IMAGIN 2023Keynote SpeakersEach day of the IMAGIN Conference, we start with a keynote speaker. Our keynote speakers feature innovative or inspiring topics that help you to focus and motivate you. The conference planning team is currently securing keynote speakers and information will be shared here as soon as we finalize them. Monday June 5 Guest Speakers Frank has worked on the Boardman River Restoration Project for over 12 years. First with the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indian’s Natural Resources Department as Project Manager/Ecologist, and currently as Director of Public Services for the City of Traverse City. He has been the Boardman River Dams Implementation Team (IT) Chair since 2012. As such he has guided and facilitated the IT commitment and continues to expand and promote the collaboration born in the ideology of this multi-agency team. He and his family have lived on the Boardman River for over 3 decades and Frank brings a deep technical skill set as well as local familiarity to the project. Mr. Dituri has Bachelor of Science degrees in Environmental Science and Geography from Western Michigan University and is a Certified River Restoration Professional via the Portland State University River Restoration Program.
Tuesday June 6 Guest Speakers
Merrith Baughman has been an Interpretive Park Ranger with the National Park Service (NPS) for 32 years. She circled back to the Great Lakes in 2013 as Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore’s Director of Interpretation & Visitor Services. Merrith started her career with the NPS at Apostle Island National Lakeshore in 1991. Born to teacher parents and growing up in rural Wisconsin, Merrith knew from an early age she wanted to help others connect to nature and the human heritage shaped by it. She attended UW-Stevens Point’s College of Natural Resources. Merrith has also worked at Gateway Arch National Park, Voyageurs National Park, Jewel Cave National Monument, and Homestead National Historical |