ABOUT GLEAMS: LEADERSHIP, COMMITTEES & MISSION
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WHO WE ARE
WHO WE ARE
We are:
a collaborative network of educators and professionals dedicated to Great Lakes education.
united by a shared interest in promoting aquatic and marine science education.
committed to advancing Great Lakes stewardship across diverse communities.
active throughout the Great Lakes watershed and beyond.
Members include:
Classroom teachers
Nonformal educators
Higher education professionals
Scientists
Stakeholders
Community members
GLEAMS LEADERSHIP
GLEAMS LEADERSHIP
GLEAMS board positions are volunteer roles for current members, involving a two-year term with responsibilities such as contributing to newsletters and listservs, sharing webinar ideas, joining committees, attending quarterly meetings, and engaging in regular digital communication.
Executive Committee
President: Katie Rouse (2026-2028). Katie is the Manager of School and Teacher programs at John G. Shedd Aquarium. Katie can be reached at gleamspresident@gleamschapter.org
Immediate Past President: Mandi Young (2020-2026). Mandi is a Science Teacher at the Pathfinder School. Mandi has been the GLEAMS President since its reestablishment.
Treasurer: Jonathan Schlesinger (2025-2027). Jonathan is the Chicago Urban Fishing Program Coordinator with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. Jonathan can be reached at treasurer@gleamschapter.org
Secretary: Jennifer Bucheit (2026-2027). Jennifer is the Education Coordinator for the Old Woman Creek National Estuarine Research Reserve. Jennifer can be reached at info@gleamschapter.org
Ex-officio Sea Grant Advisor: Kristin TePas is the Great Lakes Literacy & Workforce Development Specialist for Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant.
State Directors-at-Large
Michigan: Chris Symons (2025-2027). Chris is the Education Coordinator for Inland Seas Education Association.
Ohio: Matt Debelak (2025-2027). Matt is the Education Coordinator for the Greater Cleveland Aquarium.
Indiana: Ashley Cosme (2026-2028). Ashley is a marine science and biomedicine teacher at Crown Point High School.
Illinois: Cheryl Dudeck (2025-2027). Cheryl is a retired High School Science Teacher with the Chicago Board of Education.
New York: Jennifer Crane (2026-2028). Jennifer is currently teaching high school science with a focus on the Great Lakes Watershed.
Wisconsin: Virginia (Ginny) L. Carlton (2026-2028). Ginny is an Education Outreach Specialist with University of Wisconsin Sea Grant/Water Resources Institutes.
Pennsylvania: Sherri (Sam) Mason (2026-2028). Sam is the director of Project NePTWNE at Gannon University.
GET INVOLVED
GET INVOLVED
Serve on the GLEAMS Board or as a Director-at-Large
Serve on the GLEAMS Board or as a Director-at-Large
Current GLEAMS members are eligible to serve in board positions.
Time commitment: a two-year term.
Contribute content to the newsletter.
Share relevant updates and resources through the listserv.
Suggest at least two webinar topics to the Membership Chair.
Serve on a committee.
Attend quarterly board meetings.
Participate in regular communication through the GLEAMS Board Google Group.
Additional responsibilities vary by position.
Elections are held annually and are announced via email, listserv, and social media. The nomination period runs from December 1 to January 16.
Join a GLEAMS Committee
Join a GLEAMS Committee
Complete the Committee Interest Form or contact one of the committee chairs listed below. If you are looking for a short-term project to support GLEAMS, the same form provides an options to contribute to smaller, time-limited intiatives.
Executive and Governance Committee
Chair: Mandy Young
The Executive and Governance Committee comprises officers and other individuals, serving as a steering committee to prioritize the board’s work in support of the strategic plan.
Oversee finances, bylaws, and other executive functions.
Manages elections
Coordinates NMEA responsibilities
Membership and Organization
Chair: Tim Becker, Education Program Manager, Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District
The Membership Committee facilitates membership opportunities and events and celebrates GLEAMS members.
Coordinates and manages GLEAMS Member Events
Manages member lists and benefits
Marketing and Outreach
Chair: Janice Milanovich, Great Lakes Educator, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant
The Marketing and Outreach Committee manages the GLEAMS website, listserv, newsletter, print materials, and social media.
Supports the sharing of GLEAMS’ and member resources
Advertises GLEAMS events and other learning opportunities.
Sunset over Lake Huron. Photo Credit: Janice Milanovich
STRATEGIC PLAN
STRATEGIC PLAN
In 2022, a needs assessment was initiated with GLEAMS members and stakeholders and short-term initiatives and projects were launched. In May 2024, board members and organizational members of GLEAMS decided to develop its first strategic plan. In November 2024, the final 2025-2027 strategic plan was approved.
Read the Full Plan: GLEAMS 2025-2027 Strategic Plan
Mission
Mission
GLEAMS is a network of educators, including classroom teachers, nonformal educators, and higher education professionals, scientists, stakeholders, and community members, that fosters Great Lakes literacy and stewardship.
Guiding Principles
Guiding Principles
We strive to provide services in collaboration with others.
We respect evidence-based/science-based information that undergirds our services and decision-making.
We practice, inform, and promote conservation and stewardship.
Strategic Plan Goals
Strategic Plan Goals
The strategic opportunities identified in previous planning activities by board members and stakeholders were captured in four 2025-2027 strategic goals.
Define and initiate programs and services that advance the mission of GLEAMS
Determine and establish the optimal organizational structure for GLEAMS
Expand the organizational capacity of GLEAMS to provide programs and services that meet the needs of its members
Retain and expand the membership base of GLEAMS
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