Our mission to protect and preserve Lake Leelanau is only as strong as the people who make it happen. As our activities to steward the lake have grown, the Lake Leelanau Lake Association has grown over the years to employ four year-round staff members and twelve seasonal employees. We invite you to read this week’s article to meet our staff and learn about the incredible humans out there doing the hard work to keep Lake Leelanau beautiful and healthy for all.
Seasonal Staff
Boat Wash Station Crew
Lake Leelanau Lake Association has installed four boat wash stations (Lake Leelanau-East (Bingham), Lake Leelanau-West, The Narrows, and Suelzer Park). Our summer staff holds down the fort at the stations Friday-Monday and on holidays from Memorial Day through mid-September. Additionally, approximately 30 trained volunteers provide incremental coverage at the boat wash stations on other days of the week.
The goal is to assist boaters in washing their boats and educating boaters and community members on the importance of cleaning their boats properly to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as Eurasian watermilfoil and curly-leaf pondweed.
"We are already seeing a change in culture. Boaters are actively taking measures to clean, drain and dry their watercraft. If we 'Clean, Drain and Dry' it will be a great step forward in controlling and preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species in Lake Leelanau and other surrounding lakes”. - Nick Papes, Boat Wash Station Manager
Nick Papes - Boat Wash Station Manager
I'm originally from Free Soil, MI (near Ludington). I've worked for the park services many times during the summer. In the “offseason”, I teach at St. Mary School in Lake Leelanau. Working on the shore of Lake Leelanau is a blessing and it affords me time and opportunity to spend with my wife Sarah and son Wade during the week! This is my third year working for LLLA.
Nick Hendrick - Boat Wash Station Attendant
I'm originally from Saginaw, Michigan. I came to Leelanau to work at St. Mary in Lake Leelanau. Coming from downstate, I appreciate being able to work near and with the lakes and nature. This is my third year working for LLLA.
Cathryn Mikowski - Boat Wash Station Attendant
I’ve lived up north my whole life and love the outdoors and anything where I can engage with people! I just completed my first year at Hillsdale College where I am pursuing a Bachelor of Science, minoring in Biology. This is my second year working at the boat wash stations, and I love chatting with boaters about our beautiful lake and what they can do to help!
Alan Anderson - Boat Wash Station Attendant
Originally from Battle Creek MI, I lived in the Upper Peninsula for 10 years, and have been in Leelanau County since 2000. I retired from USDA in 2020, and am thrilled to have the opportunity to work with LLLA in their efforts to protect our beautiful lake.
Leo Gary - Boat Wash Station Attendant
I’m originally from Indianapolis, IN, and recently graduated from Purdue University with my Bachelor’s in Aquatic Sciences. This will be my first summer working with LLLA. I have always been interested in environmental conservation and value the opportunity to work with not only the lake association but also the local community to preserve the health and biodiversity of Lake Leelanau.
The Lake Crew
Some of our staff spend their days on the water or under it in our effort to control aquatic invasive species. Meet our intrepid lake crew.
Catherine Dunn - Diver
There’s nothing I like better than putting on a wetsuit and hunting for milfoil. For work, I teach high school art and paint and draw Leelanau County: the places, the animals, the plants, and the people. I hope someday to grow some Cosmic Crisp apples and have a good garden that the deer can’t find. This is my fifth year diving for LLLA.
Mara Pellerito - Diver
I just graduated from the University of Montana with a Master’s of Science in Environmental Studies and Environmental Writing. Before coming back to Michigan to dive with LLLA this season, I made a quick pitstop on my way from Montana to enjoy running a 68-mile ultramarathon and had a blast. I love all things outdoors! This is my third summer diving for LLLA.
Em Schwind - Diver
I'm a Yooper who learned to dive in Lake Superior. I recently finished nursing school and began my residency at Munson. I am glad to be able to still have some time to work this other amazing job that lets me blow bubbles and chase fish. This is my fourth year diving for LLLA.
Mike Schwartz - Diver
Hi everyone! After several years of hearing about the benthic barrier project, I am very excited for my first season diving for LLLA! I graduated from Michigan Technological University in 2021, where I studied Wildlife Ecology Management and Fish Biology. Since then, I have been fortunate enough to work in wildlife conservation and outdoor recreation jobs in California, Utah, Oregon, and Michigan. Currently, I am also working as a Water Quality Technician at Benzie Conservation District. I was born and raised in southwest Michigan, but I look back upon my time spent recreating in northwest Michigan as the inspiration to pursue a career in conservation. In my free time, you’ll most likely run into me kayaking, fishing, hiking, or snorkeling just about anywhere in northwest Michigan.
Louise Currie - Diver
I am so excited to be diving with LLLA this summer - as a (self-certified) algae nerd, I've always had a soft spot for aquatic vegetation and am already enamored by the underwater landscapes in Lake Leelanau. I'm a master's student at Oregon State University studying Environmental Sciences, though I'll soon be moving even further out west to Honolulu for a year-round Planning role. I'm really interested in hands-on conservation work and am just blown away by all the work your team has done over the past several years - I'm super excited to get to be a part of it this year!
Mark “Drago” Dragovich - AIS Field Technician and Data Manager
I am a conservationist at heart so I am very excited to be a part of this amazing crew. I am also an intern through the Marine Technology program at Northwestern Michigan College. As the Field Technician, data manager, and captain of the dive boat, I hope to make a positive impact on the health of Lake Leelanau.
Shay Elwell - Stewardship Technician
After graduating from the University of Michigan this spring with an environmental degree, I’m excited to be back home and on the lake! I’m thrilled to be able to spend my summer learning more about ecological fieldwork and the unique ecology Lake Leelanau has to offer. This is my second summer working as a field technician for the Lake Association.
Year-Round Support
This group of individuals works year-round to support the Lake Association’s mission. They work to streamline our processes to record memberships and donations, plan and run events and programs, develop and maintain new and existing stewardship programs, and communicate our projects and knowledge.
Elizabeth Haber - Stewardship Coordinator
I am excited to be starting my second summer season with the Lake Leelanau Lake Association! As the Lake Association's Stewardship Coordinator, I coordinate the planning and day-to-day activities for the aquatic invasive plant control work, as well as water quality sampling and helping with our boat wash and healthy shoreline programs. I'm originally from Kalamazoo, MI, but have spent part of almost every summer in Leelanau County, with many of those being at Fountain Point. I am thrilled to be able to continue to spend my efforts to help keep Lake Leelanau healthy and beautiful!
Willow Myles-Nuffer - Virtual Office Manager
I'm originally from a small town by the Mackinaw Bridge. After school and traveling, I landed in Traverse City in 2000. I value time spent with family above all and contributing to the local community, its assets, and people. Living downtown makes it easy to be involved and immersed in the culture being cultivated. This has grown a deep appreciation for organizations that champion our NoMi assets, and are committed to the success of our ever-growing region. I am a lifelong learner of finances, and have the capacity to manage multiple projects, which makes me a great addition to LLLA as we grow and continue to serve our constituents. You may see me out on the water, below the water, biking and hiking with my family and friends. Wherever you see me, please say Hello!
Jen Watkins - Marketing and Communications Specialist
I grew up in Leland on Lake Leelanau and can see it all sparkling and inviting out my window right now. After spending a decade or two out west, where I scoffed at every puddle and reservoir those desert dwellers tried to pass off as a lake, I’m back where I belong. I like to read by the lake, write by the lake, assemble a jigsaw puzzle by the lake, and of course spend time on it and in it. I am typing this as fast as I can so I can go for a swim.
Annalise Povolo - Director of Administration and Programs and Dive Team Leader
I was once the Association's one mighty full-time employee, and am thrilled to advocate that title as our organization has grown and hired more wonderful and talented staff. I was hired as LLLA's Director of Administration and Programs in 2022, after SCUBA diving for LLLA for the two years prior to control Eurasian watermilfoil. While my job has expanded throughout the years and I wear many hats, I still wear my dive hood proudly as one of those hats, continuing to lead our dive team in the summer. I am originally from Lake Leelanau and am a graduate of Leland High School, the University of Michigan, and the University of Bremen (Germany). While I was away traveling, studying, and experiencing the world abroad for nearly a decade, I consider it a great blessing to live back home and work to protect the lake on which I grew up.
We Love Lake Leelanau
Just like you, our staff are dedicated to protecting Lake Leelanau’s water quality, shoreline, ecology, and natural beauty. Now that we've introduced our team, if you see our friendly staff members on the lake or at the boat launches, wave or say Hi!