The Glen Lake Association Board of Directors is thrilled to introduce Kate Gille as the organization’s first executive director.
The executive search task force conducted a rigorous process to find a superb candidate, and our board unanimously selected Kate for the position. Her combination of environmental advocacy, strategic communications, and nonprofit management experience will be instrumental as we continue to fulfill our mission amidst the increasing challenges facing the watershed. She’ll oversee the organization’s day-to-day activities, cultivate strong member relationships, and expand our community of supporters, all while driving fundraising, strategic planning, and more.
Keep an eye out in the coming months for opportunities to meet Kate and learn more about her vision for the future!
About Kate Gille
Kate holds a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Parks, Recreation, and Tourism from Michigan State University and will complete her Master of Science in Marketing from the University of Colorado Denver this year.
She began her career as a park ranger at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, stationed at the Dune Climb across from Glen Lake. She worked for both the Michigan State University Department of Forestry and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources before transitioning into nonprofit leadership roles in marketing and communications. Kate has since held a number of senior management positions, including Marketing and Communications Director at the Cincinnati Parks Foundation and Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications at a statewide nonprofit in Ohio.
As Marketing and Communications Director at the Cincinnati Parks Foundation, she advocated for 5,000 acres of parklands—10% of the city’s area—while helping raise $4 million annually. Additionally, she developed programs and initiatives earning the organization accolades such as the 2021 Governor’s Award from the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association and Governor Mike DeWine.
Beyond her professional roles, Kate is a dedicated advocate for community and environmental causes. She has served on the board of several nonprofit organizations, including Groundwork Ohio River Valley, Ohio Climbers Coalition, and as president of Cincinnati’s Pleasant Ridge Community Council. In 2022, Kate was honored with the Cincinnati Business Courier’s Forty Under 40 award and was one of Traverse Connect’s Northern Explorers in 2024.
Kate moved back to Northern Michigan from Cincinnati with her husband Adam and their two cats. When she’s not working, she enjoys rock climbing and pottery throwing, and she’s looking forward to trying her hand at sailing.
“I am honored to join this mission as executive director of the Glen Lake Association alongside such an exceptional team and dedicated volunteers. As a Michigan native and former area resident, I know how special these pristine waters are. It is a privilege to carry on the organization’s legacy of stewardship and enhance its efforts to protect this treasured watershed for generations to come. I look forward to meeting the GLA’s many supporters in the coming months and collaborating with you all for years to come.”
—Kate Gille
About the Executive Director Search
This extensive process began last September and was led by Jennifer St. Julian (chair), Ron Creten, Kris Fishman, and Dick O’Malley. The committee received over 60 applications for the position and dedicated over 350 volunteer hours to ensuring a thorough search and selection process. We extend our sincere gratitude to the many GLA members and friends who contributed their time and talents to this effort.
