Our Board

---

Alison grew up in Northern Michigan and is a graduate of NMC and Western Michigan University. She joined the staff of the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation in 2005. In her role at the Community Foundation, Alison enjoys working with generous individuals to create long-term funding resources to support the important work of nonprofits across our region that are building healthy, resilient, thriving communities. In addition to the Generations Ahead board, Alison is part of the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities Advisory Council and provides leadership for the Central Lake Early Experiences and Opportunities early childhood network. Alison and her husband, John, live in Traverse City with their three children.

 Sara McCauley is the founder and president of Strategic Policy Consultants, a Michigan-based firm focused on building better communities through smart, collaborative public policy. Her work centers on supporting children and families, advancing criminal justice reform, and promoting inclusive economic development.

Before starting her own firm, Sara held several roles advising state leaders on public policy, including serving as a senior strategic policy advisor to Governor Rick Snyder. Over the years, her work has spanned workforce development, human services, public safety, and economic opportunity.

Originally from Metro Detroit, Sara holds a B.A. in political science from Albion College and a master’s in public policy from the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School. She lives in Traverse City with her husband, Matt, and their two young sons. 

Lauren currently is enjoying her position in the Admissions department of Davenport University, helping NMC students find their path to their educational goals.  Lauren has lived in Traverse City for the past 16 years, raising her two daughters.  With experience in real estate, hospitality, and education she has found a strong connection to the TC community.  She loves playing the local golf courses in the summer months and dining at the wonderful local restaurants throughout the area, but any chance she gets she travels to see family located across the US and abroad. 

 Sarah is the founder of Sullivan Business Services, a bookkeeping and consulting practice.  She began her journey with Generations Ahead in 2022 as a finance committee member and brings more than twenty years of finance and accounting experience with a special focus on non-profits. Sarah’s degree is from Southern New Hampshire University in accounting (AS), finance & economics (BS), and is pursuing a graduate degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Since moving to Traverse City in 2020, Sarah has been active in the community through the noon Rotary Club of Traverse City, National Cherry Festival & Iceman Cometh Challenge, Grand Traverse Area Spartans, Traverse Connect’s Professional Development Committee, Impact 100, and the Benzie Human Service Collaborative. Sarah’s passion for serving on the Generations Ahead Board is driven by her own parents’ experience, who began their family as teenagers in the 1960’s and dropped out of high school due to social stigma. She values how society has progressed to welcome organizations like Generations Ahead that empower young parents to succeed and grow healthy families. Sarah lives in Traverse City with her two fur-kids Milo & Oatie. For fun she enjoys traveling, soaking in nature, cooking, and entertaining. 

 Sam was born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI, and graduated from Aquinas College with a degree in Business Administration and Sport Management in 2013. He moved to Traverse City in October of 2019 and has called Northern Michigan "home" ever since! 

Sam started his journey in TC with the Traverse City Pit Spitters as their Director of Sales and Promotions and Assistant General Manager - a role where he served for five and a half years. He is now the Regional Sales Manager for GFL Environmental and works with local sales reps in the different communities served by GFL. Sam loves being a part of the Traverse City community and is excited to continue to serve on the Generations Ahead Board of Directors to help progress GA's mission to all that we serve.

Sam lives in Traverse City with his wife, Sarah, and their two children, Fielder and Ivy

 Courtney moved to Traverse City and joined the team at Cherryland Electric Cooperative in 2021. She loves her work as the communications and member relations manager, supporting the members and communities served by the co-op. Prior to joining the team at Cherryland, she attended Central Michigan University and spent nearly ten years working in broadcast journalism. In addition to serving on the Generations Ahead board, Courtney is active with the Traverse City Young Professionals as a member of the executive committee. 

She loves exploring new places, meeting new people, and learning new things. Most of all, Courtney enjoys spending time with her husband Matthew and their young son. 

Kate is Co-founder and President of Human Resource Partners, Kate has focused on talent acquisition, employee engagement, coaching, and development of leaders in the organizations and clients she supports. Throughout her career, Kate has been an active member of the community serving on numerous boards including the Traverse Area Human Resources Association (Past President), the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, the Community Reconciliation Service, and the Michigan State Human Resources Association. She currently serves on the HR Committees of TART Trails and Norte. She was recently appointed to the City of Traverse City Local Officers Compensation Commission. Kate lives in Traverse City with her husband, Matthew Schmidt, daughter and twin sons. 

 Greg is  an attorney with the Traverse City law firm of Bowerman, Ford, Clulo & Luyt, P.C.  Greg has over 25 years of experience in the areas of business organization and transactions, real estate, estate planning, construction, and oil and gas. Greg has also been an active member of numerous community organizations, including present position on the boards of Rotary Charities of Traverse City, Discovery Pier, 20 Fathoms, and the Freshwater Research and Innovation Center. Greg previously served on the boards of the Traverse Area District Library and Norte Youth Cycling. Greg lives in Traverse City with his wife Stephie and their three children.  

 Miaya works with Northwest Education Services, where she focuses on understanding and supporting students based on their individual needs. She values clear communication, consistency, and giving people a voice in their own decision-making.

She is currently pursuing a degree in Social Work and brings a practical perspective shaped by her experience as a young mother. Miaya is the parent of two children, Xaedian and Axaleah, and enjoys traveling and spending time with them.

Miaya believes in lifelong learning, balance, and being a steady, thoughtful presence in challenging situations. She looks forward to using her experiences to advocate for students and families as part of the board.

Bio coming soon!

Marsha spent almost her entire career actively working in the nonprofit sector. The first half of her career was spent primarily in fundraising capacities for social service, health care, arts and educational institutions in Northwest Michigan. She spent the last 25 years at Rotary Charities, 22 of those as the Executive Director. Marsha has served on numerous volunteer boards, including: the Michigan Community Service Commission; the Council of Michigan Foundations; Networks Northwest; and Munson Medical Center. She was also founding mother of the Women’s Resource Center. Marsha lives in Traverse City with her husband, Tom. In her free time, she enjoys spending time at their cabin, socializing with friends, and visiting her grandchildren.

You may contact any of the board members through our email address:

info@generationsahead.org