Kathy Brooks
Kathy joined the Conservancy’s board in 2011. She is a realtor at RE/MAX of Midland. Kathy earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Managment and Organizational Development from Spring Arbor University. She also serves as an Associates Council Member and Home & Garden Show Committee Member for the Midland Homebuilders Association.
Eric Brubaker – President
Eric joined the Conservancy’s board in 2008. He is currently the president and CEO of Members First Credit Union. Eric said that he “believes it is important to take a proactive approach to protecting the land and natural resources in our communities.” Eric resides in Midland with his wife, Heather, and their two daughters.
Greg Dardas
Greg joined the Conservancy’s board in 2011. Born in East Lansing, Greg earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology at Michigan State University. He has lived in Michigan all his life except for four years when doing his neurology residency at Ohio State University. Greg’s neurology practice in the area goes back to 1995, first in Essexville, then in Midland since May 2008. Greg has four children.
Bill Gebo
Bill joined our board in 2008. He worked for The Dow Chemical Company for 36 years, retiring in 2004. An active volunteer, he also serves Sanford Lake Association as the treasurer and Michigan Lake & Stream Associations, where he sits on the Finance and Strategic Planning Committees. Bill resides in Sanford with his wife, Berta.
Bethany Goodman
Bethany joined the Conservancy’s Board in 2008. She has personal experience with conservancies. Her family fruit farm in Traverse City is protected with a conservation easement. A Midland resident for 41 years, she brings over 25 years of nonprofit experience to the Board. She lives with her husband, Chuck, in Larkin Township, where she co-owns a bed and breakfast.
Jill Gushow
Jill Gushow is an accomplished attorney and business professional. A native of Auburn, she has been actively involved in the Great Lakes Bay Region since her return to Michigan. Her current service includes serving on the Board of Mid-Michigan Home Health Care, the Marshall Fredericks Sculpture Museum Saints & Sinners Event Committee, as well as having been a 2009 United Way Loaned Executive and graduate of Leadership Midland. Outside of work, Gushow is a published author, a triathlete, a 2009 RUBY Award recipient, and was appointed by the Governor as a 2009 Fitness Ambassador. Jill has two very high-energy children.
George Lane
George joined the board in 2008. He has years of experience with the Conservancy. He and his wife, Sue, donated conservation easements in 2004 and 2007. Together, they have protected 271 acres along the Cedar River in Gladwin. George is also an active member of the Leon P. Martuch Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
Jan McGuire
Jan serves as the President and CEO of the Midland Area Community Foundation. Involved in the community, Jan sits on the Midland Area Chamber Foundation Board, the Windover High School Board and the Girls Scouts of Mitten Bay Board. Jan explained her involvement in the Conservancy by stating, “I am proud to be a part of an organization that will leave a lasting affect on our community for many years to come.” Jan and her husband, Marty, have five children.
Dan Rader
Dan Rader has been employed with The Dow Chemical Company for 24 years and currently serves as the Environmental Health & Safety Responsible Care Leader for Michigan Operations. In this capacity Dan is responsible for all aspects of EH&S performance as well as supporting the Site Leader in providing overall leadership and direction for the site. Dan was born in Plymouth, Indiana. He received a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Purdue University in West Lafayette, IN and has attended executive education programs at Thunderbird School of Global Management. Dan and his wife, Shelly, have two daughters and a son.
Steve Scott
Steve joined the Conservancy’s board in 2011. With extensive background in commercial construction, real estate development and business management, Steve is currently an agent at Ieuter Insurance Group specializing in both business and personal lines and life insurance. He graduated from Alma College with a bachelor degree in both Business Administration and Political Science. He also serves as a member of the Mid Michigan Home Care Board of Directors and the Chairman of Finance Committee. He enjoys spending time with family, travelling, canoeing and other outdoor activities, and sporting events.
Jerry Ziarno
Jerry joined the board in 2008. A retired vice president of marketing for Dow Corning Corporation, he is an active bird watcher. Taught to love the land from his father, Jerry said that he “went from being an avid hunter to studying birds through binoculars.” He has traveled extensively enjoying his birding avocation. With two grown children, Jerry and his wife, Yoshie, spend much time outdoors in Midland.
