Board of Directors

David founded the Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society in 2008 and has been director and volunteer with the organization since.  David lives near Duluth, MN and loves everything about Isle Royale and Rock of Ages Lighthouse, especially the beauty, solitude, and rich history of the area. David is a building facility manager for the Duluth Public School District where he has worked for the last 20+ years.  He directs the restoration of Rock of Ages Lighthouse and leads the organization.

Nathan  is a founding board member of the Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society. From a young age he grew to love Lake Superior and the North Shore of Minnesota. 

He has worked for over a decade as an archivist and digital preservation specialists for academic libraries. Nathan maintains the website and conducts historical research for the organization.

Chuck is a founding board member of the Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society. He spends time volunteering at the lighthouse with his family whenever they’re able to make the trip. Chuck grew up on Minnesota's North Shore, but now lives in the St. Louis area.  He regularly travels back to Minnesota to enjoy the outdoors and visit family. Chuck is a Steel Foundry Process Engineer at Amsted Rail, where he has worked since 2004. He holds a degree in Industrial Technology from Eastern Illinois University and brings technical expertise and leadership to the Society. 

Jessica is a founding board member of the Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society. Jessica lives in the St. Louis area and works as a licensed Speech Language Pathologist. She holds degrees in Communication Disorders and Sciences, Psychology, and a Master’s in Speech Language Pathology. Jessica specializes in supporting students with Autism, helping them improve communication and quality of life through technology and practical tools. She supports the Society through her creativity, attention to detail, and leadership. 

Deb has been a board member of the Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society since 2018. She lives on a lake in Carlton, MN, and enjoys time with her four grandchildren. Deb retired from Cornell University, where she was a student leadership facilitator and communications manager. A passionate kayaker, she first encountered Rock of Ages on a Voyageur II trip and has since written a children’s book set on the lighthouse. Deb is also a freelance writer for Boreal Community Media and helps conduct interviews with former keepers.

Richard joined the board of the Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society in 2017, along with his wife, Rachael, after their first work-trip to the lighthouse. He has visited Isle Royale many times and enjoys outdoor activities like alpine skiing, biking, hiking, and camping. Richard is a Project Manager for the 148th Fighter Wing in Duluth, MN. He volunteers with the Superior Hiking Trail, the City of Superior Tree Board, and the local VFW. Richard and Rachael love traveling, drinking good beer, and enjoying great food. He lends his expertise in technology and systems management as the Society’s web manager.

Rachael has been a board member and volunteer with the Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society since 2017. She has a long history with Isle Royale National Park and has been visiting "the island" since childhood. Rachael lives in the Twin Ports with her husband and their pets. She enjoys reading, hiking, drinking good beer, and traveling. With a background in education and communication, Rachael is excited to help share her love of Isle Royale with a larger audience. She supports the Society with communications and outreach.

Mary joined the Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society board in 2018. A lifelong Duluth, MN resident, Mary retired in 2019 after a career in X-ray, cardiology, and IT. She holds certifications in Web Development, CISCO Networking, and Transformational Leadership. Mary enjoys spending time with her 13 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, as well as downhill skiing, paddleboarding, golfing, hiking, and traveling with her husband. She has a strong love for Isle Royale, having backpacked the island multiple times. Mary brings her expertise in community partnerships and leadership to the Society, helping guide its mission and operations.

Jan joined the Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society board in 2023. He lives in Afton, MN, and spends time at his Duluth residence. Jan grew up sailing Lake Superior and still sails today, often passing by the Rock of Ages Lighthouse on his way to Isle Royale or Canada. It was in Isle Royale’s Washington Harbor where he met his future wife. After a rewarding career in sales and marketing with 3M, Jan now volunteers with the University of Minnesota Raptor Center and the Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute. He is the Society's boat captain, coordinating boat maintenance and logistics. 

Carne served on the Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society board from 2017-2024 and continues to stay involved as an emeritus member. She lives in Wisconsin and is a retired Nurse Practitioner. Carne’s love and appreciation for Isle Royale National Park spans several decades. She enjoys hiking, camping, paddling, and birding on and around Lake Superior. Her involvement with ROALPS has allowed her to deepen her connection with the National Park Service and the Isle Royale community, while also sharing the unique beauty and history of the lighthouse with others.

Heather became involved with the Rock of Ages Lighthouse Preservation Society in 2016, serving as a trip leader and board member. In 2018, she became part-time Assistant Director, working year-round to keep the organization running smoothly. Heather lives near Duluth, MN. She is an ecologist, interpreter, and environmental educator with a strong background in non-profits. She also runs Field Biology Class, a business providing online ornithology courses for teens. Heather enjoys hiking, birding, camping, and all things outdoors. She manages the Society’s membership, grants, bookkeeping, and coordinates events and volunteers.