Our Board
Email the Norte Board of Directors at board@elgruponorte.org
Chris Hinze :: President
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 town 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
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
Ryan Schrock :: Director
Chelsea Bay Dennis :: Director
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
Past Board Members
- Rachael Franks Taylor
- Bob Otwell
- Johanna Schmidt
- Scott Howard
- Kristen Talaga
- Bill Clark
- Laura Otwell
- Jason Plum
- Nick Perez
- Biz Ruskowski
- Shelly Charron
- Brian Beckwith