2022 – 2023

Sara Thomas – President

Sara lives in Oceola Township., Howell. She received a B.A. degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology from Michigan State; has received the Conservation Medal from the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the Green Tree Award from the Huron Valley Girt Scout Council, is a member of the Brighton Women’s Roll of Honor, and was nominated for the City of Brighton’s Volunteer of the Year for the Miller School program, “Environmental Awareness Month”. She is one of the founding members of the Livingston Land Conservancy when it was formed in the mid-1990s and has served as the land acquisition chair for many years, helping to secure the majority of the 650 acres currently under protection. She fondly remembers childhood days visiting her grandparents’ farm in Gregory, loves being outdoors honing her naturalist skills, and working on the restoration of her small prairie.

Rob Stanford – Vice President

Rob lives in Williamston, Michigan. He received an A.A.S. in Architectural Technology from Lansing Community College, a B.S. in Geography and Economic Development from Northwest Missouri State University, and a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from Michigan State University. He has been
employed in both the private as well as public planning sectors, and has recently completed 20 years of
employment as a Principal Planner with the Livingston County Planning Department. He serves as Vice-
Chair for the Williamstown Township Planning Commission. He has served on the Michigan State Board
of Professional Surveyors. He has one daughter studying nursing at Michigan State University. He enjoys
spending time with his family and their three dogs, as well as outdoor camping and sailing.

Gary Edwards – Treasurer

Gary lives in Tyrone Township, Fenton. He obtained a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering at GMI (Kettering) and an M.B.A. in Operations Research at the University of Michigan. He retired in 2008 from GM as Director of Advanced Vehicle Development. Gary has taken the course work in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) for Homes as well as the Green Realtor course through the National Association of Realtors. He is a part-time realtor at Crystal Mountain Resort and also serves on two homeowners associations at the resort. In his spare time, Gary enjoys water and snow skiing, tennis and exploring nature.

Bill Fountain – Secretary

Bill lives in Hartland Township, Hartland. Bill attended Central Michigan University, transferred to Michigan State University, and graduated with a degree in Turfgrass Management. He is currently the Operating Partner of The Majestic Golf Course in Hartland which he constructed in 1993. Following work on the Hartland Twp. Planning Commission he became a Township Trustee in 2004. He was appointed by the Twp. Board as Hartland Supervisor in 2007 and continues to hold that position today. He is currently President of the MI Golf Course Owners Association and is a 20+ year member of the Highland United Methodist Church. He truly appreciates the importance of ecosystems in the area for native vegetation and wildlife to flourish. Living on Round Lake, he believes that our water is truly “Ours to Protect”.

Dr. Katie LaCommare – Trustee

Katie lives in the City of Howell. She received a B.S. in Anthropology/Zoology from the University of Michigan; a M.S. in Natural Resource Management from Purdue University; and a PhD in Environmental Biology from the University of Massachusetts. She is a lecturer at University of Michigan-Dearborn where she teaches in the biology and environmental science programs.  She is also the environmental science program advisor.  Prior to teaching, she has worked in a variety of conservation programming positions. When she isn’t working, she is spending time with her family and dogs.  She has two daughters, a sophomore at Howell High School and a freshman studying horn performance at Michigan State University.