ABOUT LLA

With roots dating back to 1921, the Long Lake Association in Long Lake and Green Lake Townships of Grand Traverse County is one of Michigan’s oldest riparian groups.

OUR OBJECTIVES

1. To preserve Long, Mickey, and Ruth Lakes as a natural resource and recreational area through protection and prudent use of its environs.

2. To be on guard for the health, welfare and safety of the resident community.

3. To be alert to the best interests of the membership in fiscal, economic and civic matters such as taxation, zoning, developments affecting property rights and value, pending legislation, law enforcement, etc.

4. To serve as responsible citizens of the community.

5. To do any and all things lawful as a non-profit corporation in furtherance of these objectives.

6. To re-affirm the ethical principal established in 1953 organization of this association, that the individual rights should be enjoyed and protected without trespassing on the rights of others.

MEET OUR BOARD

Working closely with Long Lake Township and the Long Lake Foundation, the eleven member elected board carries out the objectives as stated in the Association’s Constitution and By-Laws.

DAVE BAKER | PRESIDENT

Dave and his wife Karen built their home on the south-end of Long Lake in 2016 and are full-time residents. They can frequently be found outdoors enjoying the lake and all it has to offer. Dave’s love of the outdoors stems from his childhood when he spent his summers on Lake Temagami in Ontario. Dave earned a B.S. in Finance from Miami University (Ohio) and a MBA from Case Western Reserve University. Dave recently retired following a long career in commercial finance where he held various positions of responsibility in senior and executive leadership.

RICK DALSTROM | VICE PRESIDENT

Rick and his wife Kate have been a part of Long Lake since 1995. They have three grown children who get to the lake often and have enjoyed its beauty while growing up. Rick retired from a large distributor of automation and electrical products as a senior executive of sales and marketing in 2017. He remains on the company’s board of directors and actively consults with former industry associates. Rick currently heads up the LLA swimmers itch committee and is the Associations representative to the Michigan Swimmers Itch Partnership (MISIP).
He and Kate love all things outdoors, especially hiking, biking and swimming, wherever their travels may take them. Rick feels a commitment to preserving this beautiful lake we call home and actively supports the work of the Long Lake Association.

BRENT SCHNELL | BOARD MEMBER | LAKE MANAGEMENT

Brent Schnell was a Long Lake Association Member for several years while living in the Chicago area as his family prepared to build a permanent residence on Long Lake. Brent’s 30+ year career has been focused primarily in sales and business development with high tech companies like Motorola, Tellabs, Cisco, etc. as well as several high tech start-up companies. Brent has served on the board for Big Brothers/Big Sisters in the Chicago suburbs, volunteered for Special Olympics and was a member/volunteer with the West Saddlebag Lake Association in Decatur, MI for over 20 years before coming to Long Lake. Brent has a BS from Michigan State University, a MS from the University of Michigan and a MBA from the University of Chicago. Brent and his wife Laurie and son Tyler have lived on Long Lake since March 2016.

LEN KLEIN | BOARD MEMBER | LAKE SCIENCE

Len and his wife Connie, a Traverse City native, have been seasonal lake residents since 1979 and full-time since 2005 on Mickey Lake where they both enjoy all aspects of lake living. A recently retired science and math educator, Len has taught at both the high school and college level. He has volunteered with Inland Seas Education Association since 2005 as a lead limnology instructor and crew member. Len believes that we must preserve the quality of the Long Lake Watershed for our use and the use of future generations. We can do this by understanding the lake’s ecosystem and using responsible lake management techniques.

DAVE PORATH | BOARD MEMBER | MEMBERSHIP & NOMINATING

Dave has been living on the lake since 2010 and purchased a home in Eastwood Shores in 2015. He and his wife Stephanie, along with their children and grandchildren, appreciate family time and many outdoor activities. Dave works in the financial services industry as a Senior Vice President for Baird Private Wealth Management. He has served on boards and worked in volunteer organizations previously and appreciates the efforts required. Most recently, Dave served two years as President of the Eastwood Shores Association.

PAT KESSEL | BOARD MEMBER | FISH & WILDLIFE

Pat Kessel, his wife Barb and their two daughters have enjoyed Long Lake for more 25 years and are committed to preservation of the lake’s natural resources for future generations. In 2023, they completed an extensive renovation of their south-end cottage and now enjoy it as their year-round home. An avid fisherman, Pat adheres to responsible fishing practices and is encouraged by LLA’s continued commitment to conservation. As Vice President of Finance and Operations at Interlochen Center for the Arts, Pat oversees utilization of 1,200 acres, including frontage on both Green and Duck Lakes and spearheaded the organization’s nationally recognized sustainability program.

CAM CORTEGGIANO | BOARD MEMBER | ISLAND MAINTENANCE

Cam was lucky enough to grow up on the south end of the lake and now resides on the north cove. He and his family have lived on Long Lake for over 35 years. Cam spends most of his free time boating or enjoying recreational activities on one of the islands with friends and family. He currently works in the automotive industry for Hagerty as Event Operations Manager.

KAREN BAKER | BOARD MEMBER  | LAKE SCIENCE

Karen is originally from Ohio but considers Michigan her home now. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University in Natural Resource Development and worked many years in material and environmental quality testing labs. Karen also worked in Information Technology after earning a degree in Information Systems from Kent State University. Karen actively serves on the boards of two non-profit organizations.
Karen and her husband, Dave, selected Long Lake for their permanent home after many years of visiting the Traverse City area. Karen finds the beauty and nature of Michigan inspiring. She loves plants, trees and wildlife and has created a welcoming and environmentally friendly habitat in her yard. Karen has a strong commitment to protecting the water quality of Long Lake and the aquatic habitat for fish and wildlife for everyone to enjoy for many years to come. Our water is a shared resource. The lake water testing and monitoring program conducted by the Long Lake Association helps us understand and manage this resource.

MARK WALKOWIAK | BOARD MEMBER  | WATER SAFETY & ROAD CLEAN UP

Sherry and I have resided on Long Lake since 1999 where we raised 3 children. I have served on the Board of the Long Lake Peninsula Association and served the community throughout this time. I am a graduate of Delta College, Michigan State University, and Central Michigan University. Early in my career, I served as Executive Director of two chapters of a National non-profit organization before moving to the business world.

OPEN SEAT | BOARD MEMBER | COMMUNICATIONS

We are currently looking to fill this position.  Please consider volunteering to fill the important role.

JANICE MOY | BOARD TREASURER | APPOINTED

OPEN | BOARD SECRETARY | APPOINTED