Kelly Slater - Incumbent

Running has always been an important part of my life, and no matter where I roam, I always find a welcoming connection with the local running community. After moving to this area, 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 a 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 represent Traverse City Track Club as Vice-President. 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. If re-elected, I will continue to use my position to listen to and represent the TCTC membership in making sound decisions for the benefit of our club.

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, Finance Committee and have volunteered and participated in TCTC events. In addition, I help organize the year-round weekly Fun Runs, choosing exciting and safe venues and actively welcoming new participants. If re-elected, 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.

Jessie Houser - Incumbent

Born and raised in Traverse City, I am grateful to give back to the community I love so much as a Director at Large of the Traverse City Track Club (TCTC). I have been a TCTC member for 10 years, competed on the racing team for two, and have served on the TCTC board as a Director at Large for the past 5 years.

I have experienced so many different aspects of the club and feel much pride serving on the board. The TCTC has been a part of my life and story since 2013, when I joined the fun runs with a cute boy who later became my husband. When we joined the club in 2014, fun runs were small, usually under 10 people. Since then, I’ve watched it grow significantly through thoughtful planning by passionate members, expanding its impact across the community.

Since joining the board in 2019, I’ve enjoyed collaborating with fellow board members in strategic planning sessions that guide the club’s intentional growth. I’ve also had the privilege of serving on the Charitable Gifts Committee, where we award scholarships to local students and grants to support community organizations and projects. Continuing this work and seeing our long-term plans come to fruition would be a great honor.

While early bedtimes for our two young kids keep us from joining most fun runs these days, my husband and I look forward to when our kids want to run with us on Wednesday nights. Until then, we enjoy our running dates (without the stroller).

I love the running community we’ve built in Traverse City and am inspired by the positivity and goodwill of its members. It’s been a privilege to help guide decisions that shape both the club and our larger community. I look forward to continuing this work, collaborating with board members and community leaders, and fostering positive growth for both the Track Club and Traverse City.

Margaret Fako

My personal philosophy is to surround myself with people, places, and experiences that enrich my life. I constantly work towards becoming a better human and want to contribute back to my community and the world. I’ve spent 23 incredible years working at Interlochen Center for the Arts; I live a healthy, active lifestyle; and I volunteer with organizations that help to make our community and our world a better place.

Running has been part of my life since I was a child. However, I’ve sometimes struggled with the motivation to get out there all by myself. I feel lucky to have found the TCTC fun runs and all the programs TCTC offers our community because they’ve truly transformed my running life! After a few years of participating in the TCTC training program, I’ve now also volunteered to help as a training program group leader/mentor. This program has not only helped me become a stronger, smarter runner, but has given me the confidence to participate in more races that I might not have considered in the past. And as an added bonus I’ve made many great friends!

If I have the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors for Traverse City Track Club it would not only be a chance to have more fun times with my running friends, but would also be my opportunity to help an organization I believe in and one that is truly transforming our community and the world of running!

Kelly Haug

I joined the Track Club last year with the intent to further engage my running passion. I started my running journey later in life. 

I came to running how I think many people do-get in shape. But, I did it through a book-(I am a librarian after all). After listening to Alexandra Heminsley's Running Like a Girl, I felt like she made the concept so much more relatable. So that weekend I went down to Fleet Feet and got fitted for running shoes (because, if I was going to do this, I was going to do it right). I started the very next day. This was November 2020

I started 2024 with the goal of running a race every month for the year. Next year's goal is a half marathon.     

I love the community engagement that comes with it, training can be so solitary, but the day of the race is so uplifting and welcoming. We tend to get caught up in the concept that if we don't win at something, it is not enjoyable, and that is heartbreaking. Being a welcoming space for people of all ages and skill levels is what matters most. 

Jordan Schimke

I have been a TCTC member for the last 5 years and have enjoyed the opportunities TCTC has given myself, my household, and to the community.  My journey as a runner began with TCTC 5 years ago, and continues today.  I believe I could be an asset to the board because I share a similar vision of cultivating a running community.

I am happily married to my wife Abby Schimke (a fellow TCTC member), and we have an 11 month old daughter, Zelda, who has become quite popular around the track club.   I am a Certified Pilates Instructor, Personal Trainer, and Running Coach through Bayshore Wellness, a local business I started in March of 2024 to provide support and training for local athletes, aspiring athletes, and those recovering from injuries.  Before forming my own business I worked as a Lead Rehabilitative Technician, a Medical Assistant, and a Certified Nurse Aide.

Being a member of TCTC has been, and will continue to be a great opportunity  for myself and my family as it provides us with a community of others who love running.  I would love to be a part of growing our great running community, and supporting those who are already a part of it as well.