MICHIGAN WATERWAYS STEWARDS
- Board of Directors & Advisory Council -
- BOARD OF DIRECTORS -
Mike Stout, President and Founder
Stout is a Lansing area resident, MSU graduate, author, and president of i3 Marketing, LLC.
Stout is Fortune 100 marketing executive, expert in business development and leading transformational change. Over his career he has managed several national brands, taken regional companies nationally, transformed private label companies into national branded powerhouses, turned longtime declining business into star financial performers, and led company and industry-wide innovation. He has served on economic advisory boards, company executive and steering committees, and regularly consults non-profits.
Stout is Fortune 100 marketing executive, expert in business development and leading transformational change. Over his career he has managed several national brands, taken regional companies nationally, transformed private label companies into national branded powerhouses, turned longtime declining business into star financial performers, and led company and industry-wide innovation. He has served on economic advisory boards, company executive and steering committees, and regularly consults non-profits.
For recreation, Stout is a long-distance solo paddler owning several unofficial world records. He has solo paddled across Lake Michigan seven times, Lake Superior once, and has competed in extreme paddling races across the U.S.
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Michigan Waterways Stewards combines Stout's passion for our waterways and his professional experience. It is his way of giving back to community, his home state, and to a sport that has given him so much.
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Michael Green, CounselMike’s professional career has spanned 30 plus years as a lawyer, administrator and financial consultant in the public and private sectors. His public sector experience included working in the executive, judicial and legislative branches of government.
Outside the public domain, he practiced law, served as a vice-president of a statewide trade association, business owner and financial advisor. He’s had the experience of working for two state governors and a U.S. President and has initiated a number of award-winning programs impacting supply chain management, education and affordable housing. He has served and continues to serve on several national, state and local nonprofit corporate boards. He is blessed with three adult children and three grandchildren. Among a number of interests, he is an avid fly-fisherman with a profound appreciation of nature and the bountiful gifts it provides. |
Chris Greenshields, Safety & OperationsChristopher lives for time on or around the river and welcomes the opportunity to give back. In his twenties he became a diver for Ingham County Sheriff's Department’s Dive team, the same his father once led. It is here where he mastered important water safety skills which he will apply with Michigan Waterways Stewards.
During his time of volunteering Christopher has worked with the DNR, Jackson County Drain Commission, and ASTI Engineering and Grand River Environmental Action Team for the establishment of the Blue Water Trail in Jackson County. He and his wife share a love for the environment. They started the Washtanong River Conservancy at the headwaters of the Grand River in southern Jackson County. They have established roots at the Grand River headwaters where they own river front property. A service that they provide for conservationists and paddlers a place to park, camp, and launch on the wild upper parts of the Grand River. Christopher is Director of Safety and Security at PG Group, headquartered in Lansing. |
Andy Zarkovich, Community Engagement
Andy Zarkovich is a business leader and community ambassador who provides value through providing innovative solutions and fostering relationships throughout the community.
Andy's professional title is Marketing Director for Providence Consulting where he helps organizations make technology easier and secure. Andy and his wife Christine also own Massage Bliss and Beauty, a day-spa in Okemos that focuses on healing others through the power of touch and helping them feel beautiful throughout their journey.
Andy's professional title is Marketing Director for Providence Consulting where he helps organizations make technology easier and secure. Andy and his wife Christine also own Massage Bliss and Beauty, a day-spa in Okemos that focuses on healing others through the power of touch and helping them feel beautiful throughout their journey.
To give back, Andy serves as an Ambassador for the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and is the Treasurer of the Friends of the Looking Glass. In his free time, Andy enjoys spending time in Michigan's outdoors with his wife Christine and son Marek. As a lifelong Michigan resident, he believes one of the best resources are our waterways. From providing nutrients to farmland or space for recreational activities, our rivers are the veins that keep our state flowing.
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Andy understands the importance of protecting our watersheds and it's his focus to bring communities together as many hands make light work. He is excited to focus on collaboration and creating key relationships to ensure the safety and pristine condition of these invaluable resources.
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Evan Carr, Events Management
Evan is a social entrepreneur, regenerative practitioner, and spoken word artist placed in Lansing, MI. He currently works on Carbon Positive KC, a Kansas City non-profit helping individuals eliminate their carbon footprint, and The Development Dojo, an interactive leadership development company.
Evan holds a Bachelors of Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master of Public Policy degree from UT Dallas.
Evan enjoys poetry, fitness, reading, and exploring Michigan's amazing beauty, including its beautiful waterways that source our life. When he's not writing, Evan focuses his attention at the intersection of bioregional regeneration, community resilience, cultural evolution, and entrepreneurship. He believes that Lansing and Michigan's future will only get better and that requires us all to take action today.
Evan holds a Bachelors of Interdisciplinary Studies and a Master of Public Policy degree from UT Dallas.
Evan enjoys poetry, fitness, reading, and exploring Michigan's amazing beauty, including its beautiful waterways that source our life. When he's not writing, Evan focuses his attention at the intersection of bioregional regeneration, community resilience, cultural evolution, and entrepreneurship. He believes that Lansing and Michigan's future will only get better and that requires us all to take action today.
- ADVISORY COUNCIL -
Belbot, Max: Founder & CEO of Great Lakes Watercraft.
Bosheff, Pete: Strategic marketing, concept consulting, park design, media, action sports, and public engagement expert.
Campbell, Emma: Meridian Township Land Stewardship Coordinator, founder of Meridian Conservation Corps, author, and educator.
Ceru, Bob: Represents Red Cedar Fly Fishers who are dedicated to the protection and conservation of aquatic habitats.
Dewan, Peter: Risk management and government affairs professional, and president of East Lansing Rotary.
Donovan, Cynthia: President, Quiet Water Society.
Hoholik, Suzanne: An award-winning writer and journalist, a Michigan native and passionate about environmental issues.
Hugo, Jayne: Community advocate, environmental steward - river patrol volunteer for Retired & Senior Volunteer Programs.
Kaschinske Brett: City of Lansing, Parks and Recreation Director.
Marlatt, Rachel: Published Author and Conservation Educator, Conservation Engagement Specialist at Potter Park Zoo.
Naerebout, Joe: Professional magnet fisherman and social media influencer.
Ochylski, Rachel: A Michigan State University Extension 4-H urban program coordinator located in Ingham County.
Walls Cliff: City of East Lansing, Environmental Sustainability and Resiliency Manager
Washington, Dr. Dwight : Industry leader and innovator driving environmental social reform, creator sustainable planning.