Board and Commission Appointments: Leah Root to the Historic District Commission; Kathleen Quick to the Board of Review; Mark Bekken, Diana Decker, and Kathleen Quick to the Compensation Commission

City Council Agenda Item Report FROM: Luke Thompson Director of Planning and Zoning MEETING DATE: 02/24/2025 SUBJECT: Historic District Commission Appointment DESCRIPTION: The City Clerk provided notice that applications are being accepted for the Historic District Commission. Applicant met with City Manager Ryan Cummins, Historic District Commission Chair Tim Straker and Mayor Anderson. After deliberation it is unanimously recommended that Leah Root be appointed to the Historic District Commission. BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: N/A COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REVIEW: Historic District Commission Chair Tim Straker was provided with a copy of the applications and interview questions, participated in the interviews, and provided his recommendations to Mayor Anderson. LEGAL REVIEW: N/A SAMPLE MOTION: Motion to appoint Leah Root to the Historic District Commission with a term ending 08-01-2025.

Name Leah Root

Email

Home Phone Number

Mobile Phone Number

Address Saugatuck, Michigan United States 49453-8607

Current Employer RevSight

Occupation/Position Owner/CEO

Business Phone Number

Business Reference Name Chris Clark

Business Reference Phone Number

Business Reference Email

Does your employer have any business dealings wth the City which might present a conflict of interest No

If yes, please explain:

Are you a City of Saugatuck resident? Yes

Are you a registered City of Saugatuck voter? Yes

Serving on a board or commission can be time-consuming. Are you committed to attending all regularly scheduled meetings? Yes

On which boards and/or commissions would you be willing to serve? .Board of Review 1

On which boards and/or commissions would you be willing to serve? .Historic District Commission 1

On which boards and/or commissions would you be willing to serve? .Planning Commission 1

On which boards and/or commissions would you be willing to serve? .Zoning Board of Appeals 1

Please describe any qualifications, expertise or special interests that relate to your possible appointment: I served as President of my neighborhood group in Chicago (Wicker Park Committee) for 2 years and served as various positions on the board for over 10 years. I sat on the Preservation & Development committee for over 10 years (Historic/Landmark and Zoning) and was a member of the Wicker Park Advisory Council for many years. I love to volunteer and find joy in giving back to my community to make it a better place. I have a passion for Historic Preservation and believe that is what makes towns unique and attracts visitors and residents. We bought an 1870’s farmhouse on the hill in Saugatuck and I’m eager to continue to preserve Saugatuck’s historic charm.

Leah Root

Professional Experience

RevSight

Owner/CEO

2020Present

Full Service media & marketing firm helping clients drive revenue & build impactful brand partnerships

• Clients include Fortune, Trusted Media Brands, The Guardian, Sensical, Toss & Spin, Pickleball Magazine, Teads, and more • Drive millions in revenue every year for traditional media clients and influencer & experiential brands • Specialties include advertising, media, communications, digital, experiential, marketing • For more information visit Revsight.com

TIME VP Sales, Midwest (2018-2020_ Sales Director (2016-2017) Account Director (2013-2016) Integrated Sales Manager (2010-2013)

20102019 Chicago, IL

Driving millions in revenue by building cross platform partnerships around big ideas

• Strategically sell digital, native, social, experiential and print media. • Manage over$5M in revenue annually, surpassed sales goal 7 out of 8 years. • Cultivate and lead day-to-day relationships with client and agency partners which resulted in multiyear partnership deals. • Sold and executed 2019 TIME 100 partnerships including Cadillac (presenting) and United (supporting). Generated over$1.3M in media across event, digital, social and print. • Broke new digital business in 2019 including: Equality Can't Wait, BCBS, and Susan G. Komen. • Closed 2020 State Farm "United We Rise" partnership for$ l .8M (event, digital, social, PR) • Proven self-starter through continuous prospecting/planning and growing existing/new business.

Publishing Group of America

Midwest Manager, American Profile, Relish & Spry

Excelled in revenue generation, and launched two new media brands

2006 - 20 lo Chicago, IL

• Launched Relish & Spry brands in the Midwest market and closed inaugural advertising packages.

Leah Root • • • •

Developed, sold and executed the “Fruit of the Loom - Emerging Artist Concert Tour” at Walmart retail stores. Trained and mentored junior sales staff through the sales process. Cultivated and grew top-level accounts including: Walmart, P&G, Kimberly-Clark and McDonald’s. Broke Shopper brands including SC Johnson and executed their #1 best redeeming coupon at Walmart.

PEOPLE en Español

2003 - 2006 Chicago, IL

Starcom

2001 - 2003 Chicago, IL

Sales Manager Broke new business, increased sales and launched digital site • Increased revenue by 67% for my account list in the Midwest territory. • New business wins included: Kohl’s, American Family Insurance, Kleenex, JCPenney and Midol. • Launched digital site in the Midwest market and secured two launch partners. • Garnered expertise in the influence and consumer habits of the rapidly growing Hispanic market.

Media Associate Strategic Media Buyer & Planner for P&G and Delta Airlines • Created and executed media plans for P&G brands including Cover Girl, Pantene, Olay, Tide and Old Spice that resulted in sales and awareness brand lift. • Negotiated corporate rates, brand programs, merchandising, advertorial programs, added value and makegoods that resulted in over $2M in savings. • Developed P&G planning tools which were used when creating all brand media plans. • Built strategic media plans for Delta airlines. Planned local and national television, print, outdoor and digital media. • Analyzed competitive data and developed strategic media plans. • Provided media insight/support to Delta Market Managers relating to media and sponsorships. Education B.S. in Advertising University of Florida Starcom-Mediavest University, Graduate level Media Training Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB) Digital Media Certification Community Involvement Wicker Park Committee, Membership Director (2018-2024) President (2014, 2015) Secretary (2017, 2013) Wicker Park Advisory Council Member (2016-2024) Wicker Park Committee, Preservation & Development Board (2013-2024) Chicago Media Association, Director of Events (2014, 2015) Saugatuck Woman’s Club (2024)

Dear Saugatuck city leaders: I'm submitting my application to join one of Saugatuck city boards. I'm very interested in giving back to the city and community and have a long background of community service & leadership. I served as President of my neighborhood group in Chicago (Wicker Park Committee) for 2 years and served as various positions on the board for over 10 years. I sat on our Preservation & Development committee for over 10 years (Historic/Landmark and Zoning) and was a member of the Wicker Park Advisory Council for many years. I have a passion for Historic Preservation and believe that is what makes towns unique and attracts visitors and residents. We bought an 1870's farmhouse on the hill in Saugatuck and I'm eager to continue to preserve Saugatuck's historic charm. I'm an active volunteer and since moving to Saugatuck have volunteered at Venetian Days, Mt Baldy Challenge, DES and decorating the city for Fall. I've joined the Saugatuck Woman's Club as well. My professional background is in media and advertising, the last 20 years in media sales with the last 4 as the owner of my own media company. I work well with others and like to maintain an open mind. I try to focus on common sense solutions and compromises and I'm excited to help continue to make Saugatuck the best place to live and visit. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Leah Root

Name Helen Baldwin

Email

Home Phone Number

Mobile Phone Number

Address Saugatuck, Michigan United States 49453

Current Employer n/a

Occupation/Position CPA (retired)

Business Phone Number

Business Reference Name

Business Reference Phone Number

Business Reference Email

Does your employer have any business dealings wth the City which might present a conflict of interest No

If yes, please explain:

Are you a City of Saugatuck resident? Yes

Are you a registered City of Saugatuck voter? Yes

Serving on a board or commission can be time-consuming. Are you committed to attending all regularly scheduled meetings? Yes

On which boards and/or commissions would you be willing to serve? .Historic District Commission 1

On which boards and/or commissions would you be willing to serve? .Parks and Public Works Committee 1

Please describe any qualifications, expertise or special interests that relate to

your possible appointment: Former Council member and mayor pro tem Former Chair of PPW previously served on Board of Review for City of Pleasant Ridge

FROM: Jamie Wolters MEETING DATE: February 24, 2025 SUBJECT: Board and Commission Appointments DESCRIPTION: A vacancy notice was sent out on November 25, 2024, for Board of Review and on December 9, 2024 for Board of Review. Mayor Anderson, staff and Deputy Assessor Jollay have conducted interviews, and the mayor is recommending the following appointments: • •

Kathleen Quick to the Board of Review with said term expiring January 1, 2026. Mark Bekken, Diana Decker and Kathleen Quick to the Compensation Commission with said terms expiring February 24, 2028.

BUDGET ACTION REQUIRED: N/A COMMITTEE/COMMISSION REVIEW: YES LEGAL REVIEW: N/A SAMPLE MOTION: Motion to appoint the following: • Kathleen Quick to the Board of Review with said term expiring January 1, 2026. • Mark Bekken, Diana Decker and Kathleen Quick to the Compensation Commission with said terms expiring February 24, 2028.

Auston (AJ) Marineau Saugatuck, MI 49453 September 20, 2024 Saugatuck City Council 102 Butler St, PO Box 86 Saugatuck, MI 49453

Dear Members of the Saugatuck City Council, I am writing to express my interest in serving on one of the city’s boards or commissions—or frankly anywhere the city may have a need. Having recently returned to Saugatuck, the community where I grew up, I feel deeply connected to its history, values, and future. Although I may not have traditional qualifications for board and commission positions, I believe my diverse experiences can offer meaningful contributions to the city. This past May, I graduated with honors from the University of Michigan Law School, and shortly after began clerking for the Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court. This role has given me substantial exposure to legal research, drafting key legal documents, and understanding the inner workings of our state’s legal system. During my time at the University of Michigan Law School, I held positions in both the private sector at some of the world’s largest law firms and in public service, including working in Governor Whitmer’s Office of Legal Counsel during the duration of my second year. Each of these roles honed my ability to approach complex issues from multiple perspectives and work collaboratively to find solutions. Before beginning my legal career, I served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army for seven years, with deployments to Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria. Leading teams in high-pressure environments taught me to manage large groups, coordinate efforts across diverse organizations, and make strategic decisions in dynamic situations. I believe these skills, along with my strong sense of duty and love for this community, can support Saugatuck’s continued success. Growing up in Saugatuck, I had the privilege of being involved in various roles within the community—attending Saugatuck Public Schools, working in local restaurants, at the Saugatuck/Douglas Convention and Visitors Bureau, and as a tour guide for Saugatuck Dune Rides, among others. All of these experiences provided me with an intimate knowledge of our local history, natural beauty, and what makes Saugatuck such a special place. My personal experiences, combined with my family’s longstanding connection to the area—my grandfather having served as the town doctor for over 40 years—have helped me build a strong connection with residents and visitors alike, a connection that I would like to deepen by giving back to the community that shaped me. Thank you for considering my application. It would be an honor to contribute to Saugatuck's continued growth and success, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve in any capacity the council finds appropriate. Very Sincerely, Auston Marineau

Auston (AJ) Marineau Saugatuck, Michigan 48104 EDUCATION UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN LAW SCHOOL Ann Arbor, MI Juris Doctor May 2024 Honors: Graduated Cum Laude; Pro Bono Pledge; Dean’s Scholarship Recipient Activities: Michigan Journal of International Law – Executive Editor; Michigan Law Veterans Society – Co-President; National Security Law Society – CoPresident; Syrian Accountability Project – Chief Investigator; Michigan Law Softball Team Member INDIANA UNIVERSITY Bachelor of Arts in History Activities: Men’s Soccer Varsity Letterman (Lake Forest College) Worked 25-40 hours per week in restaurant and tourism industries during undergraduate studies

Bloomington, IN May 2014

EXPERIENCE MICHIGAN SUPREME COURT Judicial Law Clerk to Chief Justice Elizabeth T. Clement Lansing, MI (August 2024 – Present) • Responsible for researching and drafting all manners of memorandum, opinions, and orders; assist in coordinating the Chief Justice's communications within the court and assist with her administrative responsibilities and taskforce work COOLEY LLP Litigation Summer Associate (received offer of employment; will begin as associate in Chicago following clerkship) Boston, MA (May – July 2023) • Conducted legal research and drafted memoranda on complex litigation matters, providing critical support in case preparation, strategy development, and legal analysis • Drafted and reviewed various legal documents, including motions, briefs, and discovery requests, ensuring accuracy, adherence to procedural requirements, and alignment with client objectives OFFICE OF LEGAL COUNSEL FOR THE OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR OF MICHIGAN Senior Law Clerk Lansing, MI (August 2022 – May 2023) • Analyzed legislation for regulatory, constitutional, and other legal and policy deficiencies; delivered legal research, analysis, and memoranda regarding a variety of legal and policy issues concerning both the state of Michigan and the Office of the Governor MILLER, CANFIELD, PADDOCK AND STONE, P.L.C. Summer Associate (received return offer for 2L summer) Detroit, MI (May – July 2022) • Drafted a $5 million bond purchase agreement; created a 50-state survey regarding the implications of remote work on various state tax and employment laws and regulations; managed two expungement cases in coordination with the City of Detroit’s Project Clean Slate • Authored 10+ memoranda on topics including commercial litigation, guaranties, labor and employment, immigration, and real estate UNITED STATES ARMY (November 2014 – August 2021) Infantry Officer, Honorably Discharged at the rank of Captain Aide-de-Camp to Deputy Commanding General Iraq; Syria; Fort Hood, TX (April 2019 – August 2021) Assistant to a Two-Star British General charged with oversight of Coalition Forces in Iraq and Syria and ~95,000 U.S. soldiers • Planned, facilitated, and prepared the General for engagements with a variety of entities, including the United Nations, NATO, and senior Defense and State department representatives from over 40 countries • Managed the efforts of a 500 person staff tasked with preparing in-depth analysis and presenting options to shape the future of the mission to defeat ISIS, affecting the interests of 83 countries and ~20,000 military personnel • Prepared speeches and official correspondence for the General; assisted with drafting whitepapers regarding Coalition and U.S. policy in Iraq and Syria which were routinely distributed to heads of state and top U.S. officials Executive Officer Iraq; Kuwait; Fort Hood, TX (June 2017 – March 2019) Second-in-command of an 850-person multinational company focused on logistics during a 13-month combat deployment • Ranked in the top 1% of Army Officers in formal evaluation • Designed and implemented company accountability program to secure ~3,000 pieces of highly sensitive military equipment valued at $200 million across 11 bases, spanning three countries, without any loss Platoon Leader Afghanistan; Fort Hood, TX (January 2016 – May 2017) • Planned and conducted ~90 combat missions, synthesizing complex information and competing priorities into coherent and understandable orders; ranked as the #1 officer over 22 officers in formal evaluation • Directed the daily operations of a 45-person team with military experience ranging from 1-17 years SAUGATUCK DUNE RIDES Tour Guide Saugatuck, MI (May 2013 – October 2014; May – September 2024) • Operated a 20-seat dune buggy, providing one-hour guided tours filled with local history, folklore, and a bunch of corny jokes ADDITIONAL Volunteer: Service to School Undergraduate and JD Ambassador Interests: Playing all sports, trail running, Detroit professional sports teams, long walks and frequent beverage stops with my wife and dog Security Clearance: Top Secret / Sensitive Compartmentalized Information Security Clearance

Dear Saugatuck city leaders: I’m submitting my application to join one of Saugatuck city boards. I’m very interested in giving back to the city and community and have a long background of community service & leadership. I served as President of my neighborhood group in Chicago (Wicker Park Committee) for 2 years and served as various positions on the board for over 10 years. I sat on our Preservation & Development committee for over 10 years (Historic/Landmark and Zoning) and was a member of the Wicker Park Advisory Council for many years. I have a passion for Historic Preservation and believe that is what makes towns unique and attracts visitors and residents. We bought an 1870’s farmhouse on the hill in Saugatuck and I’m eager to continue to preserve Saugatuck’s historic charm. I’m an active volunteer and since moving to Saugatuck have volunteered at Venetian Days, Mt Baldy Challenge, DES and decorating the city for Fall. I’ve joined the Saugatuck Woman’s Club as well. My professional background is in media and advertising, the last 20 years in media sales with the last 4 as the owner of my own media company. I work well with others and like to maintain an open mind. I try to focus on common sense solutions and compromises and I’m excited to help continue to make Saugatuck the best place to live and visit. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely, Leah Root

Leah Root • • • •

Developed, sold and executed the “Fruit of the Loom - Emerging Artist Concert Tour” at Walmart retail stores. Trained and mentored junior sales staff through the sales process. Cultivated and grew top-level accounts including: Walmart, P&G, Kimberly-Clark and McDonald’s. Broke Shopper brands including SC Johnson and executed their #1 best redeeming coupon at Walmart.

PEOPLE en Español

2003 - 2006 Chicago, IL

Starcom

2001 - 2003 Chicago, IL

Sales Manager Broke new business, increased sales and launched digital site • Increased revenue by 67% for my account list in the Midwest territory. • New business wins included: Kohl’s, American Family Insurance, Kleenex, JCPenney and Midol. • Launched digital site in the Midwest market and secured two launch partners. • Garnered expertise in the influence and consumer habits of the rapidly growing Hispanic market.

Media Associate Strategic Media Buyer & Planner for P&G and Delta Airlines • Created and executed media plans for P&G brands including Cover Girl, Pantene, Olay, Tide and Old Spice that resulted in sales and awareness brand lift. • Negotiated corporate rates, brand programs, merchandising, advertorial programs, added value and makegoods that resulted in over $2M in savings. • Developed P&G planning tools which were used when creating all brand media plans. • Built strategic media plans for Delta airlines. Planned local and national television, print, outdoor and digital media. • Analyzed competitive data and developed strategic media plans. • Provided media insight/support to Delta Market Managers relating to media and sponsorships.

Education B.S. in Advertising University of Florida Starcom-Mediavest University, Graduate level Media Training Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB) Digital Media Certification Community Involvement Wicker Park Committee, Membership Director (2018-2024) President (2014, 2015) Secretary (2017, 2013) Wicker Park Advisory Council Member (2016-2024) Wicker Park Committee, Preservation & Development Board (2013-2024) Chicago Media Association, Director of Events (2014, 2015) Saugatuck Woman’s Club (2024)