GT Humanists Board

Scott Blair has been the President since 2018. He has represented our group and the humanist perspective in area publications, at local forums and in classrooms. He has a background in biology, is a retired wastewater treatment consultant, and a former manager of the Traverse City Wastewater Treatment Plant. Scott sails, skate skis, builds things, and always carries a sharp jackknife in his pocket (for peaceful purposes). He lives in the woods near Traverse City with his wife Suzette.

Mark Elliott is a retired cardiologist who practiced in Traverse City for almost 30 years. Mark enjoys bicycling, nature, and the beautiful waters of Grand Traverse Bay. He also loves music and is especially fond of hearing his wife, Heather, sing.

Heather Kingham is founder and director of TC Sings! Community Choir. Heather moved to Traverse City in 2008 from Portland, Oregon, where she was active in the Humanists of Greater Portland. Heather loves skate skiing during Michigan’s beautiful snowy winters, and bicycling all year round. She lives on Old Mission Peninsula with her husband Mark, three dogs, and a cat.

Sue McDonald is a former librarian with degrees from Michigan State, Wayne State, and Graceland University. She moved here from Kansas City, Missouri. Sue has three children and two grandchildren. She enjoys reading, walking, sailing, movies, and Traverse City!

Passionate about the arts and outdoors, Leigh Wietsma moved to Interlochen from her hometown of Grand Rapids in 2009. A self-described hydrophile, she’s happiest in, on, and around our waters, and has caught a dinner-plate-size bluegill in them. Recently retired from a 35-year career in marketing communications, Leigh has volunteered in support of Democrats, public radio, the arts, environmentalism, youth and the homeless. She is always up for biking, hiking and musical adventures.

Howard is a graduate of Michigan State University where he was also a varsity lacrosse letterman. While he has mellowed some, he has enjoyed adrenaline-type activities: jet skiing, motorcycle racing, piloting airplanes, skydiving, e-biking, scuba diving, motorcycles, and roller coasters. Professionally, Howard has spend about 35 years of his career involved in child nutrition programs–positions from school Director of Food Services to Regional Vice President. For nine years, he worked for the State of Michigan as the Supervisor of Child Nutrition Programs. He lives with his dog, Fred, in Traverse City.

Linnaea Melcarek is a grower and manager at her family’s wholesale greenhouse business, Florigen Greenhouses. She’s a former journalist at Interlochen Public Radio, and continues to produce regular content for IPR News. Linnaea is also a longtime volunteer at WNMC community radio, where she is currently the director of World music. She speaks Spanish and Turkish and has lived in both Spain and Turkey. Linnaea loves many outdoor activities, especially kayaking, hiking, running and biking. She’s always on the lookout for new adventures, big and small, and seeks to find the extraordinary in overlooked places.