Meet the Team
Kyle Williams
Program Coordinator
Kyle joined CAKE in the Winter of 2023 as our new program coordinator. He grew up on Silver Lake in Traverse City, where he spent most of his days in the water. Kyle served 4 years in the United States Army before returning to Michigan and obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Eastern Michigan University. Kyle has worked throughout Michigan treating invasive plants and restoring habitat. Prior to CAKE, he was head of the Antrim County soil erosion program where he helped develop a healthy lakes initiative.
Kyle and his wife have three young boys, two dogs, a cat, and a handful of chickens that keep them constantly entertained. In his free time, Kyle enjoys downhill skiing, disc golfing, kayaking, and just about any activity that gets him and his family outside and spending time together.
Wade Foster
Restoration Crew Lead
Wade is originally from southern Michigan but has spent summers with his family in Charlevoix Michigan his entire life. Wade started with CAKE CISMA as a field technician while he was still in college at Grand Valley State University. After graduating with a B.S. in Natural Resource Management he moved to Northern Michigan and accepted the position of Restoration Crew Lead. In addition to his degree, Wade holds both fire ecology and ArcGIS certificates.
In the office, you'll often find Wade with ArcGIS, training seasonal staff, and meticulously planning for the field season. Outside of the office Wade is an avid long-distance runner and enjoys backpacking and spending time with his family.
Katie Gray
Education & Outreach Specialist
Katie grew up in Northern Michigan, an area that fostered her love for the outdoors. Katie attended Michigan State University where she received her bachelors of science in plant biology and environmental biology. Before her position with CAKE, Katie worked as a research assistant for MSU's Forest Carbon and Climate Program, where she helped develop graduate courses focused on the implementation of climate-smart forest management.
Katie loves science communication and enjoys observing and teaching about all the little connections in nature that you've never noticed before.