Our Board

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 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

Shelly Charron :: Secretary

shelly

Shelly, a Traverse City native, is a supporter of sustainable development, outdoor fun and adventure, and happy healthy families. She brings a background in Urban Planning and Community Development from her prior work with Detroit revitalization projects. She currently supports families as a Family Engagement Specialist with the Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency’s Early Head Start Program. Shelly and her daughter Sophia are biking enthusiasts and love biking around Traverse City as well as the area mountain bike trails. Contact Shelly at Shellycharron@gmail.com

Brian Beckwith :: Treasurer

Brian is a CPA and attorney who has worked in public accounting (both tax & audit), the legal field, in-house as a chief financial officer. He now runs a consulting firm assisting for- and non-profit businesses with accounting, tax, finance, and legal issues. Brian is a Traverse City native who has lived in northern Michigan his entire life. He and his wife Bridgett have a full house with 2 children, 2 dogs, and 2 cats, and can often be found outside, cycling, hiking, kayaking, or camping. Contact Brian at brian@currentconsultingtc.com

Greg Luyt :: Director

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

Rachael Franks Taylor :: Director

Rachael bikes for adventure, fitness, and fellowship, as well as a planet-friendly means to get from point A to point B. Rachael loves pedaling in the woods, on the TART trail, and around town with her family, with her mama friends, solo, or, once in a while, with the masses in Northern Michigan’s iconic mountain bike races. For pay and passion, she has worked on Great Lakes conservation for over a decade. Rachael is a Yooper by birth, grew up in Benzie County, and now lives in Central Neighborhood with her husband, JT, and sons, Helly and Matteo. Contact Rachael at rachaeljft@gmail.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

Ryan serves as the Principal at Traverse Heights Elementary School and is the District Leader for Elementary Physical Education and Health for Traverse City Area Public Schools and a chair on the TCAPS Nutrition and Wellness Committee. 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

Chelsea Bay Dennis :: Director

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.

Ty Schmidt :: Executive Director

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