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We envision a vibrant, healthy and connected Benzie community
where everyone can thrive.
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ABOUT US
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We are grateful for the volunteers who are the lifeblood of our project - our Board, committee members, teachers and beyond!
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BWAC Board of Directors
Back row (l-r): Steve Roach, Jim Kunz, Bill Kennis, Dave Hagen, Anna Kinder, Shannon Kelly
Front row (l-r): Diane Tracy, Wanda Shreiner Absent: John Marshall
BILL KENNIS
President
Business development consultant and grant writer. Vice President of Business Development at Xpert Fulfillment in Benzonia. Former Executive Director of Benzie Bus. Serves on the Paul Oliver Memorial Hospital Community Healthcare Council and the Networks Northwest Board.
DIANE TRACY
Vice President and Development Chair
Retired development and major gifts officer (most recently at Kalamazoo College and the University of Michigan). Serves on the Congregational Summer Assembly’s Waterfront Committee.
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ANNA BLESSING KINDER
Secretary
Freelance writer and editor. Author of Locally Grown and Locally Brewed. Former magazine editor, brand director, human-centered design strategist. Member of the Congregational Summer Assembly and Crystal Downs Country Club. Current board member of the Crystal Lake Yacht Club.
JIM KUNZ
Treasurer
Managing partner of Kunz, Leigh & Associates (software development company). Jim spent 12 years as a management consultant with Coopers & Lybrand before founding KL&A. He was instrumental in property acquisition, renovation and construction of the Stormcloud Brewing Company's downtown pub and their production brewery and is a partner.
DAVE HAGEN
Ad Hoc Due Diligence + Design Build Committee
Principal of Lake Charles Methanol LLC, where he works with a project team experienced in finance, engineering, construction, law, operations, and project development. His career has been focused on construction and development. Dave chairs the BWAC’s Ad Hoc Design/Build + Due Diligence Committee. He is a member of the Congregational Summer Assembly and Crystal Lake Yacht Club, where he has served on the Board of Directors.
SHANNON KELLY
Director
Benzie County business owner. President of Mission Heights Ltd. (a real estate business). Former Vice President of Farmers Insurance/21st Century Insurance, Product Manager at Progressive Insurance and Engagement Manager at McKinsey and Company. Nonprofit board service has included the Francis Parker School, Girl Scouts of San Diego’s Imperial Council and the Rose Institute of State and Local Government at Claremont-McKenna College.
STEVE ROACH
Legal Committee
Senor Principal at Miller Canfield, with almost 40 years’ experience in business and finance law. He also serves as a trustee for the Mariners’ Church of Detroit Foundation and a director for the University of Michigan Grand Traverse Alumni Club, and previously served on the boards for the League of Michigan Bicyclists and the Tour de Troit.
WANDA SHREINER
Nominating Commitee
Board Member of Crystal Lake Watershed Association and member of the Tennis and Citation Committees at the Congregational Summer Assembly.
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IN MEMORIUM - JOHN MARSHALL
We honor John, who passed away unexpectedly on October 26th. A celebration of life and funeral service is scheduled on December 6th at 1pm at the First Congregational Church of Benzonia (901 Barber Street in Benzonia).
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John lived a bold life, filling every minute of every day with hard work, kindness and friendship. He found a way to bring joy and laughter to any situtation. He loved every opportunity to play and mentor others in his favorite sport of tennis and competing in slalom waterskiing tournaments around the country.
A fourth generation Benzie County native, he was active in many professional and civic organizations, including the West Michigan Dental Association, West Shore Waterski Club, and the Benzie County Republican Party. John served on BWAC's Board of Directors and volunteered on the Operations Committee as well as a swim teacher in our Swim Skills and Water Safety program. He was a retired general dentist who worked part time as a paraprofessional in the Benzie Central School district.
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John is survived by his wife Connie and daughters Meghan Anne and Molly Kathryn; brother Neil D. (Shelley) Marshall; and sisterLaura (Nick) Kassanos; step sisters Debbie Dieckman, Diana (Mark) Iverson, brother-in-law Gary (Lori) Evey and nieces and nephews:Courtney (Josh) Crocker, Thomas (Kasey) Marshall, Preston (Karely) Byrd-Nowsch, and Nathan (Ken) Nowsch, Kelsey (Jordan) Evey and Rebecca Evey and parents-in-law Elmon (Carole) Evey.
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In lieu of flowers, John's family would appreciate donations to the Benzie Wellness & Aquatic Center (PO Box 2204, Frankfort, MI 49635) or the Benzie County Animal Shelter (543 S Michigan Avenue, Beulah, MI 49617).
Volunteers are driving our mission!
Listen to Board Member Wanda Shreiner's brief interview
on Interlochen Public radion about volunteering
with the Benzie Wellness and Aquatic Center
A special shout out to Ken Knapp Locksmith and
West Shore Plumbing for their generous gifts-in-kind towards building maintenance!