TROY, MI.  The Troy Nature Society (TNS), a nonprofit organization managing the programs and activities of the Stage Nature Center, recently held its Annual Membership Meeting.  New Board Members elected to serve a 3-year term on the Society’s Board of Directors were Kathryn Ahlbrand and Sandra Burgess.

Kathryn Ahlbrand (Kate) is an Associate Attorney with Varnum, LLP. Kate has a background in tax and financial matters. She is experienced in both an accounting firm and law firm environment and serves on a council for the State Bar of Michigan.  Kate has worked with many types of entities during her practice, including nonprofits. She grew up in Bloomfield Hills and remembers her school field trips to the nature center with great fondness. Her family loves to spend the weekend out walking at the Stage Nature Center, one of southeast Michigan’s most beautiful nature preserves.

Sandra Burgess (Sandy) is the Proprietor of Burgess Strategic Marketing. Sandy has resided in Troy, Michigan, for more than 50 years. Troy also is the home of her business, Burgess Strategic Marketing Services (aka Burgess Editorial Services), a strategic planning, marketing consulting and editorial services firm that she founded in 1986. Her professional background includes expertise as a strategic planner, marketing strategist and professional communicator experienced in leadership and management, marketing communications, market research, public relations, corporate communications and journalism. Sandy indicated that “Observing the floras and faunas of nature, she is awed by the Creator’s handiwork and is inspired to preserve it for future generations through education and good stewardship.”

Current TNS Board Officers include President, Scott Hunter; Vice President, Donovan Miller; and Treasurer, Cathy McNamara.  Current members serving on the TNS Board of Directors include: Nicole Betzler, Theresa Brooks, Matthew Burrell, Grace Goetting Gross, Marilyn Opdyke, Fran Stage, and Student Board Representative, Srinidhi Nagadi.