Staff & Board - DeVries Nature Conservancy

HomeStaff & Board

Our Staff

Ben Glardon, Executive Director
bglardon@devriesnc.org

Glardon is a life-long resident of Shiawassee County who recently concluded six years of service as state representative for the area. He was a part owner of Glardon Auction Service, Incorporated, for decades, and has been a licensed realtor for more than thirty years. He has served as director and president on many boards and service organizations throughout the state. "Dr. and Mrs. DeVries were very special people who were forward thinking and have left this one-of-a-kind property for generations to enjoy. It’s my hope to use my life experiences, passion for the outdoors, our natural resources and agriculture, as well as my community and state level connections as an asset to further promote and preserve the DeVries legacy." Glardon resides in Owosso with wife Miriam and daughter Madison.

Brittany Tillman, Environmental Education Coordinator
btillman@devriesnc.org

Brittany is a Michigan native who obtained her B.S. degree in biology from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. After returning to her home state, she completed a year of service as a Huron Pines AmeriCorps member, where she served with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Michigan Field Office as an Imperiled Species Education and Outreach Program Coordinator. Brittany is excited to help others learn about and foster an appreciation for Michigan's rare and unique species of plants and animals! In her free time, Brittany enjoys gardening, baking, and birding.

Dean Braid, Grounds & Maintenance Manager
info@devriesnc.org

Dean took over for our original Grounds Manager in 2010. Dean maintains the trails, the drive, does all the mowing, plowing and other general grounds tasks. Dean retired from General Motors. Living next to DNC, he has a personal stake in the grounds thriving. When not working he spends time with his loved ones, works on and cruises in his classic vehicles, and takes long motorcycle trips.

Jessica Hickey, Office Manager
jhickey@devriesnc.org

Jessica is a native of northern California. Her favorite thing is spending time outdoors with her husband and daughter; together, they stargaze, birdwatch, and go for walks to find interesting plants and insects. Jessica also enjoys writing letters and exchanging postcards with people all over the world.

Jessica has a Bachelor’s degree from Santa Clara University and over 25 years of experience in administrative roles, including grants management, human resources, and professional writing.

Gerald Coppock, Farm & Grounds Manager
gcoppock@devriesnc.org

Gerald is a Michigan native who has obtained an Associate's degree from Columbia Southern University in Fire Science and has over 20 years experience working in Public Safety, in both law enforcement and the fire service. Gerald has spent the last 5 years working in Parks and Recreation. Gerald and his family enjoys spending time outdoors. Gerald is an avid backpacker and has logged over 100 miles of trails hiked in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Gerald's interests are self sustainability, the art of bushcraft, permaculture and arboriculture.

Our Board of Directors

Levi Perry, President, is a passionate family man, wood worker, and community supporter. He is employed with the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget.

Dr. Dan Williams, MD MS, President-Elect, treasured his time during the 50s and 60s on a Michigan farm. He is a molecular biology researcher who practices cancer medicine.

Kelly Reynolds, Treasurer, is the CFO for Davis Cartage Co.

Annie Ludington, Secretary, is the Chief Lending Officer with Success Group Mortgage & Servicing. She graduated from Central Michigan University in 2016 with a Bachelor's in Business and Administration.

Adam Bump

Catherine Jagos, a native of Owosso, is constantly engaged in various side projects. Alongside managing multiple businesses from her home, she is also involved in cultivating a small, sustainable farm with her family.

Jennifer Peplinski was born and raised in Owosso and is the mother of two daughters. She loves her family, fitness, and any and all outdoor activities. Jennifer graduated from Michigan State University College of Law in 2001. She is currently self-employed at Peplinski Law, PLLC in Corunna, Michigan.

Mitchell Speers is the past Garden Manager at DeVries and is currently employed by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.