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Institute Updates New Directors Join Institute Board

Deborah J. Rohe, a child care consultant and advocate of integrated land use planning, has joined the Institute's Board of Directors. A respected grass roots leader, Debbie served four years as a member of the Emmet County Board of Commissioners, where she chaired the Transportation and Finance committees. Before that, she was a member of the Bear Creek Township Planning Committee. She was part of the Urban Sprawl Alliance (USA), made up of citizens who opposed a new mega mall on the outskirts of Petoskey. She also is working with the Emmet County farm community to establish a transportation plan that would be less expensive and less damaging than a proposed four-lane highway bypass through Bear Creek and Resort townships. Debbie is a board member and secretary of Scenic Michigan, a statewide group that is working to reduce the visual clutter from highway billboards. She also is a member of the Bear Creek Historical Study Committee, and the Walloon Lake Land Preservation Committee. She was educated at Michigan State University, where she received a B.A. in Child Development and a M.A. in Child Development and Family Studies. Her professional accomplishments include establishing and directing the Children's Learning Center, a community day care facility in Petoskey, and serving as director of the Northern Michigan Hospitals' Child Development Center. She also developed the curriculum and workshops for Northern Michigan Hospitals' innovative "I Am Amazing!," a hands-on early childhood health program. Debbie lives in Petoskey with her husband, John Rohe, and their son, Karl.

Deborah J. Rohe

Dr. Preston V. Dilts Jr.of Frankfort, a retired physician, has joined the Board of Directors of Institute. Preston has a strong interest in environmental and land use issues, particularly in Benzie County, where he has spent summers since 1964. He brings to the Institute proven administrative skills and a record of public service that includes teaching at international medical schools through a program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State. A nationally recognized specialist in obstetrics and gynecology, Preston has served on the faculty at the medical schools of the University of Michigan, Northwestern University, the University of Kentucky, the University of North Dakota, the University of Tennessee, and the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Preston was born in Missouri, and graduated from Washington University and Northwestern University Medical School. He belongs to the Frankfort Rotary Club, and is a member of the vestry of St. Philip's Episcopal Church of Benzie County. He is married to Mary Dilts, an artist. They have two daughters, Nancy Dilts and Catherine Carter, and a son, David Dilts.

Dr. Preston V. Dilts Jr.

Institute Names Publications Coordinator

LeClair Harper Stoltmann, a journalist, photographer, designer, and communications specialist, has joined the Institute as Publications Coordinator. Lee is managing the design and production of the Great Lakes Bulletin, as well as reports, brochures, factsheets, posters, and other illustrated materials. "We are fortunate to have found a person with Lee's skills, experience, and interests," said executive director Keith Schneider. "The Institute is assembling a talented staff to carry out our crucial work, and to serve our members and supporters. It is wonderful to have Lee aboard." Lee earned a B.S. in English from East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C. This spring she will receive from that university a M.A. in Professional and Technical Communication. Before joining the Institute, Lee was a staff writer and photographer for the Benzie County Record Patriot. Her career also has included teaching English Composition at East Carolina University. Lee serves on the board of directors of the Northwest Michigan Maritime Museum, based in Benzonia. She lives in Honor with her husband, Tom Stoltmann.

LeClair Harper Stoltmann