About
Our mission is to help you care for Torch Lake and her watershed.
Board of Directors
Our Board is dedicated to open communications, so feel free to contact us anytime.
The love for Torch Lake has lasted Theresa’s whole life. She visited her grandfather Ernest Steiner and her parents, Harold and Gloria Steiner’s house in Alden often and shared a cottage with her sister. In 2009, she moved permanently to a remodeled home on the lake.
Trained with a science background, Theresa brings varied expertise to her position as TCC’s Executive Director. She began her career as a radiologic technologist, while earning a business degree from Northwood University. From there, she worked for Health Plus of Michigan, while obtaining a law degree from Cooley Law School in Lansing.
Theresa currently operates a consulting business and oversees management of a non-profit organization, the Justin Beutel Memorial Scholarship Fund. The Fund was established in honor of her son, an avid motorcycle enthusiast and mechanic.
Theresa has a blended family of five children and many grandchildren, all of whom have enjoyed Torch Lake all of their lives. The family still owns almost 50 acres of their grandfather’s property and four out of five of her siblings own homes in the area.
Paul Beaupre, Board Chair
Entrepeneur, Triathlete, Boater, Volunteer
“For 50 years I have been biking around, swimming in (and across), sailing, windsurfing, skiing and boating on Torch with friends and family. More than any spot, it has been the base of my most healthy, beautiful, memorable moments. As I made the turn and am playing the “back nine” in life I want to contribute more on the environmental preservation of the Torch watershed. I am excited to blend my passion for the region and business skills to advance the mission of the Torch Conservation Center.”
Paul and his wife April have two teenage boys and live in Atlanta GA. He is an alum of Michigan State and earned an MBA at Northwestern. Paul supports organizations that provide better access to clean drinking water and research on childhood cancer. He has board experience with organizations that promote gender equality, youth athletics, and entrepreneurship
Nancy Brown, Board Vice Chair
Marketing Manager, Volunteer, Naturalist
“My husband and I purchased our home near Alden in 2006. Our children and grandchildren cherish this special place and enjoy time together on beautiful Torch Lake. We are passionate about protecting the watershed for the next generation.”
Nancy worked in Brand Management and has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati. Nancy brings to the board extensive experience in public relations, marketing and brand management along with a passion for protecting the future of our Torch Lake watershed.
Nancy and her husband Bruce have lived in Cincinnati, Germany and Japan. She enjoys tennis, hiking, boating, gardening, and kayaking.
Jan Ducsay, Board Treasurer
Water has always been a part of Jan’s life. Growing up in Honolulu, Hawaii she was surrounded by the beauty of nature and the ocean. After college she lived for 10 years in Marblehead, Massachusetts surrounded by yet another ocean. Then in 1980 she arrived in Michigan to marry Jack Ducsay and he introduced her to the Great Lakes. Jack and Jan have owned property in Antrim County for 45 years, where their son and daughter learned to swim, sail, and ski. In 2019 they left Grosse Pointe Park behind and became year-round residents overlooking Torch Lake.
Stacy Sollenberger, Secretary
Executive Coach & Leadership Consultant, Runner and Volunteer
“’You can take the girl out of Michigan but you can’t take the Michigan out of the girl.’ Having lived in Atlanta, Georgia for over 20 years, it is a dream come true to be able to return to my roots and spend as much time as possible at our Torch Lake cottage. This is where I genuinely feel most at home and it is only natural that I want to devote my time, talents, and passions to preserving this beautiful watershed.”
Stacy is passionate about making a positive change in the world through her work in developing executives and leaders as well as her volunteer initiatives. She is also a board member of the Jeannette Rankin Foundation and the MSU Women’s Leadership Institute, organizations that empower women through education.
Stacy and her husband Alan were both born and raised in Michigan and met at Michigan State. They have three children – Emma, Brennan and Gavin – and two rescue dogs. Stacy is an avid runner who also enjoys kayaking, hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Brian Huffman
Real Estate Developer, Builder, Land Steward, RE/MAX United Associate Broker
“My connection to Torch Lake began in the late 1990s was when I started visiting my future wife’s family. Over time, it became a place filled with meaningful family memories, and in 2012 we were fortunate to purchase a 99 year old home on the east side of the lake from a family that had owned the property for more than a century. Serving on the board of the Torch Conservation Center is a meaningful opportunity to give back to a place that has meant so much to our family. I am honored to support the mission of protecting Torch Lake, its watershed, and the natural character of this extraordinary place for future generations.”
Brian Huffman is a real estate developer, builder, land steward, and Associate Broker with RE/MAX United. He brings experience in housing, land planning, and community development, along with a strong appreciation for the responsible stewardship of Michigan’s natural resources. Brian is passionate about helping balance thoughtful growth with long term conservation so that Torch Lake and its watershed remain healthy and beautiful for the families who live, visit, and create memories there.
Jim Nestor
“Since 1979, Torch Lake has been at the center of my family’s life, a place where we’ve spent summers swimming, boating, and making lifelong friends; a source of peace, joy, and lasting memories across four generations. As I move into a new chapter with my work and family and with more flexibility, I am eager to give back by supporting the long-term preservation of the lake and its watershed so that future generations can make this their “happy place” as well!”
Jim is the Founder & Principal of Nestor Talent Solutions, an HR consulting and executive coaching practice. He previously served as Chief Human Resources Officer at Katz, Sapper & Miller, bringing over three decades of leadership experience in talent strategy, organizational culture, and executive development. In addition, he mentors students through Butler University’s Lacy School of Business, helping them explore career paths and grow as future leaders.
Jim and his wife, Maureen, have four children and a new grandson, and cherish the time they spend together at Torch. He is excited to combine his passion for the lake with his professional expertise to advance the mission of the Torch Conservation Center.
Linda Oxford
Licensed Professional Counselor, Educator, Engineer
“The cottage on Torch Lake is the thread that has woven together 5 generations of my family. As a therapist, I know deeply the beneficial effects of nature on one’s mind, heart and body. I feel called to help protect and improve the health of the lake and surrounding lands, so we all may flourish for years to come.”
Linda has spent over 20 years providing therapy and instruction in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and yoga in private practice and college settings. She has also served in leadership roles for several non-profit and professional organizations. Her early career in marine and automotive engineering was focused primarily on quality and process improvement, as well as advanced program management.
Linda spends summers in Alden with friends and family in her Bellaire Log Cabin and winters in Rochester, Michigan. She loves to hike, knit and read.
Keith Ross
Forester, Land Conservationist, Real Estate Attorney
“My family has owned property in Alden since the early 1900’s, and I hope my family and heirs can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the lake for another five generations.”
Keith has worked as a forester and conservation consultant for more than thirty years. Keith will oversee the Land Conservation Program. He has protected over 1 million acres of forestland in New England and successfully completed the largest forestland conservation easement in North America, the Pingree Forest Partnership on 762,192 acres in Maine.
Keith lives in Massachusetts with his wife, Louise, and their sons, Simon and Cody. He enjoys reading mysteries and watching sports.
Peg Comfort, Board Member Emerita
Ecologist, Environmental Educator, Former Township Planning Commissioner
“My great, great- grandfather was the architect when the Alden Depot was rebuilt in 1907, so my family has deep roots here. Our son is a native, because he was born here, and we have called this wonderful watershed home for almost 40 years. I really care about the future of this place!”
Peg has worked as an educator, program consultant and grant writer for thirty years. She has been an active volunteer in area environmental organizations and land conservation projects in the Chain of Lakes. Peg has been a presenter at international water conferences and brings a global perspective to the Center. Peg has been active in the Grass River Conservation Committee and serves as project manager for Michigan Audubon’s LOON NETWORK.
Peg lives on Torch Lake with her husband, Tom, and their two Labrador retrievers. She enjoys wetland walks at Grass River Natural Area, exploring the Chain of Lakes and sailing on Torch Lake.
Trish Narwold, Board Member Emerita
Marine Scientist, Occupational Therapist
“My favorite place on Earth is the Torch Lake Watershed, and I am eager to demonstrate to others how our actions impact the water.”
Trish has worked as a pediatric occupational therapist in school and hospital settings for over twenty years. As a water scientist, Trish continues to be a resource for our Freshwater Program. With her curiosity piqued from years of volunteering with the Three Lakes Association, Trish pursued further education in the marine sciences and completed a research project in St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands involving run–off and sediment in tropical bays. Her experience traveling and living around the world has brought a global perspective to local conservation.
Trish lives in California with her husband, Andrew, and their children, Drew and Meg. She enjoys exploring the Chain of Lakes by canoe with her husband and spending summers with her extended family on Torch Lake.
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Paused for the winter months - see you in the spring!
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