Our board leadership.
Mike Vickery, Chair
Emeritus Professor at Alma College
Mike Vickery, past chair of FLOW’s board, advises on environmental communication, community engagement, and organizational capacity-building. He is Emeritus Professor at Alma College, where he founded the Department of Communication and co-directed the Center for Responsible Leadership. Holding a PhD in Communication, Mike has taught at several universities and focuses on environmental rhetoric, risk and public health communication, and organizational communication. His work blends teaching, consulting, and applied scholarship to address technical and social value conflicts.
Katie Sulau, Vice Chair
Founder of Steady Rudder
Katie Sulau brings 15 years of leadership in nonprofit operations, programs, and advocacy, primarily in environmental policy. She has launched organizations, coordinated national coalitions, restructured NGOs and foundations, and led strategic planning for impactful results. As founder of Steady Rudder, Katie simplifies complex challenges and drives organizations forward. She holds dual degrees in Social Policy and Journalism from Michigan State University and lives in Traverse City with her husband, Ryan, and daughter, Nell.
Craig Sharp, Treasurer
Axiom Wealth Partner
Craig, a founding member of Axiom Wealth Partners aligned with the Rockefeller Global Family Office, has over 23 years of experience serving individuals, families, nonprofits, and corporate clients. An advocate for community and the environment, he serves on the Michigan Trails Fund board and previously chaired the Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities. Craig has a BA degree from Hope College and a Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan. Craig lives in Grand Rapids with his wife, Michele, and maintains strong ties to Frankfort, Michigan.
Douglas Jester, Secretary
Partner at 5 Lakes Energy
Douglas Jester, partner at 5 Lakes Energy, specializes in utility regulation, energy policy, and modeling. He previously served as Michigan’s senior energy policy advisor and held leadership roles at the Departments of Natural Resources and Environmental Quality. At DNR, he developed Michigan’s first automated hunting and fishing license system, recognized by the Smithsonian. Douglas holds degrees from New Mexico State University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University. He has teaches at Michigan State University, and lives near Lake Michigan with his wife, Colleen.
Our board officers.
JoAnne Cook
Chief Judge and Appellate Judge
JoAnne Cook, a member of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa/Chippewa Indians from Peshawbestown, Michigan, has served on Tribal Council and as a Tribal Court Judge. She holds degrees from Ferris State University and the University of Wisconsin Law School. JoAnne helped develop Peacemaking and Healing to Wellness Courts, which integrate Anishinaabe tradition and culture into justice and healing. She now consults with communities on these courts and teaches Native law, culture, and history at Northwestern Michigan College.
Kelly Hirko
Assistant Professor, MSU
Kelly Hirko is an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Michigan State University’s College of Human Medicine and a community-based researcher in Traverse City. Her work focuses on how lifestyle, environmental, and social factors influence cancer prevention and disparities. She holds degrees from the University of Michigan and Boston University. Born and raised in Traverse City, Kelly enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and dog.
Joel Evenhouse
Registered investment adviser
Joel Evenhouse is a registered investment adviser at Betterment in Traverse City, Michigan, working in the traditional financial services and investment management industry for most of his career. Joel is an outdoor enthusiast who likes to mountain bike, ski, standup paddleboard, fish, and explore all the area beaches. Joel earned a bachelor’s degree in biology from Hope College.
Anthony Kendall
Assistant Professor, MSU
Anthony Kendall is an Assistant Professor in Earth and Environmental Sciences and AgBioResearch at Michigan State University. A lifelong Michigan resident, he studies how climate and land use impact water resources and the human and ecological systems that depend on them. His research reveals the hidden processes shaping water use and informs resource management decisions. Anthony is also a dedicated educator, training the next generation of scientists, practitioners, and decision-makers at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
Keith Schneider
Environmental Journalist
Keith Schneider is a nationally recognized environmental journalist reporting on energy, agriculture, and water. A former New York Times correspondent, he contributes to The Guardian, ProPublica, National Geographic, and more. His work explores industrialization’s impact on environmental security, including US agriculture as a top source of toxic water pollution and global water supply challenges. As senior editor at Circle of Blue, he led the Global Choke Point project. He has won two George Polk Awards and numerous international honors.
Wenona T. Singel
Associate Professor of Law at MSU
Wenona T. Singel is an Associate Professor of Law at Michigan State University College of Law and Director of the Indigenous Law & Policy Center. An enrolled member of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, she teaches courses on Federal Law, Property, Natural Resources, and Indigenous Rights. Her scholarship addresses Tribal Sovereignty, Indigenous rights, and the Indian Child Welfare Act. She has served as deputy legal counsel for Michigan, Chief Appellate Justice for two Tribes, and on national advisory boards. Wenona holds degrees from Harvard College and Harvard Law School.