Staff

• Julie Clark

  Executive Director — julie@traversetrails.org

  Julie is responsible for day-to-day administration, trail planning and development, maintenance, and fundraising efforts. She most recently led Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation’s Greenway Planning & Development Division in Charlotte, North Carolina where she was responsible for the design and development of over 35 miles of urban trail. Julie, her husband Bill and two little girls live near downtown Traverse City and use the TART Trail system for work and play.

  

• Pam Darling

  Development Director — pam@traversetrails.org

  Pam joined the TART staff in November of 2008. Prior to that she served on TART’s transportation initiatives committee as the Cherry Capital Cycling Club’s alternative transportation director. Pam holds a degree in recreation from the University of Colorado – Boulder and is responsible for all of TART’s fundraising. A resident of the area for over twenty years; she lives in the Central neighborhood with her son and their black Lab. They enjoy being able to walk and bike to work and activities year around.

  

• Lee Kurt

  Trail Planning and Program Director — lee@traversetrails.org

  Lee is passionate about active transportation and she is thrilled to apply this passion through her role at TART, which she began December 2010. A native of Athens, Georgia she moved to Traverse City in June 2009 and previously worked for the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. Lee works on TART’s programs such as Smart Commute, Bicycle Safety and Recycle-A-Bicycle as well as trail planning, operations & maintenance. Lee and her husband, Eric, enjoy in-town living  in the Boardman neighborhood and the wide-range of outdoor recreation Northern Michigan has to offer.

  

• Arianne Whittaker

  Marketing and Outreach Director — arianne@traversetrails.org

  Arianne is responsible for coordinating marketing and outreach efforts including the bi-annual newsletter, marketing materials, press releases and special events. She and her husband, Jason, enjoy competitive cycling, running and triathlon events. Arianne is very passionate about smart-commuting as evidenced by her dedication to year-round bicycle commuting. She previously served on the Traverse City Track Club board and currently serves on the Hagerty Cycling Team board.

  

• Deb Westphal

  Office Manager — deb@traversetrails.org

  Deb joined TART in November 2010. She is responsible for the general operations of the office and coordinating volunteer activities. Deb served on the VASA board for six years. She and her husband, Steve, are very active with cycling and cross-country skiing and enjoy using the TART trails throughout the year.

  

• Hattie Christie

  Summer Intern Extraordinare — hattie.christie@gmail.com

  Hattie is a Traverse City native that has been interning at TART Trails each summer since 2010. Her primary responsibilities include assisting with events and leading the weekly trail outings for Orchard Creek residents. She enjoys being on the trails and many outdoor activities including road cycling and downhill skiing. During the school year Hattie studies Parks and Service Administration at Central Michigan University.