Members
The BLPS team is dedicated to creating a professional, modern, relevant organization to best serve our member's interests.
The most important component of our team is the membership. The management of the BLPS is simply there to respond to the interests and concerns posted on Facebook and sent to our email address (blacklakepreservationsociety@gmail.com). Our members and Founding Families offer financial support that enables our programs, and they are the source of volunteered time and skills that are essential to our mission.
The most important component of our team is the membership. The management of the BLPS is simply there to respond to the interests and concerns posted on Facebook and sent to our email address (blacklakepreservationsociety@gmail.com). Our members and Founding Families offer financial support that enables our programs, and they are the source of volunteered time and skills that are essential to our mission.
Officers and Directors
President
Rusty Gowland has served on three non-profit boards, including his homeowner association, The Severn River Association, and Chesapeake Commons (an environmental data journalism startup). He lives near Annapolis, Maryland and has spent summers at Black Lake since 1983 along with his wife, Liz (4th generation) and children, Brad and Katie. His favorite Black Lake activities are fly fishing local streams, kiteboarding, sailing, sunset pontoon boat cruises, and hiking.
Vice President
Steven D. Wild is active in many professional organizations, has served on executive boards of local, regional, national and international trade organizations and private companies. Steve currently serves on the board of his homeowner’s association in Ann Arbor. Professionally, Steve is a veteran of the media arts industry with over 45 years of experience in all aspects of the business, acquiring and operating more than fifteen companies. Along with his wife, Terri Lobdell Wild, Steve has been a Black Lake property owner since 1985, raising two children in its summer serenity. He is dedicated to preserving and protecting our unique and natural lake.
Secretary
Beverly Haas is both our Secretary and the leader of the Lake Level Management program. She served for many years on the Vicksburg District Library board in the capacity of both Secretary and President, and she was a board member of the Greater Kalamazoo YMCA for 3 years. She lives in Vicksburg, MI and has vacationed on Black Lake since the 1970's. Here husband, Jim’s family has enjoyed Black Lake since the 1920s. She is pleased to be on the Black Lake Preservation Society Board to help continue the tradition of passing a beautiful lake onto the next generation.
Treasurer
Linda Woods was president of a women's group for 5 years. She has been working as a volunteer at the Mid-Michigan Medical Center; 6 years at the gift shop, 5 years as a financial secretary, and 5 years as a volunteer at the Infusion Center. Linda is also President of the Women's Aux of the American Legion Post in Midland, MI. Professionally, she managed a small business for 10 years and worked at a bank as a CSR for 10 years.
Information Technology Director
Jim Cordes is our advisor on topics involving information technology. Jim owns an information systems consulting business and recently served as chairman of a non-profit community aviation discovery venture in Midland, Michigan. His family first came to Onaway in the 1920’s and his two children (Beth and Rob) are sixth-generation Black Lakers. Jim remembers skiing at Black Mountain as a child and today he enjoys windsurfing, golf, hockey and bicycling. Jim is also a pilot so you may occasionally see him flying over the lake giving scenic tours to friends.
Membership Development Director
Nicole Henley is our Membership Director. She works in sales in the Pharmaceutical Industry and brings a personal approach to communicating with members and prospective members about issues that concern them about the lake.
Communications Director
Terri Wild is our Communications Director. Terri believes that the ultimate goal is to promote a constructive dialog around the lake. She believes that establishing relationships with other preservation oriented organizations and leveraging their outreach tools is the ultimate goal of the BLPS
Committees
Nominating Committee (Open Position)
This committee will conduct searches for willing and capable nominees for nomination to fill open board and committee positions.
Membership Committee (Open Position)
This committee will be made up of beach representatives that encourage membership and participation in the BLPS.
Strategic Partners
The BLPS will rely on expertise and guidance from our strategic partners and peer organizations for execution of these Programs and accuracy of communications on Topics of Interest. Strategic Partnerships are desired with the following organizations:
- Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council (http://www.watershedcouncil.org/)
- Michigan Lakes and Streams Associations (https://www.mymlsa.org/)
- Michigan State University Extension
- Huron Pines (https://huronpines.org/)
- Michigan Shoreland Stewardship
- Michigan Clean Boats Clean Waters
- Michigan Inland Lakes Partnership (http://michiganlakes.msue.msu.edu/)
Friend Organizations With Shared Goals
The BLPS intends to exchange ideas, best practices, and opportunities to collaborate with similar organizations in our area, including:
- Mullet Lake Area Preservation Society (BLPS) (http://www.mullettlake-maps.org/)
- Burt Lake Preservation Association (BLPA) (http://www.blpa.org/)
- Little Traverse Conservancy (http://www.landtrust.org/wordpress/)
- Presque Isle Conservation District – (http://www.piconservation.org/)
- The "Friends of" Onaway State Park
- Sturgeon For Tomorrow
- Michigan Swimmers Itch Partnership
- NuWay Cabin and Dock Maintenance