knowledge allows members to evaluate, recommend, and guide the Institute as knowledgeable representatives of their agencies/states. Board members are appointed to one three year term and are eligible for reappointment to another three year term. The Board of Advisors for the 2022 GLPTI consists of the following individuals:
| Name | Representing | Title | Agency/Employer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Larry Hess (Chair) | Michigan | Superintendent of Parks | Independence Township (MI) Parks and Recreation |
| Kristi Solberg (Chair-elect) | Midwest Institute of Park Executives | Superintendent of Parks and Planning | Wilmette (IL) Park District |
| Dan Caraher (Past Chair) | Illinois | Landscape Operations Supervisor | Deerfield (IL) Park District |
| Brandt Baughman | Ex-Officio | Deputy Director | Indiana State Parks |
| Jim O’Brien | At-Large | Park and Recreation Manager | Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Recreation Division |
| Rowdy Perry | State Parks | Park and Recreation Manager | Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Recreation Division |
| Michael Rae | Indiana | North Region Manager | Indiana State Parks |
| Allen Patterson | Wisconsin | Milwaukee Program Associate | The Conservation Fund |
| Randy Auler | Ohio | Director of Parks and Recreation | City of Westerville (OH) |