Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy
The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy has been a foundational force behind Elberta Commons from the very beginning. Through the generosity of GTRLC and its donors, the land that makes this project possible was purchased and protected — preserving the Lake Michigan shoreline for public enjoyment while making the developable portion available for community-centered growth. GTRLC's commitment ensures that the natural beauty surrounding Elberta Commons will remain conserved for generations to come.
Glen Chown
Executive Director
Glen is the founding Executive Director of the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. In this position he oversees the Conservancy’s efforts to protect scenic, natural and farm lands in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, and Manistee Counties. Since the Conservancy’s founding in 1991 by Rotary Charities, nearly 47,000 acres of land and over 150 miles of shoreline along the region’s scenic rivers, lakes and streams have been forever protected.
Scot Zimmerman
Chief Strategic Financial Officer
Scot grew up in Traverse City at the base of the Peninsula, attended “the” High School, and was privileged to be a member of three state championship sports teams. After graduating from Central Michigan University, Scot and his wife, Liz, who grew up in Leland, Michigan, moved to Manhattan, where he earned an MBA in Finance and worked in investment banking. Returning to the Traverse City area to live and raise a family became a 15-year journey the couple completed in 2001. Since then, Scot has worked for a number of financial institutions in community and regional leadership roles, owned a manufacturing company, and served on numerous community boards, like Grand Traverse Industries and Fishtown Preservation Society. Scot’s love for Northern Michigan, outdoor spaces and the water sparked him to join our organization as Chief Strategic Finance Officer.
Jennifer Jay
Director of Communications and Engagement
Growing up in Petoskey, Jennifer’s appreciation for our freshwater paradise started early and deepened after living for a time in the Arizona desert. Jennifer has a passion for connecting people to each other and to the environment in support of protecting and caring for our natural resources. Before joining the Conservancy team, Jennifer was the project manager for the Boardman River Dams Study. She previously served on the board of the Grand Traverse Conservation District and as a member of the Lower Boardman Leadership Team.
Chris Sullivan
Director of Land Protection
Born in Wisconsin, Chris first moved to Traverse City when he was four years old. He received a B.S. in Natural Resources from the University of Michigan, and has worked as a Research Assistant in limnology for the University of Michigan and with threatened/endangered salmon and trout stocks for the U.S. Forest Service in the Pacific Northwest. Chris moved back to Traverse City to join the Regional Land Conservancy in April 1999. After seven years as the Conservancy’s Director of Stewardship, Chris spent time as a Land Protection Specialist, and, as of 2018, serves as Land Protection Director.