Paddle Antrim, a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting water protection and supporting paddling opportunities on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail, is pleased to announce the appointment of two esteemed individuals, Gary Buczkowski and Sue Haadsma-Svensson, to its board of directors. Both officially joined the board in June 2023, bringing with them a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the organization’s mission.
Haadsma-Svensson is a passionate outdoor enthusiast, born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Fond memories of spending summers at her family’s cottage on Clam Lake have fostered a profound connection to the area. Sue’s love for nature extends to her favorite activities, which include hiking, paddling, and working in her garden as a master gardener. With a degree from Kalamazoo College and 30 years of experience in drug discovery within the pharmaceutical industry, she is a certified project manager and an accomplished medicinal chemist. Beyond her commitment to Paddle Antrim, Sue also volunteers for Grass River and Friends of Glacial Hills, where she serves as a board member and leads the invasive species removal team.
Gary Buczkowski brings a wealth of expertise in landscape architecture and park planning to the Paddle Antrim board. Throughout his four-decade career, he worked with two nationally recognized park and recreation agencies in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. His passion for creating state-of-the-art recreational facilities, community theme parks, sport complexes, and other public spaces earned him and his agency national Gold Medal Award recognition. Although retired, Gary’s passion for building and creating remains evident in his volunteer work with Paddle Antrim, Grass River Natural Area, Grand Traverse Land Conservancy, and TART Trails. He enjoys gardening, cycling, paddle sports, and cherishing Northern Michigan’s natural wonders.
“We are delighted to welcome Gary and Sue to our board of directors,” said Deana Jerdee, Executive Director of Paddle Antrim. “Their extensive experience, dedication, and love for the outdoors and paddling align perfectly with our mission to protect and enhance the water resources in Northern Michigan. We look forward to working together to continue promoting responsible paddling opportunities and preserving the beauty of our region.”