Tell us a little about yourself and why you decided to run for City Council/Mayor?

I grew up in Northern Michigan and 13 years ago moved to Harbor Springs full time, where I started working at The New York Restaurant. Over time I took on more responsibility, such as managing the beverage program, employees, and customers experiences; I now manage the day to day operations a successful downtown business.

I ran for City Council in 2022 (re-elected in 2024) because I live, work and enjoy my life here everyday. I got to know so many people who shared their opinions on the City of Harbor Springs. With that knowledge I decided to run for City Council then because I wanted to be a part of making sure that Harbor Springs would continue to be the community that we all know and love, and that is still true today. I listened, I learned, I did research and I have found my voice. It takes time to get up to speed in any job- I know the role of City Council, how meetings are run and I attended every meeting during my two terms. Now I am ready to step up as Mayor. Ready on day one to run efficient meetings where public comment is welcome and encouraged, rules are followed and decisions are made.

My husband and I have owned a house in Harbor Springs since 1995 and we moved here permanently in 2012. I retired in 2022 with 25 years in corporate retail leadership with responsibility for multi-million dollar stores/regions for Dillards Department Stores and Vera Bradley Inc. Once I retired, I struggled with the ‘what’s next’ question. Volunteering became my ‘what’s next’. In January 2023 I was appointed to the Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and for the last 3 years I’ve served as board chairperson..

I am running for Mayor because I believe Harbor Springs deserves leadership that listens to its residents, brings people together, and makes thoughtful decisions about the community’s future. Harbor Springs is both a community where people live, work, raise families, own businesses, volunteer, and invest in its future and a resort destination that contributes diversity and financial resources. As mayor, I will work to create an environment where residents both full-time and seasonal feel heard, businesses which depend on year-long patronage feel supported, and important decisions are made with an eye toward the long-term health of the entire community. I will bring a practical, collaborative approach to the Mayor’s office—one that respects different perspectives while keeping the focus on what matters most: the long-term strength, character, and quality of life of Harbor Springs.