Joe VanderMeulen, Ph.D. - Executive Director
Joe is responsible for overall project management, all aspects of program development, corporate and personnel policies, and general information system design. He holds a B.A. in English, History, and Earth Science as well as a M.S. in Earth Science (Hydrogeology) from Western Michigan University. He has also earned a Ph.D. in Natural Resources and Environmental Policy focusing on land use issues from the University of Michigan.
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Jim Muratzki - Technology Director
Jim is LIAA's lead applications designer, Internet application trainer and technology integrator. He has earned two B.S. degrees from Michigan State University, one in Geography and one in Anthropology.
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Paul Riess, GISP - GIS Specialist
Paul is LIAA's lead Geographic Information System (GIS) operator and community information system integrator. A bio-geographer, he holds a B.S. in biology and geography and a M.S. in biology from Andrews University, and an M.S. in geography from Western Michigan University.
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Rob Astor - Information Technology Specialist
Rob is a computer programmer responsible for database design and management, system integration, and the development of new user interfaces. He is also LIAA's LAN manager. He has earned a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Michigan State University and is a returned Peace Corps volunteer.
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Dave Frey - Information Technology Specialist
Dave is LIAA's founding computer programmer, information system designer, and Geographic Information System (GIS) integrator. He holds a B.S. in geology/geophysics and an M.S. in resource development/urban studies from Michigan State University.
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Harry Burkholder, AICP - Community Planner II
Harry shares the responsibilities of developing and implementing LIAA's Partnerships for Change program. He earned a B.A. in Political Science from Western Michigan University and a M.U.R.P. from Michigan State University.
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Heather Seyfarth, AICP - Community Planner II
Heather is a Community Planner and shares the responsibilities of developing and implementing LIAA's Partnerships for Change program. She holds a B.A.in Sociology from Alma College, a M.A. in Sociology from Central Michigan University, a M.S.W. from the University of Michigan and a M.U.P. from the University of Michigan.
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Kaye Krapohl - Graphic Designer
Kaye is responsible for the development, design and production of all graphics for LIAA's printed media, web sites, project literature and advertising. She is an experienced professional with an extensive and diverse graphic design background. Kaye is also the founder of the Women's Winter Tour and is a board member of the Traverse Arts Council. She earned a B.F.A. in Graphic Design from the University of Michigan.
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Kim McNeil - Financial Administrator
Kim is responsible for all aspects of LIAA's accounting and financial operations. After receiving her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from Michigan Technological University, Kim was a Supervisor in the Tax & Audit Department for Plante and Moran for 10 years.
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Dianne Navarro - Program Coordinator, Fresh Food Partnership
Dianne is responsible for coordinating the Fresh Food Partnership program at LIAA. She has been a Registered Nurse since 1985, specializing in digestive health since 1991. She received her BA in Environmental Studies from Arizona's Prescott College in 2003. Dianne became familiar with the Fresh Food Partnership program when she first volunteered for the 2008 Empty Bowls event and served as Volunteer Coordinator for the event in 2009.
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Joe Carter - Program Coordinator, UpNorth Media Center
Joe Carter is responsible for day-to-day operations of the Media Center. He is an award-winning production management professional with extensive experience in all phases of media production, and has managed creative and technical processes in multiple environments including public, commercial and cable television, public/private sector communications, and independent production. Joe holds a B.S. degree in Mass Communications from Northern Michigan University.
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Joe Torrence - Multimedia Specialist, UpNorth Media Center
Joe is responsible for the creation and management of digital media at UpNorth and he also assists on volunteer and media center productions. Joe is a recent graduate of Ferris State University with a degree in Television and Digital Media Production and he is currently obtaining Apple Final Cut Training Certification.
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