Julie Clark
Chief Executive Officer — julie@traversetrails.org
Julie has a long history in trail planning and development working on local, state, and national trail efforts throughout her career. Her background in ecology and communications and her passion for helping people explore, enjoy, and enrich their community is put into practice every day as the CEO of Traverse Area Recreation & Transportation (TART) Trails.
Julie and her family looked long and hard around the country for a community that they believe supported a planning and development approach that promotes clean air and water and provided meaningful ways to move around the community outside your car. They found that spot in northern Michigan in 2010 when she accepted the job at TART Trails. Julie provides leadership and oversees the delivery and execution of TART Trails’ vision of happy, active people making connections through a world-class trail network. Active in trail development efforts and policies at the local, regional and state level, she currently serves on the Michigan State Parks Advisory Committee and as Chair of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance. She and her family live near downtown Traverse City and couldn’t be happier to call northern Michigan home.
Brian Beauchamp
Communications & Policy Director — brian@traversetrails.org
Brian joined our staff in the fall of 2014 after having served on the TART Board for five years prior. He has more than a decade of experience in non-profit program management and has a passion for trails and trail use. In his spare time, you can often find him riding his bike with friends skiing the VASA trail.
Elizabeth Calcutt
Trail Development Director — elizabeth@traversetrails.org
Elizabeth is part of the trail planning and management team managing multiple projects including the Nakwema Trailway as well as digging into long and short term trail planning. She brings a background in recreation planning and community development, and now, as a member of the TART team, she is excited to engage with people and communities in our region to help build meaningful trail connections. Elizabeth loves all that each season brings us (with the exception of November winds and April showers) and cannot think of a better place to live, work, and play.
Caitlin Early
Campaign & Development Officer — caitlin@traversetrails.org
Caitlin joined the TART Trails team in September 2019. Her work supports fundraising, donor relations, and special events. Caitlin grew up in Indianapolis, and was fortunate enough to spend her summers in Leelanau County. She has spent the better part of the last decade working in arts and culture-based nonprofit organizations. When not in the office, Caitlin can generally be found in the woods or the water, on a bike, chopping vegetables, or with her nose in a book.
Janna Goethel
Annual Gifts & Special Events Coordinator — janna@traversetrails.org
Janna is a Traverse City local with a passion for outdoor recreation and community. Janna provides development support for TART Trails, manages TART Trails fundraising and stewardship events and leads social media engagement. She comes to the role with a background in event coordinating and non-profit experience through her role on the Mt. Holiday Ski Area Board of Directors.
Amy Hartzog
Trail Planner — amy@traversetrails.org
Amy is excited to join the TART staff in October 2021, as part of the Trail Planning Team. She’s been visiting the area with her wife for the last 21 years and has family near Glen Arbor and in Traverse City. Her work experience includes over 10 years with the City of Fort Wayne, Indiana’s Trails and Greenways Department managing the maintenance of trails, working with an army of volunteers, encouraging active transportation and event planning. Outside of work, you can find Amy exploring the area on bike, foot, skis or canoe.
Chris Kushman
Trail Planning & Management Director — ckushman@traversetrails.org
Chris was born and raised in Traverse City. After college and several years working away he was fortunate enough to return to Traverse in 2006 with his wife and son. Chris is responsible for the development and management of trail planning, local partnerships and maintenance efforts at TART. His work experience includes over fifteen years of environmental planning and resource management projects throughout Michigan. Contributing to efforts for non-motorized transportation and local connections is a top priority of his and one he is excited to work on with local partners. Away from work, he can often be found biking, cross country skiing or kayaking.
Kate Lewis
Community Engagement Manager — kate@traversetrails.org
Kate officially joined the TART staff in 2015 after serving two years as an AmeriCorps VISTA member. She began her TART career teaching bicycle and pedestrian safety at local elementary schools, assisting with snow removal efforts and organizing special events such as Smart Commute Week. Kate now serves as Community Engagement Manager and her current responsibilities include managing our Volunteer and Ambassador Programs, trailside sponsorships and digital and print communications. When not in the office you can find her on a trail, in the water, practicing yoga, at a Phish show or adventuring with her kiddos.
Sarah Loiacano
Office Administrator — sarah@traversetrails.org
Sarah joined TART Trails in 2022 as our Administrative Assistant. Her time in this position helps run a smooth and efficient office. She was born and raised in Frankenmuth, Michigan, but has recently moved to Traverse City due to her love for Lake Michigan, the beautiful city, and of course, the outdoors. You can find her spending time with family, enjoying her day at the beach, and walking to the nearest coffee shop.
Casey Ressl
Development Director — casey@traversetrails.org
Casey joined the TART Trails staff in 2018 and is responsible for developing and overseeing TART’s fundraising strategies. Casey grew up in Traverse City exploring the exceptional rivers and trails of northern Michigan. She traveled back to the area as an AmeriCorps member and spent the last decade working in the nonprofit sector. She now resides downtown with her husband and three children where she enjoys spending time on the trails, in the water and exploring the garden.
Casey joined the TART Trails staff in 2018 and is responsible for developing and overseeing TART’s fundraising strategies. Casey grew up in Traverse City exploring the exceptional rivers and trails of northern Michigan. She traveled back to the area as an AmeriCorps member and spent the last decade working in the nonprofit sector. She now resides downtown with her husband and three children where she enjoys spending time on the trails, in the water and exploring the garden.
Erin Schmuckal
Finance and Administration Director — erin@traversetrails.org
Erin grew up in Traverse City and loves all the area has to offer, especially the trails and water. She joined the amazing staff at TART Trails in 2023. She brings 15 years of experience in QuickBooks, financial operations, strategic business planning, and managing administrative duties. Erin loves to travel and explore and is always looking forward to her next adventure, be it local or afar. Fun fact, while training for a 50k run she will do math word problems in her head to make the miles fly by.
Jonny Tornga
Outreach Coordinator — jonny@traversetrails.org
Jonny joined TART Trails in 2022 as our Outreach Coordinator and brings a passion for community building and outdoor adventuring to the team. His work involves leading our social media communication, managing the TART Trails Ambassador and Volunteer program, and supporting special events. Jonny grew up in Traverse City and after spending time in New York has made his way back to Northern Michigan. In his spare time you can find him running and cycling the trails or playing music at local venues.
Don Cunkle
Recycle-A-Bicycle Program Director — ycunkle@charter.net — (231) 649-3443
Don Cunkle is the founder and tireless program coordinator of Recycle-A-Bicycle. Since the program’s beginning in 2007, Don has collected, repaired and distributed more than 800 bicycles throughout the community. In 2010, the program merged with TART Trails while maintaining its partnerships with Goodwill, Cherry Capital Cycling Club, Father Fred, Child & Family Services, Women’s Resource Center and other community organizations. In June 2011, the program hosted Traverse City’s first bicycle swap as a fundraiser. The event was an overwhelming success and provided new homes to more than 200 used bicycles. Don’s passion and enthusiasm for the program keeps Recycle-A-Bicycle’s wheels in constant motion. (Photo credit: Sustainable TC)