Great Lakes Educators of Aquatic and Marine Science |
To support and collaborate with diverse groups of Great Lakes educators, stakeholders, and community members to foster Great Lakes literacy and stewardship.
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.
President: Mandi Young (2020-2026). Mandi is a Science Teacher at the Pathfinder School. Mandi has been the GLEAMS President since its reestablishment.
President Elect: Katie Rouse (2024-2026). Katie is the Manager of School and Teacher programs at John G. Shedd Aquarium
Treasurer: Jonathan Schlesinger (2025-2027). Jonathan is the Chicago Urban Fishing Program Coordinator with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
Secretary: Tracy Page (2025-2027). Tracy is the Aquatic Education Coordinator for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. She has also been the GLEAMS Secretary since its reestablishment.
Ex-officio Sea Grant Advisor: Kristin TePas is the Great Lakes Literacy & Workforce Development Specialist for Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant.
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: Abi Bymaster (2024-2026). Abi is a High School Science Teacher with Tippecanoe Schools at McCutcheon High School.
Illinois: Cheryl Dudeck (2025-2027). Cheryl is a retired High School Science Teacher with the Chicago Board of Education.
New York: Vacant
Wisconsin: Glenn Chadwick (2025-2027). Glenn is a Wisconsin Master Naturalist at Retzer Nature Center.
Pennsylvania: Vacant
Minnesota: Vacant
Elections are held annually and are announced via email, listserv, and social media. The nomination period runs from December 1-January 16. Use the 2026 GLEAMS Board Nominee Solicitation form for nominating yourself or a colleague for a position.
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.
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.
Chair: Tim Becker, Education Program Coordinator, Cuyahoga Soil & Water Conservation District
The Membership Committee facilitates membership opportunities and events and celebrates GLEAMS members.
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.
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
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.
The strategic opportunities identified in previous planning activities by board, members and stakeholders were captured in four 2025-2027 strategic goals.