Our Board

---

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.

Kate Greene 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. 

Alison is a Northern Michigan native and 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 two school-aged children.

Ce’Erica graduated from Northwestern Michigan College’s Culinary Institute, where she earned her associate’s degree. She especially enjoys baking, and was one of six finalists in the Culinary Institute’s student competition. She currently works at the Grand Traverse Pie Company, and enthusiastically serves in her role as a client representative on the Board of Directors. Ce’Erica lives with her two-year old daughter, Summer, and their miniature poodle, Laylah. In her downtime, Ce’Erica is learning to meditate and enjoys all forms of art. 

Kelly has been in education for over 27 years, serving as an educator in both general education and special education.  Kelly has served as a building administrator at the elementary and secondary level, ISD assistant superintendent, adjunct professor for EMU’s leadership and counseling department, and local district superintendent.  Kelly currently serves as the Assistant Superintendent for Professional Learning and Innovation at the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District. 

Bob serves as Judge for the 86th District Court. He was elected Judge in 2018 after serving as elected Prosecuting Attorney for Grand Traverse County and as Civil Counsel and Assistant Prosecuting Attorney. Bob is a former Pre-Hearing Attorney for the Michigan Court of Appeals, and worked for 5 years as an engineer for the U.S. Army.  Bob and his wife Karin have three children Katie, Jack and Maggie.  The Cooneys reside on Old Mission Peninsula with their Duck-Tolling Retriever, Bonnie, and English Golden Retriever Yosie.  Bob and his family are members of Central United Methodist Church.  In his free time, Bob enjoys cross-country skiing, backpacking, kayaking and, most of all, spending time with his family.

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. 

Homer has spent most of his life serving his community. He was the Senior Pastor of The Presbyterian Church of Traverse City for thirty-three years. Homer was co-founder of Food Rescue of Northwest Michigan. He currently serves as the moderator of the Omena Presbyterian Church. As a member of the Rotary Club for 35 years, Homer served on the board of trustees for the past nine years, and was president in 2019-20.  Homer also served as a trustee for Munson Health Center Foundation for nine years, and he has been a trustee of the Carls Foundation since 1995. He earned his BS in chemistry at Ohio University and his MDiv and Doctorate in Ministry from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. Homer lives in Traverse City with his wife, Becky Mang. 

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

info@generationsahead.org