Staff

Katie Gray

Program Co-Coordinator

231-533-8363 ext. 5

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.

Wade Foster

Program Co-Coordinator

Mail

cakerestoration@macd.org

Mail

231-495-1979

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 working 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.

Tyler Lancaster

Restoration Crew Leader

Mail

cakecrew@macd.org

Mail

231-495-1831

Tyler grew up in Southeast Michigan, his love of hiking drove him to pursue a career in the natural resources to better protect our wild spaces. Tyler attended the University of Michigan and received his bachelors of science in Wildlife Biology. Before accepting his position with CAKE, Tyler took part in the Huron Pines AmeriCorps program to gain the skill and experience needed to be an effective member of the natural community. He served two service terms with the program: one as an engagement specialist in Lansing focusing on volunteer engagement and outreach and the other as a stewardship technician in Leelanau helping keep the peninsula beautiful.

Tyler is an avid birder and you’ll often find him outside staring up into the trees looking for birds or attempting to improve his bird identification skills by sound alone.

Steering Committee

The Steering Committee helps guide the strategic direction, funding decisions, and regional priorities of CAKE CISMA. Members represent a diverse mix of conservation, tribal, and government organizations across our four-county region.

Chair

Tanner Yurk – Walloon Lake Association & Conservancy (WLAC)

Vice Chair

Sue Haadsma-Svensson – Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area

Members

Amy Lipson – Little Traverse Conservancy (LTC)
Derek Hartline – Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (LTBB)
Fields Ratliff – Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy (GTRLC)
Melissa Zelenak – Antrim Conservation District (ACD)
Noah Jansen – Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council
Renee Penny – Kalkaska Conservation District (KCD)
Shelby Harris – Beaver Island Association (BIA)

Committee Meetings

CAKE CISMA’s Steering Committee meets quarterly to review strategic direction, funding, and operations. All meetings are open to the public and listed on our Events page. The committee also hosts an Annual Meeting each January to bring partners and the public together.

Interested in Joining the Steering Committee?

We welcome interest from committed individuals and partner organizations. Learn more about eligibility and responsibilities in our Steering Committee Charter (coming fall 2025) or contact our committee chair to express interest.