Board & Staff

Board Member Login
 

Meet the Staff

Jill Ryan, Executive Director

Jill Ryan received her bachelor's degree in biology from Grand Valley State University in Michigan, her master's degree in zoology from the University of Maine, and her law degree from Case Western Reserve University in Ohio. She has a background in nonprofit management and capacity building, environmental toxicology, and human services, and has taught environmental law and legal research. Jill has held positions with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Chautauqua Area Girl Scout Council, was the Great Lakes Aquatic Habitat Network and Fund Director for over seven years and is now the Executive Director of Freshwater Future.  She currently serves as co-chair for the Great Lakes Healing Our Waters Coalition.  Jill and her family live in Petoskey, Michigan where they enjoy kayaking, fishing, biking, hiking, swimming, skiing and camping.

P.O. Box 2479
Petoskey, MI 49770
Phone: (231)-348-8200
jill@freshwaterfuture.org
 

Cheryl Mendoza, Associate Director

Cheryl works on the many policy issues facing the Great Lakes, such as diversions, bulk water sales and impacts from sand dune mining and development. She works closely with our 1800 network members to build connections and provide assistance to the citizens and communities that make up Freshwater Future.

16317 West Willow Drive
Spring Lake, MI 49456
Phone: (231) 571-5001
cheryl@freshwaterfuture.org
 

Julie O'Leary, Associate Director

Julie began work for Freshwater Future in the fall of 2011. Julie will be coordinating our climate program and working on other issues such as mining and hydrofracking.  Julie graduated from Michigan Technological University with a bachelor’s degree in biology and holds a master’s degree from the University of Minnesota.

394 Lake Avenue S., Suite 405, Duluth, MN  55802

Office:  (231) 838-9934

julie@freshwaterfuture.org

Ann Baughman, Associate Director

Ann began work for Freshwater Future in the fall of 2006. Ann is working on diversifying funding sources, program development and events. Ann works out of the Petoskey office.

P.O. Box 2479
Petoskey, MI 49770
Phone: (231) 348-8200
ann@freshwaterfuture.org
 

Vicki Deisner, Assistant Director

  

P.O. Box 2479
Petoskey, MI 49770
Phone: (231) 348-8200
vicki@freshwaterfuture.org

Cathy Brady, Office Manager

Cathy began work for Freshwater Future in mid 2009 and works out of the Petoskey office. Cathy keeps the organization's books and provides administrative project support for Freshwater Future.

P.O. Box 2479
Petoskey, MI 49770
Phone: (231) 348-8200
cathy@freshwaterfuture.org

Freshwater Future 2011 Board Directory

Get to know the people and faces behind Freshwater Future.