About

Nick Buggia, of Adrian, is the Eastern Great Lakes Engagement coordinator  the Ruffed Grouse Society. Formerly, Buggia was the Upper Midwestern States manager for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF). Buggia works with Ruffed Grouse Society chapters in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana to promote events and engagement opportunities and give aid to any policy issues that arise. A native of Mayville, Nick is an avid outdoorsman. On the council, he represents individuals who have purchased hunting or fishing licenses in this state on a regular basis.

Jason Garvon, of Brimley, is a professor of biology at Lake Superior State University. He is a member of Ducks Unlimited, advisor to the LSSU Student Chapter of DU, and former member of the Michigan DNR Eastern Upper Peninsula Citizens Advisory Council. He holds a Ph.D. in wildlife science from Texas A&M / Texas A&M-Kingsville. Dr. Garvon is appointed to represent individuals who have purchased hunting or fishing licenses in this state on a regular basis, at least once during each of the last three years, and are nominated by statewide sportsmen organizations.

Beth Gruden, of Perrinton, who represents Michigan’s agricultural producers on the Michigan Wildlife Council, is the owner of Blue Wing Consulting, LLC, a firm specializing in nutrient management and compliance for livestock farms. She is a certified plan writer for the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Gruden has a bachelor’s degree in animal science from Michigan State University.

Franklin Hayes, of West Bloomfield, is the deputy chief for the Detroit Police Department. Hayes is a life member of the Michigan Trapshooting Association and is a member of the Association’s Executive Committee. He attended Michigan State University School of Staff and Command. He is appointed to represent individuals who have purchased hunting or fishing licenses in this state on a regular basis, including at least once during each of the last 3 years, and who are recommended by a statewide sportsmen’s organization.

Kristin Phillips, of Lansing, has over 15 years of experience in marketing and communications. She has been chief of the DNR Marketing & Outreach Division since October 2013. Prior to joining the DNR, Kristin worked in the Department of History, Arts & Libraries, marketing and managing the business aspects of Michigan History magazine. She also helped to launch and deliver Michigan History for Kids magazine to every school in Michigan.

Brent Pike, of Grand Haven, is the founder of Pyke Gear outdoor apparel brand and a realtor with At Home Realty. Pike is the president of the Ruffed Grouse Society Lakeshore Chapter. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing from Western Michigan University. He is appointed to represent local businesses in this state that are substantially impacted by hunting and fishing.

Edgar Roy, of Traverse City, is an attorney with Kuhn, Rogers, PLC. Previously, he practiced with Brandt, Fisher, Alward and Roy, PC. Roy holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and a law degree from the University of Detroit Law School. On the council, he represents individuals who have purchased hunting or fishing licenses in Michigan at least once during each of the past three years.

T. Elliot Shafer, of Grosse Point Woods, is the senior vice president of commercial banking for Huntington Bank. He is a member of the Ruffed Grouse Society, Pheasants Forever Initiative, Ducks Unlimited, Huntsman Hunt Club and the Northland Sportsman’s Club. He holds a Bachelor of Business Studies in finance from Wayne State University. Mr. Shafer is appointed to represent an individual with a media or marketing background, who is not an employee of the department.

Sarah L. Topp, of Wallace, is the UP stream restoration manager for Trout Unlimited. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Northern Michigan University. Topp represents rural areas of the state whose economies are substantially impacted by hunting and fishing.