The composition of the FRWC Board of Directors reflects the collaborative nature of the organization. Founded in 1997, the FRWC is an alliance between educational institutions, local government, local business, environmental groups, and concerned citizens who feel strongly that the Flint River and its tributaries are a vital resource we all need to protect from pollution.
The Board meets the third Friday of every month, with the exception of July and December. Board meetings are open to members of the FRWC. To attend an upcoming meeting, contact Edie Westhoff.
 Rebecca Fedewa, Executive Director. Rebecca became the Executive Director in January, 2008. With extensive non-profit experience in organizations dedicated to protecting and preserving freshwater ecosystems and watersheds, Rebecca brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to the FRWC. Rebecca is committed to growing the organization by empowering citizens to act as the voice of the Flint River in their own communities. rfedewa@flintriver.org |
 Amy McMillan, Board Vice Chair, Board Member. Director, Genesee County Parks and Recreation. Amy was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2008. As the Director of the Genesee County Parks and Recreation Commission, Amy is dedicated to providing all the residents of Genesee County with affordable, quality, recreational, and educational facilities. Overseeing the operations of Michigan largest county parks system, which includes 11,000 acres of water, woods and prairie, hiking trails and swimming beaches, BMX trails and quiet equestrian pathways, as well as Genesee County’s foremost tourist attraction, Crossroads Village and the Huckleberry Railroad, Amy brings invaluable management, recreation, and education expertise to the FRWC Board. amcmillan@gcparks.org |
 Derek Bradshaw, Board Treasurer. Director, Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission. |
 Darren Bagley, Secretary, Education Committee Chair. Genesee County 4H. Darren has been a driving force behind the FRWC since 1999. Formally the Natural Resources Extension Agent for MSU, Darren is now serving as the Extension Educator for the 4H program. Darren’s environmental expertise is put to great use as the FRWC’s Education Committee Chair, where he helps direct the implementation of our Genesee GREEN program. Darren’s board service, however, extends into virtually every aspect of the organization, serving on multiple committees and staffing many events for the organization. Bagleyda@msu.edu |
 Linda Berker, Board Member. Attorney. Linda is a founding member of the FRWC and currently heads up the organization’s policy committee. Linda owns her own law firm in Davison, where she specializes in Environmental and Real Property law. Linda also serves on the board of the Sierra Club Nepessing group, and has been a dedicated environmentalist her whole life.Lindaberker@yahoo.com |
 Duane Elling, Board Member. Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. Duane was appointed to the board in 2009. A communications officer at the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Duane has a wealth of experience in identifying, developing, and sharing information that can ultimately support positive change for families and communities. An avid volunteer supporter of the Genesee County community, Duane has participated in many events and activities for the FRWC, American Red Cross, and Genesee County Habitat for Humanity. Duane is excited to bring his communication expertise to help promote the FRWC and our programs and events. delling@mott.org |
 Brad Hill, Watershed Management Committee Chair,Water Monitoring Committee Chair. Brad is an environmental scientist educated and experienced in water quality monitoring, environmental regulation, water and wastewater treatment and watershed management, who has devoted his career to protecting the Flint River. He serves as the Chair of the Water Monitoring Committee and Watershed Management Committee and also serves on the Board of Directors of the Partnership for the Saginaw Bay Watershed and the Genesee Conservation District. bfhill@comcast.net |
 Olof Karlstrom, Past Board Chair. Attorney (retired). Olof joined the Board in 2000, and served as board chair of the organization from 2006 through 2007. Olof’s tenure ushered in a new era for the FRWC, including overseeing a tripling of the organization’s staff and budget, and the development of a new strategic plan. Olof has lived and worked in the Flint area for forty years, and has been a dedicated advocate for the area’s citizens and natural resources. Initially a Vice President of Mott Community College, Olof has practice law for the past 25 years, focusing on labor, municipal, zoning and environmental law. heronaoks@centurytel.net |
 Jim Ananich, Board Member. Michigan House of Representatives, 49th District. Jim was elected to the board in 2009. Born and raised in Flint, Michigan, Jim was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in Nov, 2010. Prior to that, Jim served as the President of the Flint City Council as well as with the Carrera Program with Priority Children. Jim is very active in the community and has put in many hours volunteering for several worthy causes. Jim brings a wealth of organizational and administration expertise to the FRWC, which he brings to bear on the organization’s strategic planning and governance committees. jananich@att.net |
 Jack Minore, Past Board Chair, Board Member, Chair of Governance Committee, member of the Steering Committee of the Friends of the Flint River Trail Chapter. Jack has been involved in the FRWC since 2001, with his recent tenure as Board Chair beginning in 2008, ending in 2011. Jack also has served as Interim Executive Director of the FRWC in 2005 and 2006 and was one of the founders of the Friends of the Flint River Trail Chapter. A cyclist, Jack also serves on the board of the Michigan Trails and Greenways Alliance. Jack brings a wealth of expertise to the FRWC, having served for six years in the Michigan House and 15 years as a Flint City Councilperson. An educator at heart, Jack taught school for over 30 years, most of it in the Flint School system. He also served for five years as the Executive Director of the Genesee County Bar Association, and has served on a number of local and state-side boards and commissions. Jacksonmin@aol.com |
 Dr. Robert McAllister. Kettering University . Bob joined the FRWC board in 2005. Known as Doc Mac to his students, Bob serves as an Associate Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Kettering University. He enjoys helping his students better understand Chemistry and how it relates to Engineering, and brings the same energy to the FRWC Board.rmcallis@kettering.edu |
| Brent Nickola, Immediate past Board Chair. University of Michigan-Flint. Brent has served on the FRWC Board of Directors since 2004. Formerly with the Center for Applied Environmental Reserch, Brent was instrumental in writing watershed management plans for Swartz Creek, Gilkey Creek, and the South Branch of the Flint River. Brent also helped lead the organization’s latest strategic planning efforts. As an avid fisherman on the Flint River, Brent works hard to help change the perception of our great river.bnickola@umflint.edu |
 Irene Bashore, Board Vice Chair. General Motors.Irene Bashore was appointed to the board in 2009. She works as an Environmental Engineer for General Motors who has built a long resume of community support activities over the years. As a board member of the FRWC, Irene brings experience in fundraising for groups such as Kiwanis and expertise in planning events and activities for various causes. She is a regular participant in project GREEN and Earth Day, along with many other FRWC programs. irene.bashore@gm.com |
 Greg Palinsky, Board Member. Greg Palinsky is a long time promoter of rivers and river recreation. Prior to joining the FRWC board, Greg was an active volunteer, helping with canoe and kayak trips, outfitting FRWC staff with boats and equipment, and volunteering for the Boats, Bikes, and Bricks triathlon. As a member of the Flushing Riverview Trail Committee, Greg has been instrumental in oversight, maintenance, and expansion of the Flushing Trail system as well as river clean-ups in the Flushing area. Greg is a pro staffer for Old Town & Necky Kayaks, as well as the owner of Palinsky Tools and Engineering in Flushing. In his spare time, Greg is a General Aviation Pilot. Since joining the board in 2011, Greg has taken the lead in revitalizing the Flint River Paddlers chapter of the FRWC. |
