IAF Advisory Board

IAF's Advisory Board is made up of former diplomats & military leaders, educators & business executives, Peace Corps volunteers, academics, and community leaders. The members of our board are thought leaders who have made a significant contribution to our society. Each brings a unique set of skills and expertise to our efforts, in service to the community.

Emeritus Members
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Phil Cochran*
Ted Curran*
Vice Admiral John P. Currier*
Bob Giles*
Dick Grout*
Paula Leinbach*
Lynne Luciani
Helen Milliken*
Richard Murray*
Stan Otto*
Karen Puschel Segal
Jack Segal*
Ulrich Strauss*
Phil Thomas
Harry Veeder*

*deceased

Education Advisory Council
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Amjad Khan, Ph.D
Brian McCall
John Zachman, Ph.D
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Mike Lehnert is the co-chair of the International Affairs Forum. He retired from the Marine Corps as a Major General after 37 years of service in 2010. From 2010-2012, he was the senior adviser to the Commissioner for Customs and Border Protection. Until 2017, he served as the National Vice Chairman of Student Veterans of America. He serves as the National Chair of the Advisory Board for the Endangered Species Coalition indulging his passion for the environment. In 2010 he was honored with the Peacemaker award by the National Conflict Resolution Center for his work defending human rights at the Guantanamo Detention Facility where his experience was documented in Karen Greenberg’s book, “The Least Worst Place.” He and his wife Denise are delighted to be part of this vibrant community.
Otto

Stan Otto  (1949-2026) served as the co-chair of the International Affairs Forum. He was a senior diplomat in the State Department with 40 years expertise in promoting international cooperation and understanding, including policy planning, negotiating and management in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa.  He has intimate knowledge of the government, economy, culture and languages in Germany, France and Japan.  Prior to the Foreign Service, he was a Fulbright lecturer in Taiwan and taught at universities in Iran and Egypt.  He also served in the Peace Corps in Morocco and Cameroon.  His avocations included music and the arts, and he sings baritone in the local Shoreliners Quartet.

Christa Abdul-Karim, Ph.D. a former NMC student, received a BA in cultural anthropology from Grand Valley State University and a MA and PhD in cultural anthropology from Washington State University with a focus on Public Health and International Development. She taught anthropology for Washington State University and University of Idaho. Now a program manager at NMC Extended Education & Training, she manages the global certificate program and leads international educational trips for adult learners. Her international experiences are quite varied having traveled abroad for the first time when she was 13 to what was then the USSR. Since then she has had the opportunity to live in multiple locations outside the U.S., including Cape Town, with a group of hunter/gatherers in a rainforest in Cameroon, and in a tent in rural Zambia for a year. In total, she has been to 78 countries, many on solo trips and now with her daughter.
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Jim Bensley served as the interim director of the International Affairs Forum at Northwestern Michigan College (NMC) from Feb. 2021 to June 2023. He is currently director of International Services and Service Learning at NMC, responsible for international connections between the college and organizations around the world including study abroad and the NMC Global Endorsement program, one of the first in the nation. Jim serves on the Senior International Officer Board for Community Colleges for International Development and on the executive board for the Midwest Institute for International/Intercultural Education. Jim also chairs the Michigan Community College Association Community of Practice for Internationalization. He is a faculty member in the NMC Department of Humanities.
Fisher

Alexander Evans, Ph.D.  is a Professor in Practice at the London School of Economics. He is a former advisor to the British Prime Minister, Strategy Director at the Cabinet Office and Cyber Director in the Foreign Office. A career diplomat, he has been Deputy and Acting High Commissioner to India and (briefly) Pakistan, led a U.N. Security Council expert group, and was a senior advisor in the U.S. Department of State.

Fisher
Steve Fisher is Executive Director of Monterey Investment Management in San Francisco. Earlier in his career Steve was President of a Division of A.T. Kearney with responsibility for a global business with offices in 23 countries. He lived in Asia for 15 years and moved back to Leelanau County in 2012. Steve was a Trustee of the Institute of International Education, the administrator of the Fulbright Fellowship program for six years. He served as President of the American Club of Hong Kong in 1997, the year of Hong Kong’s return to China. Steve was a member of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong and Shanghai.
Fisher
T. Lindsey Haskin is a passionate explorer and student of life. His love for learning, research, nature, flying, photography, music, people, cultures and adventure are essential elements to his work. He received his undergraduate education at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and University of California at Berkeley. His production career began in Los Angeles with the Steve Allen organization. Then he worked as the director of business and development and as a writer/producer with Venture Films, Inc. in Denver, Colorado. He returned to California and formed CineGroup, an independent production company. Since then he has written, produced and directed over 400 productions that include documentary films, educational films, television commercials and industrial films. Lindsey’s camera work has appeared on ABC Primetime Live, CBS 48 Hours, ABC World News and other venues. He wrote, produced and directed the 2-hour documentary history of the Great Lakes Region, Freshwater Seas, which aired on public television stations in the United States and Canada. In 2020, Lindsey formed SkyhoundMedia, Inc. In our increasingly tech driven world, it’s easy to overlook how our prosperity, health and happiness depend upon nature and the diverse cultures of the world. SkyhoundMedia, Inc. was formed to explore those links through engaging, entertaining, thought-provoking and visually stunning non-fiction television programs, documentary films, and other digital media.
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Gary Howe is the Director of Marketing and Communications for Traverse City Horse Shows, one of North America’s premier show jumping destinations. He brings more than two decades of experience in photojournalism, communications, and public engagement, including work and study in China and leadership in civic affairs across Northern Michigan.

A former elected official in Traverse City, Gary is interested in local–global connections, community development, and fostering informed public discourse on international issues shaping the region. He is also a Northwestern Michigan College alumnus and former adjunct professor of World Regional Geography in NMC’s Social Science Department.
Ed Ketterer, a man wearing glasses and a plaid shirt smiles for the camera
Ed Ketterer completed a 43 year career as an Intellectual Property Attorney in 2011. Leading IP departments for both Whirlpool and Steelcase Corporations, he was responsible for development of strategies to protect and utilize patents, trademarks, copyrights and licensing of IP for domestic and international divisions of the respective companies. Ed has served as a mentor for SCORE in Traverse City since 2011, serving as the chair of the chapter for 2 years. He has been involved with environmental organizations for the past 50 years including leading the Grand Mere Association in SW MI (preserving lands that became Grand Mere State Park) and served on the Board for the Leelanau Conservancy for 9 years. Ed is an avid traveler and amateur radio operator.
Linda Ketterer, a woman wearing glasses and earrings smiles for the camera
Linda Ketterer retired in 2015 from a 26 year career teaching communication, leadership & management, and human relations skills for companies and to individuals. She served as a volunteer for SCORE (mentoring small businesses) as a Mentor and Chapter Administrator for the Traverse City Chapter of SCORE for 12 years. She also served on the Campaign Board for the United Way in Grand Rapids for 15 years as the Training Director and volunteered her time annually to train Loaned Executives, United Way Staff, and Speakers Bureau participants. Prior to 1989, Linda worked for the Whirlpool Corporation for 13 years leading various departments tasked with insuring quality of both domestic and internationally produced products. Linda’s non-work passions include travel, cooking, and outdoor activities.
Linda Ketterer, a woman wearing glasses and earrings smiles for the camera

Angie Morgan  served as a United States Marine Corps officer. When she left active duty, she discovered that how the term “leader” is used in the military and private sector were very different. In the Marines, leadership was a verb. In the private sector, it was a noun. This inspired her to create a consulting firm to help business professionals build their leadership skills to manage themselves, their teams, and their business. She’s worked inside some of the world’s best organizations to inspire greater leadership – Facebook, Google, ESPN, and First American.  Angie is a NY Times Best-Selling author of SPARK, Bet on You, and Leading from the Front. She’s host to “The Actual” podcast. When she’s not keynote speaking or engaged in her executive coaching business, she’s running the Vasa Trails in Northern Michigan. Learn more about Angie here . 

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Verne Powell is President of Great Lakes International Trading based in Traverse City which he and his brother George started together in 1983 after working in the produce industry for several years. Verne is passionate for the industry, and has especially enjoyed his travels abroad to become closely acquainted with growers, farms, and overseas facilities. Verne’s closest ties are in Turkey, where GLIT grows its sun dried Turkish fruits and pine nuts. He also specializes in finding new and unique produce items. Before entering produce, Verne graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Business. He is an avid fly-fisherman and particularly loves to tie his own flies to tempt the fish. He also enjoys tennis, sailing on Torch Lake, and a glass of red wine. He is a recent former President of The Economic Club of Traverse City.
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Jennifer Read Donahue has spent her career helping people work together to address Great Lakes and water resource challenges across state/provincial, Indigenous/First Nations and U.S./Canada borders. Her experience includes water quality, water quantity, and the management of shared natural resources, such as the Great Lakes fishery. Jen is recognized for advancing collaborative science—bringing together researchers, communities, and decision-makers to address complex environmental issues, such as restoring Nmé (Lake Sturgeon) spawning habitat, understanding U.S. and Canadian urban and agricultural phosphorus pollution, developing Michigan’s first statewide assessment of water affordability, and supporting Manoomin (wild rice) care and stewardship. Her leadership roles have included Assistant Director and Research Coordinator at Michigan Sea Grant (2001–2012), Executive Director of the Great Lakes Observing System (2008–2014), and Director of the University of Michigan Water Center (2014–2026). 

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Debbie Rough  served on the IAF Advisory Board for many years leading the strategic planning process and chairing the IAF China Conference. Debbie was an executive in General Motors and held leadership roles in the Asia Pacific region residing in Australia, Japan and Korea. Her domestic career included leadership roles in manufacturing operations, engineering and internal start ups. She has been an active community leader and volunteer, past vice chair of the Old Mission Women's Club, past chair of the Peninsula Township Parks Commission and past chair of The Father Fred Foundation Board. She currently serves as a member of the St. Joseph Parish Pastoral Council and the Economic Club of Traverse City and volunteers for the TC Philharmonic. Debbie has added local artist to her resume and more

importantly the treasured role of grandmother. She is actively engaged with Afghan refugee

families here in Traverse City. Debbie enjoys learning about other cultures through travel and

hiking. She and her husband winter in Florida.

Dave Summers is chair of the International Affairs Forum Development Committee. He received a BS from Ball State University and MBA from Butler University, followed by four years as a Marine Corps officer, attaining the rank of Captain. He spent 30 years with AT&T, both in the US and Europe, retiring in 2000 in Copenhagen. He moved to London and worked for several private equity firms, leading investments in telecoms, media and technology. He was board director and/or chairman of more than 20 US and EU based companies. In 2016, following 20 years in Europe and obtaining dual US/UK citizenship, he, his wife and two children moved to Glen Arbor and to Traverse City in 2018.

Dave has served as Traverse City SCORE Chair, 20Fathoms Mentor, and on the Board of Northern Michigan Angels. His hobbies include all things outdoors, especially Nordic and Alpine skiing, fly fishing, cycling, kayaking and hiking. 

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Lisa vonReichbauer  is a seasoned professional with a distinguished career in international education and higher education enrollment services. Currently serving as the Director of Admissions at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City, Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the field. Her extensive background spans over two decades, during which she served as a faculty member in the English Language Institute at Central Michigan University, coordinated the West Michigan English Language Institute at Ferris State University, and served as both the Assistant Director and Acting Executive Director of the Office of International Education at Ferris State. In her administrative roles, Lisa closely collaborated with members of the International Affairs Forum in Traverse City and the World Affairs Council of Western Michigan in Grand Rapids.  Throughout her career, Lisa has demonstrated a passion for fostering global perspectives and cultural understanding. Her dedication to advancing international education has been a driving force behind her accomplishments. With a keen understanding of the complexities of international and higher education, Lisa has exhibited leadership, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. With her extensive experience, she is poised to make valuable contributions to the growth and success of the International Affairs Forum. Lisa lives with her husband in Suttons Bay. They enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren and boating on the Great Lakes. 

Fisher

Kenneth E. Warner is an economist who served on the faculty of the University of Michigan School of Public Health for 45 years before retiring in 2017 as the Avedis Donabedian Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of Public Health and Dean Emeritus. For over four decades his research has focused on tobacco policy. Dr. Warner was the World Bank’s representative to negotiations on the FrameworkConvention on Tobacco Control, the world’s first global health treaty. He served as the Senior Scientific Editor of the 25th anniversary Surgeon General’s report. From 2019-2023 he was a member of the Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee of the US Food and Drug Administration. In addition to serving on the IAF board, he is a member of the Board of Trustees of Northwestern Michigan College and a member of the Traverse City Economic Club.

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Mark Wilson, MPA, is an audiovisual producer and owner of New Leonard Media in Traverse City. He's a devoted husband and father. As an enrolled citizen of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa & Chippewa Indians, Mark’s contributions include roles as Vice-Chair of the Tribal Council (2014-2022), board member for GTB EDC, Chairman of the Natural Resources & Environmental Committee, and trustee for the Great Lakes Fishery Trust. Mark engages in international research and water protection, collaborating with indigenous nations from Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. His involvement in local governance continues as a City Commissioner in Traverse City, and he serves on the board of directors for Grand Traverse Economic Development. A proud member of IAF, Mark’s diverse roles and academic background exemplify his lifelong dedication to community and indigenous causes.