Steering Team
Meet the people who help guide the Lake Superior Collaborative's direction and strategy.
The LSC Steering Team guides the current and future direction of the Collaborative by convening to share information, identify opportunities for collaboration, and providing direction, support, and guidance to the LSC coordinator. Steering Team members also assist in planning meetings, serve as liaisons to their respective organizations, and seek funding sources to carry out LSC goals.
Interested in learning more? Get in touch at catie.geib@wisc.edu.
Steering Team Members
Valerie Damstra
Val has over 20 years of experience in freshwater conservation across the Great Lakes region, including roles in nonprofits, academia, the private sector, and state government related to watershed protection and program management.
vdamstra@burkectr.org
Alex Faber
Alex has led the Superior Rivers Watershed Association since May 2020. With a background in small business management, she is passionate about building connections and supporting watershed stewardship in the Chequamegon Region.
alex@superiorrivers.org
MaryJo Gingras
MaryJo directs the Ashland County Land & Water Conservation Department. She has been passionate about water her entire life. Her commitment to a career in conservation and education in the Lake Superior Basin began in 2001. Her work includes promoting land and water stewardship through education, technical assistance, and innovative programs. Her work highlights include native plant projects, climate resiliency, and leadership development. Her passions, career, and hobbies continue to revolve around water and getting people outdoors!
maryjo.gingras@ashlandcountywi.govMitchell Baalman
Lacey Hill
Sara Hudson
Kyle Magyera
Kyle coordinates the Wisconsin Wetlands Association's Local Government Outreach Program and provides technical assistance on wetland protection, restoration, and management. He co-authored WWA's Land Use and Wetlands Publication Series and leads trainings for county, tribal, and municipal staff. Kyle holds dual Master's degrees in Urban and Regional Planning and Water Resources Management from UW–Madison.
kyle.magyera@wisconsinwetlands.org
Naomi Tillison
Matt Hudson
Matt has an extensive background in freshwater science and management spanning over twenty years across government, nonprofit, and academia. His current work focuses on understanding streams and lakes in the Chequamegon Bay region and facilitating restoration solutions with undergraduate students.
mhudson@burkectr.org
Katti Renik
Katti leads coldwater habitat restoration projects and secures funding for conservation efforts in northern Wisconsin's Lake Superior tributaries. She joined Trout Unlimited in January 2025 after serving as a Fisheries Research Scientist with the Wisconsin DNR.
kathryn.renik@tu.org
Todd Breiby
Todd manages habitat, wetland, and nonpoint programs and works on coastal resiliency initiatives. His work spans coastal resiliency, habitat restoration, watershed and beach health, water quality, and sustainable economic development.
todd.breiby@wisconsin.govMegan Sorensen
Cherie Hagen
LSC Coordination
Catie Geib
Catie coordinates the Lake Superior Collaborative (LSC) on behalf of UW–Madison Extension, managing programs, communications, and member engagement across Wisconsin's Lake Superior Basin.
catie.geib@wisc.eduConnect With the Collaborative
Have questions about the Lake Superior Collaborative (LSC) or want to get involved? We'd love to hear from you.
Program Coordinator
Catie Geib
Northern Great Lakes Visitor Center
29270 County Highway G, Ashland, WI 54806
715-820-1852
catie.geib@wisc.edu