Lindsay McLaughlin

Executive Director

Lindsay joins the TCTC after more than a decade in community engagement, law, and policy roles across public, private, and non-profit sectors. Her background includes service as an Outreach Director for a U.S. Senator, practice as a health industry lawyer, and service as a public health official during the pandemic. Most recently, Lindsay served as the inaugural Director of a new Bureau at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to re-imagine behavioral health services for youth and their families in our state. Her extensive professional expertise in nonprofit administrative leadership, including development and successful implementation of strategic plans, oversight of multi-million dollar budgets and programs, and proven record of complex problem solving challenging public health and policy matters, will lend itself to contributing to the continued success of TCTC. She considers building and maintaining strong, genuine community partnership a cornerstone priority in her previous roles, and is eager to bring her expertise and learn from experienced track club and community members as well.

Furthermore, Lindsay has a lifelong passion for movement and fitness, serving as a yoga and fitness instructor since 2011. Lindsay unexpectedly fell in love with running after becoming a mom in the midst of the pandemic. She has since found running to be an essential part of both her physical and mental health, as well as an incredible activity for her whole family. In fact, the running, walking, and hiking trails around the Traverse City region were a significant factor for her family to relocate to the area. When not chasing her toddler or distance running husband around our incredible trails and Lake Michigan shoreline, you can find Lindsay practicing yoga or sweating at a HIIT class, upcycling old clothing to make t-shirts for her son, and embarking on a new adventure of starting Moondance Flower Farm on Old Mission Peninsula with her husband.

Lindsay grew up in Michigan and completed her undergraduate studies at Albion College. She earned her Juris Doctor and Master of Public Health from the University of Minnesota. Lindsay is also a Registered Yoga Teacher.

Lindsay currently resides on Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City with her husband and son, and has been a TCTC member since they moved to the area in January 2023. She is eager to continue the TCTC’s proud tradition of community support and charitable giving, as well true inclusivity for folks of all abilities and stages of their running journeys.

Lindsay began her role on November 27th, 2023.

Jason Whittaker

Operations Director

Jason Whittaker brings extensive experience and a deep connection to the Traverse City Track Club (TCTC), having served on the organization’s board from 2008 to 2014 and worked as a contractor since 2006 before stepping into a full-time role in April 2024. Known for his operational expertise, Jason oversees a wide range of events as race director, including the Frozen Foot Race, Jingle Bell Run, Loop the Lake, Farmland 5K, and Zombie Run, while also serving as the registration coordinator for the Bayshore Marathon.

An avid runner, Jason is committed to all race distances, from 5km to 100 miles. His hands-on knowledge of TCTC’s operations and community impact, combined with his background in event management, positions him well to support the club’s continued growth. Jason values TCTC’s mission of promoting fitness and inclusivity for people of all ages and abilities, seeing the club as a foundation for both personal and community transformation.

A Michigan native and active member of Traverse City, Jason is dedicated to fostering outdoor sports and community engagement. When not organizing races or working with TCTC, he’s often on the local trails, involved in regional events, or spending quality time with his family.

strava.com/athletes/jwhittaker

Janice Beyer

President (2024-2026)

It has been my privilege to serve on the board since 2015, first joined as a Director at Large, then as Vice President and now as I am in my second and final term as President. In my professional life, I am the Regional Leader of Portfolio Management for Huntington Private Bank, where I have worked for 15 years.  I lead talented wealth professionals in Michigan, NW Ohio, Florida and Chicago. I have two grown sons, Blake and Adrian, who both grew up running cross county and track for TCAPS.

I have served on every committee of the TC Track Club, including governance, finance, election, executive committee, charitable giving and executive director search committee. I helped to start the training program and continue to serve as a mentor for new runners. We recently transitioned our standing Saturday running group to a more formal Saturday Community Fun Run and I look forward to meeting new and known running friends each week.

I am proud of the way this club has grown in membership and in volunteerism. The addition of an executive director was a transformational decision, and I am so happy to have been a part of the original search committee and, more recently, to have led two executive search committees. We have a wonderful team in place with Lindsay McLaughlin as our Executive Director and our recent addition of Jason Whittaker to a full-time position as Director of Operations. We are fully staffed and well positioned to lead this club into the future.

The Traverse City Track Club has a rich and important history, and I am excited to be part of the next chapter. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, this Club has remained a relevant and important part of our members’ lives. We have an active, engaged membership that values running, friendship and supporting our community. It is an honor to lead this amazing group as President.

Kelly Slater

Vice-President (2022-2024)

Running has always been an important part of my life, and no matter where I traveled I always found a welcoming connection with the local running community. When I arrived here seven years ago, I quickly found Traverse City Track Club and became an active member. What I soon discovered is that TCTC is more than just a club for runners, it is a family. And like family, it has given me companionship, support, purpose, and a feeling of belonging. I had found my connection!

My strong belief in Traverse City Track Club’s mission to promote health, fitness, and fellowship while giving back to the community compelled me to give more of myself to this amazing organization. I am proud to be on the Board of Traverse City Track Club, and was honored last year when asked to move from my elected position as Director-at-Large to the vacated Vice-President seat. I respectfully seek to remain in this position so I may use my experience with non-profits, community activism, organizational skills, and enthusiasm to continue to make this a better organization for our members and community.

TCTC offers inclusive events like races, Fun Runs, and Summer Series, but is also an invaluable local resource for scholarships, grants, training, and community outreach. We use our visibility to enhance our neighborhood and our neighbors. As a Board member, I have served on the Charitable Gifts Committee, Nominating Committee, and have volunteered at TCTC events. In addition, I help organize the year-round weekly Fun Runs, choosing exciting and safe venues and actively welcome new participants. I will continue to be positive and supportive of what TCTC stands for and help others find their welcoming connection with the Traverse City Track Club family.

Mike Borden

Treasurer (2023-2025)

Over the years, I have volunteered for organizations and events to help others and continue to make our community a wonderful place to live. I love running and serving on the board is a way to assist in strengthening the club and community. I value an active lifestyle and fully support the encouragement of all forms of walking and running for people of all ages and abilities. I bring to the board all of the experience I have gained from serving on nonprofit boards together with new, unique and diverse ideas and viewpoints, and my love of community and enthusiasm for living and promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Katie Armstrong

Secretary (2023-2025)

I am excited to continue the work I've been doing on the TCTC Board of Directors for the past two years. I have enjoyed learning about the behind-the-scenes operation of the Club through attendance at every meeting and my contributions to the Charitable Gifts Committee, the Governance Committee and the Executive Director Advisory Committee. Although we were all disappointed by the changes that Covid-19 brought to our club, I am proud of the fact that we maintained a supportive community, offered events when it was safe to do so, and even managed to award some scholarships and charitable gifts despite the devastating financial impact of Bayshore cancellation. I very much look forward to continuing this work in the coming years as we get "back to normal" with a new appreciation and gratitude for the gift of being able to run together.

In addition to my work on the Board, I am also a volunteer run leader for the TCTC Training Program and frequent event/race volunteer. As a TART Ambassador, I work with a dedicated crew on maintenance of the Boardman Lake Loop Trail every other Saturday morning (after my long run, of course!). Most recently, we have been installing signposts with half mile intervals which will eventually go all the way around the lake. Keep a look out for the sign sponsored by TCTC soon!

Laura Field

director-at-large (2024-2026)

I am Laura Field and I joined the track club approximately five years ago. I joined the Track Club to get back into shape and begin running on a more consistent basis. As I began to meet new people I felt comfortable to do more within in the club like summer series, training programs, fun runs. As of now, I have two half marathons under my belt at our awesome Bayshore Race. I wanted to join the board because I believe so strongly in what we are doing for the community with our scholarships, grants, and volunteer opportunities. This club has become like a second family to me with a great number of new friendships and it always provides a positive space to enjoy the outdoors. If you see me out and about say hello. I am always interested in meeting new people and learning about their journey's.

Rose Coleman

director-at-large (2023-2025)

My name is Rose Coleman and I am running for a Director-At-Large position on the Traverse City Track Club Board. I’ve been a runner for 9 years. I enjoy competing at all distances and have added triathlons in recent years. I am active in the TCTC and regularly attend the Fun Runs. I am a mentor for the TCTC Training Program and enjoy working with new runners to help them build confidence in their ability.

I have Board experience with the Zonta Club of Traverse City. I am organized and thoughtful when making decisions. In my work role as COO of the Grand Traverse Pavilions, I have gained experience with budgets and managing large groups of people.

The Traverse City Track Club is an important part of my life and I would welcome the opportunity to give back by serving on the Board.

Jessie Houser

Director-at-large (2022-2024)

As an active member of the Traverse City Track Club (TCTC) for seven years, TCTC Racing Team for two years, and co-creator of the TCTC Podcast the Run Around Town, I have been able to be a representative on the ground for our organization, sharing my passion and joy for running through positive energy and encouragement. I am thankful for this position on the TCTC board and use it as an opportunity to help build an awesome community for my family and hometown.

Born and raised in Traverse City, I am grateful to give back to the community I love so much as a Director at Large. Whether it’s the TART trail, club fun runs, or Bayshore, this area has helped me discover myself and a deeper connection to the environment and the people around me. It is a great honor to serve the TCTC and our running and walking community. The Traverse City Track Club has gifted over $2 million dollars back into our community. As a part of the Charitable Gifts Committee, it is my greatest source of pride to help these funds reach projects and individuals that best serve our community and align with our mission statement. Collaborating and giving on behalf of the TCTC to these projects and individuals and seeing them come to life, plus being able to run on the trails, bridges, paths we helped fund, has brought me so much joy.

I love this running world we have created in Traverse City and am constantly impressed by the goodwill and positivity of its members. I’m thankful for the opportunity over the past two years to help oversee decisions that help shape our running and recreational community while working in partnership with board members and community leaders to promote positive growth for Traverse City and the Track Club.

Tracey Allers

Director-at-large (2023-2025)

The TCTC has been such a wonderful community for me and running has brought some of the best people into my life, many from this very group. I enjoy participating in the many events that TCTC has to offer including weekly fun runs, Summer Series and the numerous Track Club sponsored/partnered races. I try to be as present at as many of these as work and other life obligations allow. I would love to represent and be a voice to such a wonderful organization. I am organized, a team player and am very invested in this community, TCTC and the TC area in general. Hope to see you out on the roads!

Tom Sampson (Sam)

Director-at-large (2023-2025)

I ran my first timed, distanced verified, road race at the age of 45. It was a 5-K and I vaguely recall the mistake of downing several pancakes prior to the race. I then decided that road races did have potential as I aged and should be part of my wellness regimen. That decision still drives my lifestyle in a very positive and more meaningful direction. After decades of vacationing on Elk Lake, my wife and I relocated to the Grand Traverse area in 2019. My joining and becoming active in TCTC has been the best decision I have made in sometime. After 3 years of active TCTC membership the positive results have been so powerful for me that deciding to be a candidate to serve on the TCTC Board is a calling. I completed my first Bayshore race (10-K) in 2022 after several TCTC training cycles. Our training group is called Some Hot Babes & One Old Dude. I mention my training team not to be flippant but to share a real example as to how much the club means to me. Our training team has very different training paces but we very much run together. I am also a regular participant for Summer Series and weekly Fun Runs. I have completed all TCTC sponsored races but the Good Fight 5-K for which I volunteer instead.                                                                     

I hope that my experiences and training will be an asset to the club. I am eager to give back and grow as a community member. I retired from service to the public schools in 2003. During that employment I served as a teacher, assistant principal and principal. Following my public schools experience I took a teaching position at Olivet College (OC) where I served as a faculty member, education department chair and Director of the Master of Arts in Teaching Program. I also co-founded the OC student veterans club and served as their faculty advisor.

My previous volunteer experiences have focused on veteran’s issues, feeding the hungry in the Lansing area and volunteering at a therapeutic riding center.  Since relocating to NW lower Michigan and joining TCTC I have volunteered for the following:

• Cherry Festival Kid’s Run

• Cherry Festival Invitational mile

• TCTC Summer Series

• Good Fight 5-K (my mother was a breast cancer survivor)

• January 2022 Day of Caring (I shoveled snow on the Boardman Trail)

• I have attended several TCTC Board meetings via Zoom

Should I be fortunate enough to be elected to the TCTC Board I hope to be a consensus builder, critical thinker, effective listener, occasional mentor and present a positive public image for our club.

Haley Maser

Director-at-large (2023-2025)

As a medical student, I was given an opportunity to choose where I would continue my education. As a runner with a 1,200 day run streak, I saw Traverse City as an option and thought, "what better place to continue my streak than in a community filled with runners?". I knew this about the community because my first ever marathon was Bayshore. While making my selection, I didn't realize the impact that TCTC would have on my life. The members of TCTC have become my family and helped to make Traverse City feel like home to me. This group reminds me of my love for running and the importance of community. Because of all of this, I find myself wanting to give back to the people that have given me so much.

Traversing medical school is no small feat, as it has taught me how to be organized, to listen to others, communicate effectively, and pay attention to small details. Given that I was a student during the COVID era, I have mastered the ability to do all of this in a virtual platform as well. I believe that these are the key qualities to be a good board member. An example of when I put these traits to good use, was when I was a member of the LCME accreditation team for CMU College of Medicine. It was my job to take feedback from my classmates and write out potential changes our school could make to meet the needs of students. Whether it be in person, or virtually, I believe that I can uphold the duties of a board member in a way that would make TCTC proud.