GLSI BOARD EXPANSION

GLSI Board of Directors Announces Strategic Expansion

February 2026

The Great Lakes Stewardship Initiative (GLSI) Board of Directors is pleased to announce an expansion of the Board and national search for a new cohort of three directors! This opportunity comes during an exciting time of growth for the organization as GLSI scales its reach and impact throughout the Great Lakes region, and beyond, through innovative educational programs and services. The Board has been deeply engaged in planning for GLSI’s next chapter, and has committed to strategically expanding its capacity to match the organization’s increasing regional and national contributions to community connection and health, place-based teaching and learning, civic engagement, access to nature and outdoor recreation, and localized environmental stewardship.

The Board guides and supports GLSI’s mission to develop knowledgeable and active stewards of the Great Lakes and their ecosystems through place-based education in local communities. The initiative’s approach results in vibrant, hands-on, real-world experiences that increase community capacity to care for and build connection to the local environment, and guide youth and adults alike to become lifelong leaders and stewards of their communities and local natural resources.

GLSI transforms the educational, civic, outdoor recreation and play, and environmental stewardship experiences available to youth, educators, parents, community leaders, and local partners in their region by building and sustaining a regional ecosystems of community partners and leaders, field experts, and schools.  GLSI Hubs, with their many local partners, then offer robust place-based learning, community collaborations, and youth-led stewardship action projects, engaging more than 3,000 youth each year throughout the Great Lakes region. 

Regional work of the GLSI is organized and executed by each of six community-embedded hubs throughout Michigan, and a central leadership team. This team provides support and guidance to the GLSI Hub Network, organizes the National Place-Based Education Conference, and delivers training, resources, and network development for communities, educators, schools, community partners, and organizations throughout the Great Lakes region (and beyond). 

The GLSI Board of Directors is currently focused on, and considering new directors in alignment with, the following priority areas:

• Oversight and Governance: Continually strengthening and growing the organization’s business strategies, strengthening financial health, refining operational systems and protocols, and expanding staff capacity and support.
• Fundraising: Developing and sustaining connections and relationships with prospective donors and supporters, championing the GLSI mission in a variety of settings, and helping to lead board-level fundraising campaigns, strategies, and events.
• Hub Network Development and Sustainability: Assessing and supporting the growth, effectiveness, and sustainability of the network of GLSI Hubs, and supporting the development of new hubs in Michigan (and possibly beyond).
• Board Development: Strengthening relevant board member skills and knowledge, increasing diversity and representation on the board, cultivating the next generation of board leaders, and sustaining mentorship for new board members.

GLSI is currently accepting inquiries from prospective new board members to serve an initial 2-year term, with new director appointment anticipated for early spring 2026.  To submit your interest in joining the Board, please complete the Board Member Interest Form. Submissions will be reviewed by the board development committee on a rolling basis, and we will follow up with you shortly thereafter. Please direct all questions to Caleb Carlton, GLSI President & CEO (caleb@greatlakesstewardship.org).