Norte Youth Cycling

Team Orange — Board of Directors

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Anthony Rupard

    Secretary
    Norte is very dear to Anthony. He finds joy in seeing the energy and happiness repeatedly in the eyes and through the smiles of young people taking off from the Civic Center to explore their community.

  • Marshall Collins

    Director
    Marshall Collins is the Regional School Health and DEIB Coordinator for Northwest Education Services. He is also the rec director for Traverse Bay Area Youth Soccer.

  • Michelle Young, MD, Norte Board of Directors

    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.

  • Mike Tarnow, Norte Board of Directors

    Mike 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.

  • Warren Wahl, Norte Board of Directors

    Warren Wahl

    Director
    Warren is born and raised in Northern Michigan. He is an avid tri, road, and mountain biker. Warren is excited to grow youth biking and education in the local community.

  • Susan Hibbard

    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.

  • 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.

  • John Robert Williams

    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.

Norte’s Founders

Ty and Johanna Schmidt founded Norte Youth Cycling in 2014 because they knew that bicycles held the power to transform individuals and entire communities. Bicycles promote independence, freedom, confidence, and community connections. Happy, healthy, strong communities are created one ride and one rider at a time. We thank our founders for sharing their vision and energy with northern Michigan.