Welcoming Burckhardt, Erwin & Ratliff to the Huron Pines Board
Ty Ratliff, Katherine Erwin and Sam Burckhardt (l-r) joined the Huron Pines Board of Directors in February.
Huron Pines has welcomed the addition of Sam Burckhardt, Katherine Erwin and Ty Ratliff to its Board of Directors. Their diverse backgrounds in community engagement, fundraising, conservation, land protection, education and more will help Huron Pines carry out its mission to conserve and enhance Northern Michigan’s natural resources.
“As we start a new year, Huron Pines is focused on expanding our conservation impact, enhancing our educational programs and increasing collaboration with local governments and community organizations,” said Executive Director Brad Jensen. “Having an expanded and diverse board helps us take on more ambitious, sustainable efforts in land protection, habitat restoration, community education and more.”
Born and raised in Switzerland, Sam Burckhardt was immersed in natural studies at a young age through his father’s conservation work. Sam served on the Chicago Ornithological Society board for several years and initiated a program with Chicago Public Schools to introduce grade-school students to birds. He is a member of AuSable Valley Audubon, the Kirtland’s Warbler Conservation Team and is secretary of Michigan Audubon. His extensive musical background includes tours with Chicago blues artist Sunnyland Slim, recording with his own band the Mighty Blue Kings, and performances with many blues and jazz greats. Sam resides in East Tawas with his husband.
Katherine Erwin practiced corporate law and later earned her master’s degree in social work, specializing in therapy for teenagers. She served on nonprofit boards for Chicago Chamber Musicians and Lincoln Park Community Shelter and has raised funds for U-M Law School. Most recently she was a social worker for Alcona Health Center and Alcona Middle/High School until retirement. She volunteers with recycling efforts in Alcona County and in the Home Arts building during the annual county fair. Katherine resides in Harrisville with her husband.
Ty Ratliff is Vice President and Director of Major Programs for Greenwood Foundation, a private operating foundation committed to the permanent protection of a 2,000-acre wilderness area near Wolverine for education and study of nature. He previously worked for Little Traverse Conservancy for over 23 years leading fundraising efforts and partnering with nonprofit organizations and local governments to preserve lands throughout Northern Michigan. He resides in Petoskey and enjoys hiking and exploring with his wife and children.
“Sam, Katherine and Ty are all excellent additions to the Huron Pines board,” said Associate Director Lisha Ramsdell. “They bring a shared passion for conservation and each of their unique backgrounds make our organization even stronger as we work to preserve and protect Northern Michigan’s natural resources.”
Welcome to our team, Sam, Katherine and Ty! View the full Huron Pines Board here.