Six Rivers Land Conservancy in Rochester has elected Andrea LaFontaine to serve as board chair.
La Fontaine is the executive director of Michigan Trails & Greenways Alliance (MTGA). MTGA is a statewide nonprofit that serves as the voice for non-motorized trail users; helping people build, connect and promote trails for a healthier and more prosperous Michigan.
In addition to her outward facing work advancing Michigan’s nationally recognized trail systems, she recently led the merger of the Michigan Trails Fund into MTGA – the Fund develops private sector funding support for trail projects across Michigan.
“Protecting the natural areas, lands, and waters that support our way of life is key to our regional prosperity,” says LaFontaine. “I am passionate about the work we do at Six Rivers to preserve these spaces for the benefit of ourselves and future generations and I look forward to expanding the role of Six Rivers in supporting the vitality of our communities.”
LaFontaine succeeds Amy O’Leary as board chair. O’Leary is the executive director of Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), a regional organization representing governmental agencies throughout seven counties of Southeast Michigan.
During her tenure as board chair, O’Leary oversaw the expansion of Six Rivers to more than double its size, including budget, staffing and the portfolio of protected land. Other accomplishments during her tenure include creation of the SEMCOG GREEN Implementation Plan (Growing Resilience, Economy and Equity through Nature), a regional initiative developed by a task force including leaders from major business and industry; local, state and federal governments; and nonprofit and academic institutions. O’Leary will remain involved with Six Rivers Land Conservancy.
Before working with MTGA, LaFontaine spent two years in the executive division at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, acting as the SE Michigan policy advisor and assisting the Iron Belle Trail team. Prior to that she served for six years in the Michigan House of Representatives, representing District 32, covering portions of northern Macomb and St. Clair counties.
During her tenure in the legislature, she served on multiple policy committees and was appointed chairwoman of the House Natural Resource Committee for four years. She recently completed service as the Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government at Central Michigan University. As chair, LaFontaine taught two university courses and hosted community forums on topics related to Michigan government and policies.
She holds a Bachelor of Science and a master’s in public administration from Central Michigan University.
