School of Planning, Design and Construction

INTRODUCTION

The Landscape Architecture Alumni Advisory Board has five fresh faces and ever-increasing effectiveness, enthusiasm, and diversity. Our members represent national, regional, and local private practices, government service and academia and include people who took less traditional paths including leadership positions in state and federal government, nonprofits, conservation organizations and educational institutions. Our Board also includes emerging professionals, graduates of other institutions and a student representative.

OUTGOING MEMBERS

Several Board member’s terms have expired. We thank these Board members for their dedicated leadership and services and for setting up the board for continued success. The Board, Students and Program appreciate their service and look forward to their continued support and engagement.

Cheryl Zuellig, BLA
Cheryl is past president. Under her leadership as president 2021-2023 the board operated remotely through the pandemic and updated operating documents, policies, and procedures.

Joe James, LAAAB Student Support Chair, BLA MSU 2000
President of Eponymous Practice | Bristol, Rhode Island

Recipient of the Landscape Architecture Foundation’s Fellowship for Leadership and Innovation. Under Joe’s leadership and expanded membership, the Student Support Committee was reinvigorated. The committee organized professional lectures, student critiques, coordination the Student ASLA Club and developing a roster of Alumni who are interested in getting involved.

Josh Seyfried, LAAAB Event Chair, BLA MSU 2009
Founder, Studio Seyfried | Seattle, WA

Josh has led the event committee for years including finding speakers for the LAAAB sponsored annual lecture series and leading the planning for our successful 125th Event. In Spring of 2024, Josh accompanied Students on the study overseas in Portugal.

Scott Reinhold, BLA MSU
Sales Director at Landscape Forms

President of the Michigan ASLA Professional chapter, Scott has served the Board in multiple positions, most recently as chair of the Nominating Committee. Thank you, Scott, for putting forth a strong slate of new candidates for the board.

Christy Summers, BLA MSU 1993
Partner at Beckett & Raeder, Inc.

Christy has served on multiple committees on the LAAAB Board. Thank you, Christy.

NEW BOARD MEMBERS

We are excited to welcome five new enthusiastic Alumni to the Board including Jon Doherty, Alex Fenech, Lori Singleton, and Stacy Tobar. Learn more about their experience and why they joined the Board.

Jon Doherty, BLA MSU 2013 Jon is a Kimley-Horn Project Manager and Landscape Architecture Consultant. Jon prides himself on listening to clients, adapting design to site challenges, and leading a coordinated process with other members of the team, Jon has a diverse group of client types that  include: Local & State Governments, Local Community Improvement Districts (CID’s), Higher Education Institutes (Georgia State University, Georgia Tech University, Emory University, Kennesaw State University, etc.), Regional Healthcare Systems, The Atlanta Braves Development Company, architects (local, regional & national firms), and lastly private developers (Local, Regional & National) spanning multifamily, office, hospitality, commercial retail, mix-use and entertainment project types. Jon has applied his aptitude for landscape architectural design, project management, and robust technical acumen to projects not only in and around his home of Atlanta, Georgia, but throughout the Southeast and the country. Jon has served multiple positions at both the local office and regional levels. That includes scheduling and finding CEU presentations & reps and chairing multiple positions for Landscape Architecture advancement in the Southeast region including technology, marketing, recruiting and summits. 

Why I Joined the Board
Personally, I would love to share my knowledge, professional experience, and thoughts on the future of the LA profession to the MSU LA program. All in efforts to continue to strengthen and grow the program as well as provide mentorship to the students. I feel my years of experience managing projects, people, and serving on committees will allow me to be effective in serving the While at MSU I served as Vice President of the MSU LA Club as well as MSU student rep and member for the MI ASLA board. I have attended career training segments spanning multiple days sponsored by my firm which cover a range of topics like leadership, professional development, and presentation skills.

Alex Fenech, BLA MSU 2011
Alex is the managing principal of Hitchcock Design Groups Fort Lauderdale Florida Office. He has a varied portfolio including municipal, private, and federal agency clients. Project types include community master planning, domestic and international hospitality and resort, mixed-use development, urban infill and Air Force recreational facilities and Sports venues. Alex is active in professional organizations including American Society of Landscape Architects, Florida Chapter Member Trustee (present),  President 2020-2021,  Member-at-Large for Education and Research (2018-2019), Broward Section Chair (2016-2018), Urban Land Institute, Florida Chapter Member, He has spoken at three ASLA National Conferences and lectures at University of Florida and Florida International University

Why I Joined the Board
My goal is to make an immediate impact. I have been longing for the opportunity to give back to my alma mater and the program for years. I have a passion for mentorship and development of the next generation of Landscape Architects. My goal is to engage with alumni and students directly.  I have held volunteer positions that not only provided me the opportunity to lead and run an organization or volunteer group, but also develop an insight into the university (landscape architecture) programs and understand the output, student needs, and opportunities to set the students up for success.  Helping LAAAB and the program get to the next level and achieve the aspirations in which Dr. Kim and the Board have will serve as my motivation. If I can be a small part of the success of the LAABs mission, the Program’s growth, and impact all of the students I come in contact with along the way, It will be a win and an honor.

Lori Singleton, BSLA MSU 1998
Lori is Vice President, Design Director, Landscape Architect at SmithGroup, Ann Arbor, MI.  She has spent the last two decades working with clients to develop vital community places. With extensive experience in higher education, public open spaces, downtown environments, and natural system corridors, she fosters consensus-based solutions that address the spectrum of issues impacting outdoor space. She finds meaningful solutions within a project’s constraints and seeks to build public pride through places that are true to their local culture and context. She works from conceptualization through construction, implementing LEED and sustainable design measures, permitting requirements, maintenance and longevity considerations, and contextual meaning into each of her designs as integral components. Lori has been a Guest Lecturer at Michigan State University and University of Michigan School of Natural Resources and Environment and has spoken at several ASLA National Conferences, UM/ULI Forum, ASCE, and National Trails Symposium.

Why I Joined the Board
I am passionate about developing the next generation of design leaders in landscape architecture. I fully embrace my role in talent development, mentoring emerging designers and supporting a culture that empowers each professional to meet their full potential and share their voice. The challenges we face today, and the pursuit of climate action requires deeply integrated design, and I work to instill this value in the design process in both the projects that I lead, the messages I share in public speaking, and the initiatives I drive in my professional roles. Leaders in the profession are needed to ensure equitable, climate resilient places that foster wonder, beauty, and connectedness. I believe the future leaders in landscape architecture will need more than technical skills and a creative process. Skills in communication, empathy, authentic engagement must complement these skills, and undergraduate and graduate education has the potential to build the foundation for these skills and establish their value in successfully executing impactful work. As a member of the LAAAB, I believe I can effectively contribute to how landscape architects can foster and leverage interdisciplinary thinking, and how cutting-edge tools, and innovative responses to emerging trends can expand collaboration and maximize the power of design solutions.

Stacey Tobar, BLA MSU 1995, Masters of Urban Planning Wayne State University 2001
Stacy is the Director of Landscape Architecture at Hamilton Anderson. Stacey has a comprehensive understanding of site design molded by her diverse project experience which includes design of urban parks and plazas, downtown streetscapes, upper education and corporate campuses, and multi-acre parks; as well as developing placemaking and wayfinding strategies. Utilizing her background in landscape architecture and urban design, Stacey recognizes the importance of creating contextual site-specific connections through design that reflect the local heritage while achieving project goals. Considerations for maintenance and longevity of materials assure projects are fiscally responsible and support operational goals and environmental priorities. Stacey is an engaging designer and thoughtful collaborator. Her strengths include quick idea-generating drawings, collaborative design across curriculums, and keen on-site solution seeking. Stacey is passionate about people and their outdoor environment. Stacy is active in American Society of Landscape Architects Michigan Chapter Board Member, Vice President of Marketing, The Michigan Downtowns Association, Associate Board Member, and CEW Detroit 

Why I Joined the Board
My experiences are vast in the realm of landscape architecture and vary in perspectives and roles.  I want to leverage my network to encourage and educate prospects of the LA profession. I have participated in career discussions at various high schools and discovered how unaware students are of the profession. How can MSU be a leader and supporter of this? Carrying this aspect of connections to the current students at MSU, by connecting them with future employers. Additionally, seeking like-minded mentors with real-life experiences is likely to produce a stronger designer with technical understanding making them more valuable in their career. I have fond memories as a student and continue to learn the craft of landscape architecture. I am hopeful that by participating as a board member, I will gain peer mentorship opportunities for we are all learning new things each day.

Hillary Hanzel, BLA MSU 2008, MLA UM 2017
Hillary works for the City of Ann Arbor as a Park Planner and Landscape Architect. She brings private and public sector experience to the board. In her present senior level position involves planning and managing capital projects for the Ann Arbor park system. She Perform long range master planning for the park system including updating the 5-year Park and Recreation Open Space Master Plan. N her role she provides design and planning oversight on a range of park projects and is Responsible for all aspects of project management including procurement, managing consultants, contractors, budgets, and construction. Other activities include Managing, applying for and administering grants. Leading significant community engagement including public meetings, focus groups, surveys, and presenting to boards & commissions, Coordinating with and maintain partnerships with other City departments and regional public entities including Washtenaw County Parks.

Why I Joined the Board
When I was a young professional working at SmithGroup, I saw some disparity in the quality of student portfolios that were submitted from MSU compared to other schools.  I volunteered to do a portfolio workshop where I presented examples of portfolios and reviewed student’s current portfolios.  It was really rewarding to help the students and I even connected one of them with an internship opportunity.  I enjoyed the opportunity to support the students and give back to the program.  

Because I have worked in both the private and public sectors, I am able to discuss both career paths and sometimes students are more open to hearing about the public sector from someone who has had experience with both. I was really inspired when I attended the 125th Laanniversary and enjoyed meeting the students and seeing their work.  It reminded me how important it is to stay connected to the program and support the students both in school and as they launch their careers.  I am interested in sharing my experience working in the public sector as an alternative to the private sector.  I am also interested in supporting women as they navigate their landscape architecture careers. 

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Sandra Otto Fischer, FASLA, Board President, BLA MSU 1976, MA MSU 1979
Advisor to Fischer Bouma Partnership | Bainbridge Island, Washington

Sandy is a Board Member of Pacific Horticulture. She serves as Adjunct Faculty at UW College in Built Environment, Landscape Architecture. Sandy collected over 100 examples of Alumni work for display at 125th and to serve as resource for students.  

Tim Britain, Vice President, BLA MSU 1990
President and Founding partner of VIRIDIS Design Group | Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, Michigan

Past President, MASLA, Tim is a coach and serves on multiple Boards. Tim will be facilitating the panel for the Fall 2024 LAAAB Speaker Series focused on climate change and planning and design projects on the Grand River.

Vicki McGhee, Treasurer, BLA MSU 1982
Planning & Infrastructure Section Chief for Parks and Recreation Division, Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Vicky is a coordinator of the 11th year of the partnership between MSU's School of Planning Design and Construction and the Michigan DNR, providing students with real project challenges.

Katy Hallgren, Secretary, BLA OSU 2005
Northgate Resorts, Director of Planning, Architecture and Design | Grand Rapids, Michigan

Katy has been active in ULI including ULI SE Florida/Caribbean Women’s Leadership Initiative Committee, Co-chair, 2017-2018. Katy serves on the Executive Committee, Chairs the Communication Committee and participates in Nominating Committee has improved board record keeping systems and created social media posts.

CONTINUING BOARD MEMBERS

Mike Myers, BLA MSU 2000
KEITH, Vice President of Landscape Architecture | Fort Lauderdale, FL, and MI

Mike joined the Board in July 2023. He has been active in the Student Support Committee and will be the co-chair of this committee in 2025 with Charles Cross.

Charles Cross, ASLA, BS WMU 1991, BLA/MUP CCNY
Director, Detroit Collaborative Design Center | Detroit, MI

Charlies is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture & Community Development (SACD) and faculty advisor to the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students (NOMAS). He is also an Advisor to students in the Master of Community Development (MCD) program. Charles is a 2018 Fulbright-Hays Fellow, and serves on multiple committees, boards, and advisory councils. Charles joined the Board in July 2023. He has been active on the Student Support Committee and will be the co-chair of the committee 2025.

Bill Wenk, BLA MSU 1969
Founder and principal of Wenk Associates, Inc., | Denver, Colorado.

Teaching positions have included Farrand Professor in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning, at the College of Environmental Design at UC Berkeley. Visiting Professor of Sustainable Design at the University of Michigan and Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Colorado at Denver School of Architecture and Planning. Bill Joined the Board in 2022, serves on the LAAAB Finance and Nominating Committees and will be speaking at the Fall 2024 Lecture focused on Climate change and Grand River Restoration 

Dan Wenk, BLA MSU 1975
Current Chair, Board Yellowstone Coalition | South Dakota

A Guest Lecturer at Montana State University and retired from the National Park Service (NPS), Dan has held multiple leadership positions in the Agency since 1975, including Director of Yellowstone Park, Deputy Director of Operations for NPS in Washington D.C., Acting Director of the National Park Service, Director of the Denver Service Center for the NPS central office, and Superintendent of Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Dan joined the Board in July 2023 and serves on the Finance and Events Committees and is assisting board with developing a fundraising strategy.

Stephanie Onwenu, BLA MSU 2018, MED 2019
Landscape Architect and Artist

A Board Member and Emerging Leader, Stephanie is an inaugural public interest Fellow at the University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit Design Center, the 2021 Emerging Professional of the Year, and Vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion leading efforts for the Michigan ASLA Chapter. She is a co-founding board member of the newly established Michigan Chapter ASLA Foundation. Stephanie joined the board in 2022 and serves on the Communication Committee. She has led development of Board Social Media Strategy.

Dan Lord, BLA MSU 2000
Assistant Division Chief in the Finance and Operations Division, Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Dan is responsible for overseeing statewide facilities, oil/mineral/gas exploration, real estate, and public facing grant programs. Prior roles include serving as the program manager for capital planning and development within the state park system, serving as the Americans with Disabilities Act coordinator, and leading asset management efforts for the department. Dan joined the board July 2023 and serves on the Student Support Committee.

Robert Chipman, BLA MSU 1980
Robert Chipman Landscape Architect | Austin, TX  (1989 – Present)

Robert has extensive product design work for Landscape Forms and is a leader of numerous ASLA Sketch Crawls. A long term supporter and visiting instructor, Bob returned to the LAAA Board in July 2023! He was a Charter Board Member, MSU LAAAB  2011 – 2020. Bob is active on the Student Support Committee frequently joining faculty and students in the classroom for sketching and design projects. In spring of 2024 traveled with overseas students to Italy. Bob organized a successful campus sketch walk to bring students and alumni together during the 125th LAnniversary Celebration.

INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE

If you have interest in serving on the board or participating in board activities, please reach out to us. Our near-term focus is growing friends and student support programs. The purpose of the Board is to provide support for the MSU Landscape Architecture Program as it advances leadership in landscape-based research, thought leadership, and design excellence and to foster a world class educational experience for students enabling them to become leaders of the landscape architecture profession. Also note, we do have positions for graduates of other institutions who live in Michigan and would like to be involved.

Learn more about the Alumni Board , School and Program at https://www.canr.msu.edu/spdc/programs/landscape-architecture/our_alumni