Stories

Tamara Hoffbauer is the Executive Director of the Oliver Art Center in Frankfort.  The Art Center was originally opened in 1948 in a horse stable and has matured into its current location in the former Coast Guard Building in Frankfort.  The mission of the Art Center is to advance the arts in Benzie County and northwest Michigan.  

Jon Willow was named the Executive Director of the Benzie Area Chamber of Commerce in January 2026.  As the new Executive Director Jon is working on a Strategic Planning Initiative for the area and is developing a 3-year plan. 

Eric Moore is the Watershed Coordinator for lakes in both Benzie and Manistee counties and works for the Benzie Conservation District.  He is also a member of the Northwest Michigan Watershed Coalition.  

The purpose of his work centers around empowering communities to prioritize water quality in all decision-making processes in Northwest Michigan. 

Jan Stump, MSW, is the Peace Ranch Executive Director and has worked for over 40 years helping people with trauma and loss find recovery and hope, with the last 15 years focused on equine assisted experiential therapy. Peace Ranch clients include children who have experienced trauma, including foster and adoptive care, veterans with combat trauma, families and caregivers needing support. 

Brianna T. Scott is an attorney/entrepreneur in Muskegon, Michigan. Ms. Scott was elected in November 2018 to an eight-year term to the Michigan State University Board of Trustees, and is currently the Chair.  In 2014, Ms. Scott became the first person to serve as president of the Muskegon Rotary Club, and served as the Rotary International District 6290 Governor for 2024-25.

Dr. Mark Luttenton is a professor of Biology in the R.B. Annis Water Resources Institute, and is part of the Faculty of Grand Valley State University.  Dr. Luttenton has received the GVSU Alumni Association's Outstanding Educator Award, and has been nominated for the Michigan Distinguished Professor Award and the U.S Professors of the Year Award.

Steven Wade Veatch is a writer, historian, and Earth scientist whose work bridges deep time and the human story.  Through his writing, Veatch invites readers to see the world as a layered archive where nature, time, and human experience meet.  Steven is also a member of the Benzie Area Historical Society.

Darryl Patterson is an expert and educator in the field of Information Architecture, and is the current President of the Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Rotary Club and a Rotarian for over 20 years.

Kip Nickel is President Elect for the Rotary Club of Traverse Bay Sunrise and a member of the Global Service Team for Malawi.

Patrick Lamb is the Assistant Superintendent of Career & Technical Education and Community Outreach at Northwest Education Services Career Tech.   In 2025, Pat was awarded the 2025 ACTE Administrator of the Year. 

Jennifer Berkey is the District 3 Director and has worked for MSU Extension for 28 years, providing administrative oversight for six MSU Extension Offices in Northwest Lower Michigan; and links Benzie County residents to MSU Extension resourses and programs.  

In addition, every classroom space was outfitted with new chairs, desks/tables for both students and teachers.  All three elementary schools, the middle school, and the high school have benefitted from these efforts.  Technology enhancements were included to allow every student in the district to have a Chromebook for learning.  Thes technology enhancements have helped ensure students are learning in a 21st century classroom.

All told - this investment in Benzie County Central Schools (between bond dollars and sinking fund dollars) resulted in over $23 million dollars of enhancements to our schools, to our faculty and staff, and to our students.