Team Orange — Board of Directors
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Jim Witte
President of the Board
Norte combines two of Jim's passions: community service and the pursuit of active, outdoor lifestyles. After a career in marketing, he's now trying to spend fewer hours in the office and more hours volunteering or playing outside.
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Sue Paul
Vice President
Sue and her husband, John, enjoy outdoor adventures with their four children and now extend that joy to include their five grandchildren. Sue is excited to join Norte at this time as we look to expand accessibility, equity, and inclusion in programming.
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Michelle Young, MD
Director
Norte has been an integral part of Michelle’s family since their move to Traverse City in 2019. Norte has motivated her family to explore and enjoy this amazing place they call home. With the Norte Board, Michelle looks forward to continuing Norte’s inspirational role for all in our community.
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Michael Tarnow
Director
Certified “Old Guy” bike rider - Nordic ski racer. Semi-retired. Love the concept of getting people on bikes. Enjoys being outdoors during all seasons.
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Susan Hibbard
Director
Susan and her family have connected with Norte summer programs as participants and coaches since 2019. A former Biotech Executive and local enthusiast, Susan is excited to contribute to sustaining and expanding the impact of Norte’s mission for kids and communities in our region.
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John Germaine
Director
John has had the pleasure of volunteering as a Norte bike mechanic since March 2021. A former Automotive Executive and current Consultant, John looks forward to serving on the board and enjoying the cycling and outdoor activities that make Northern Michigan a wonderful place to live.
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John Robert Williams
Director
John, life-long resident of Traverse City, has been a professional photographer for over 45 years. An avid, life-long cyclist, he co-founded Traverse Area Recreational Trails (TART) in 1986. John is married to Terrie Taylor D.O. and is the father of Evan and Colin Williams. John LOVES coaching off road cycling at NORTE and is a passionate cheerleader and advocate for the great quality of life Traverse City has to offer.
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Rachel Roe
Director
Rachel Roe has lived in Traverse City since 1996. Her day job is serving as Chief Legal Officer for Munson Healthcare. Biking is not just a hobby or means of transportation but a lifestyle for Rachel, her family, and friends (just look in her garage). Rachel and her husband John have 2 (now grown) kids, and as young parents quickly recognized the importance of outdoor physical activity for every child’s overall well being, especially in the age of 24/7 screens. Rachel is thrilled to be a part of Norte, and to participate in building happy, healthy, strong communities.
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Hunter Steinkamp
Director
Hunter Steinkamp thrives on enjoying all of the outdoor activities that our region has to offer, and is especially passionate about sharing those activities with youth. Hunter has been a Norte coach for 6 seasons, a former Norte staff member, and is excited to see Norte grow and prosper. When not on a bike, Hunter serves as the Executive Director of Crystal Community Ski Club and can often be found coaching skiing.
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Shannon Jordan
Director
By day, Shannon is a banker, but she tries to find balance outside of the office through community involvement. Cycling has been a lifelong passion of Shannon’s—whether as a means of transportation, a way to explore the outdoors, or a way to connect with friends and family. Shannon believes in the power of biking to help kids build confidence, stay active, and experience the freedom and joy that comes with riding. That's why she’s thrilled to serve as a board member of Norte.
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Evan OBranovic
Director
Evan OBranovic moved to Traverse City with his family 5 years ago by way of Aspen, Colorado. Living out west fostered a love for being active and outdoors. This love attracted him to Norte, and he is excited to support the organization as a beacon of championing bikes and community in Northern Michigan.
Our impact in the region is powered by the generosity of individuals, foundations, local businesses, and our partner organizations. Please join us as a Norte donor. Your gift helps create environments and opportunities for children in our region to thrive—on and off a bike.
Thank you for joining us on this important journey!