Category Archives: Team Members

Ian is a dedicated educator, husband, and father. He was born and raised in Traverse City and is excited to be a part of any effort that helps position his community in a way that can better serve his students and their families.  Over the last 15 years, he has had the honor of teaching inContinue reading “Meet the Good Works Lab Team: Ian McGurn – Educator”

“Honestly, I’ve been (what I thought) was “rebelling” for as long as I can remember… always going against the grain and not confining to the limitations of narrow-mindedness. I’ve always loved pushing the limits because I quickly learned there is a lot of happiness outside those limits if you push in a positive direction, alignedContinue reading “Meet the Good Works Team: Organizational Strategy, Lexi Webster”

With a focus on leadership and employee development, Kathy uses the power of effective communication and healthy conflict resolution to maximize the potential of organizations and their greatest asset, their people. She has over 25 years of leadership and employee/labor relations experience, and has created and delivered numerous training sessions for businesses and non-profit organizations.Continue reading “Meet the Good Works Lab Team: Mediation and Mentorship, Kathy Grinsteiner”

Will is an up-and-coming youth leader in Traverse City. He is determined to help all young people thrive by helping to elevate their voice in matters that affect their lives. Will is a senior at Central High School and has lived in Traverse City for all of his life. He has a deep connection withContinue reading “Meet the Good Works Lab Team: Youth Engagement, Will Unger”

Nathan has worked at the forefront of the green infrastructure industry for 19 years. He has played critical roles in the design, development, sale, construction, and successful establishment of nearly 1000 green roofs across North America. He launched Inhabitect, LLC to serve as an independent and all-inclusive resource for designing, building, and growing living architecture,Continue reading “Meet the Good Works Lab Team: Green Infrastructure Policy, Nathan Griswold”

Jessie Williams is a Traverse City local with a deep love for her hometown and a desire to see it further grow in sustainable, equitable ways. Jessie is a member of the University of Michigan Law School’s Class of 2025, also graduating in 2022 from UM with bachelor’s degrees in Environmental Science (concentration in urbanContinue reading “Meet the Good Works Lab Team: Public Relations, Jessie Williams”

Christine Straley is Good Work Lab’s operations and project manager. She is a passionate soul, driven for excellence in her work and life. She has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare field as both a practitioner and administrator. She is organized, loves to build out a good workflow, and can see a problemContinue reading “Meet the Good Works Lab Team: Operations & Project Management, Christine Straley”

Caroline Kennedy is Good Works Lab’s Public Policy Specialist—including proven experience with building or rebuilding relationships and creating successful collaborations, as well as developing clear written policy on complex issues. Caroline is a state/local government relations geek and tenacious advocacy professional. She spent 10 years working on both partisan and non-partisan staff for the MichiganContinue reading “Meet the Good Works Lab Team: Public Policy, Caroline Kennedy”

Creating Happy through Creativity Since childhood, Heather has been a passionate maker and creator. She spent much of her career as Creative Director of Harrington Communications, a marketing and design firm she founded in 2004, serving a nationwide roster of clients. Heather left her agency to pursue her passion for painting as a fine artist.Continue reading “Meet the Good Works Lab Team: Artist, Heather Harrington”

Julie was born in Detroit but lovingly considers Traverse City her hometown. She is committed to doing meaningful work and advancing projects that improve quality of life opportunities and foster community. Julie earned both her B.A. and M.A. from The University of Michigan, where she developed her writing voice, critical thinking skills, and passion forContinue reading “Meet the Good Works Lab Team: Grant Writer, Julie Hay”