Our Board

Email all of our Board of Directors at board@elgruponorte.org

Chris Hinze :: President

chris

As a physical therapist, Chris is passionate about improving the health of his patients and his community. Chris understands that healthy behaviors are often shaped by our environmental and social surroundings. He is passionate about working to create a healthier Traverse City by encouraging safe, comfortable, and convenient places to bike, walk and roll and by encouraging people of all ages and abilities to be more physically active. Chris lives in Old Towne with his wife, Katie, and daughters Stella and Olive. Contact Chris at chris@elgruponorte.org

Evan Gray :: Vice-President

Meet Evan. Originally from Seattle, Evan traveled the US before settling in North Idaho, where he worked with teenagers on self-reliance and leadership. He used to race bikes but found he liked being a super-fan a whole lot more. Evan can now often be found consulting with area nonprofits, spending time with Erin and their two children, enjoying his garden, or roaming the trails near his Traverse City home. Contact Evan at evanjgray@gmail.com

Greg Luyt :: Treasurer

Inspired by his family’s experience with Norte, Greg now can be found many mornings riding his bike. A lawyer by day, Greg also enjoys playing guitar with SlowTako, watching Michigan football, and completing the Sunday crossword puzzle. Contact Greg at Luyt@traverselaw.com

Chelsea Bay Dennis :: Secretary

Chelsea was born and raised in downtown TC. After living in several other (walkable) cities and traveling the world with a purpose, she chose Traverse City in 2007 as an adult to put down roots and invest in this community. Woods and water are her meditation (Bay IS her middle name). Not a single day goes by where she does not woods-walk before the world is awake. She walks or bikes (or rollerblades) to get around (car is the last option). Her mission in life is to use what she is good at and passionate about for good and to inspire others to do what makes them come alive and make a difference in the world. She manifests this as a Mom, friend, branding/graphic design specialist (for good-for-the-world entities), creative and life consultant/coach, and Fulfillament storytelling co-creator.

Anthony Rupard :: Director

A native of Lexington, Kentucky, Anthony Rupard spent summers throughout his childhood in Pentwater, Michigan where he developed a love for the Lake Michigan shoreline and coastal dunes. His wife Natalie and their two children returned to northern Michigan in 2013 while their children were very young with an intent to help steward and enjoy the water, trails, and farmland of the region. Norte is very dear to Anthony due to the energy and joy that he has seen time and time again in the eyes and through the smiles of kids taking off from the Civic Center to explore their community. Contact Anthony here Anthony.Rupard@gmail.com

Eric Mannix :: Director

Eric is originally from Detroit and Allen Park before his career took him to Germany and South Carolina. Eric and his wife, Melanie, always wanted to settle in TC, and when the opportunity presented itself, they took advantage. Together with their kids, Mackenzie and Brayden, they have passionately jumped all-in on the outdoors and healthy lifestyle TC has to offer. This passion perfectly aligned with and drew his family to Norte and their mission. You can usually find Eric chasing his kids around. Or, perhaps inside a spreadsheet planning away. However, quite possibly, he is in the woods training for his next two-wheeled adventure most people find “dumb.” If you want to chat numbers, bikes, or Norte, get a hold of Eric here eric.mannix@gmail.com.

Jim Witte :: Director

For Jim, Norte combines two of his primary passions: community service and pursuit of an active, outdoor lifestyle. It was an easy yes, he says. Jim is a Michigander through and through starting life in East Lansing, graduating from Michigan State University, pursuing his design career, and raising a Grand Rapids family. With his wife Gera hailing from Northern Michigan, it was only a matter of time before regular trips Up North were part of the family’s lifestyle. In 2010, with children grown and on their own, Jim and Gera relocated to Elk Rapids. He continues to provide design and branding services to commercial clients and non-profit organizations. These days, Jim tries to spend fewer hours in the office and more hours volunteering or playing outside. Contact Jim at wittejr1@gmail.com.

Ryan Schrock :: Director

Ryan serves as the Principal at Glen Lake Elementary School. As a husband and dad, son, brother, and uncle, Ryan appreciates every moment of outdoor adventures with his family. He is passionate about the research that links the relationship between physical fitness and academic achievement and strongly advocates for opportunities to keep kids active and healthy members of the community. Contact Ryan here rschrock316@gmail.com

Sue Paul :: Director

Sue and John have always enjoyed outdoor adventures with their four children and now extend that joy to include their five grandchildren. Biking is an activity for all, from balance bikes to fat-tire bikes and everything in between. Find them pulling a Cannondale bugger with their daughter Annie in tow. They’ve always looked for ways to include Annie in family outings, no matter how big the challenge.
Sue is excited to join Norte at this time as we look to expand accessibility, equity, and inclusion in our programming. Her personal experience will provide meaningful insight.

Ty Schmidt :: Executive Director (non-voting member)

A Canadian import from friendly Manitoba, Ty came to Traverse City in 2006 by way of Tucson, AZ. Along with his wife, Johanna, a Leelanau County native, Ty founded Norte in 2013 to advocate for more happy, healthy, strong communities. A physical therapist by training and recovering Cat 2 road/elite mountain bike racer, Ty now works fulltime at the Norte Clubhouse and rides at kid-pace with his two boys, Carter and Jameson. He can often be seen at Carter’s Compost World HQ where he also volunteers as a bucket scrubber and pile turner. Contact Ty at ty@elgruponorte.org