Elk Rapids, MI – Paddle Antrim is pleased to announce the addition of a water trail expert and a seasoned marketing professional to their growing organization. Harry Burkholder joins the board of directors and Ellie Kirkpatrick joins the staff as a marketing and outreach specialist.
Burkholder, a Traverse City resident, has established himself as one of the foremost authorities in Michigan for water trails and recreation authorities. In 2019 Burkholder took on the role as COO at The Traverse City Downtown Development Authority (DDA). Prior to this, he was with the Land Information Access Association (LIAA) where he established himself as one of the foremost authorities in Michigan for water trails and recreation authorities.
Kirkpatrick and her family recently relocated from Grand Rapids to the Village of Elk Rapids. Her family’s enthusiasm for Northern Michigan and its vast offering of outdoor recreation and access to beautiful fresh water drew them north. Kirkpatrick brings over 10 years of marketing and event planning experience with her to Paddle Antrim.
“2020 is shaping up to be a year of growth for Paddle Antrim and we couldn’t be more excited to have their expertise as we work to open the Chain of Lakes Water Trail,” says Deana Jerdee, Paddle Antrim Executive Director. “We are thrilled to have these great additions to Paddle Antrim and look forward to their contributions as we continue to grow and increase our mission focused work of protecting our waterways and improving access.”