Learn the FACTS about NOAA and the Wisconsin-Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary.

Panel Guests
Kris Sarri, President/CEO, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Silver Spring, MD
A native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Kris has served as Deputy Director of Policy and Strategic Planning for the US Department of Commerce and spent eight years in the US Senate where she was on the Professional Staff of the Senate Commerce Committee. She was also Senior Policy Advisor of the Office of Senator Jack Reed and the Legislative Director of the Northeast-Midwest Senate Coalition. Kris also served as Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Management, and Budget at the Department of Interior before the joining the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation in 2016.

Stephen D. Kroll, Diver and Member of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council, Alpena, MI
Former owner of a full service dive shop and chartered dive operations, Steve has held a US Coast Guard Captain’s License for 30 years, as well as a PADI-certified scuba instructor for over 40 years. A member of the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary Advisory Council, Steve testified before U.S. House of Representatives committees in Washington, D.C. in support of national marine sanctuaries, in an effort to expand the sanctuary boundaries. His experience working with marine sanctuaries led to his position on the Marine Protected Areas Federal Advisory Committee from 2012 – 2016, representing the Great Lakes Region and non-consumptive interests.  

Mike Friis, Program Manager and Public Access Coordinator, Wetland Protection and Land Use Planning Coordinator, Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, Madison, WI
The Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP) preserves and improves access to the natural and historic resources of Wisconsin's Great Lakes coasts. Since 1978, the program has worked with state, local, and tribal agencies and non-profit organizations to manage the ecological, economic, and aesthetic assets of the Great Lakes. WCMP also works to improve the implementation and enforcement of existing state regulatory and management policies, while striving to strengthen local governmental capabilities to initiate and continue effective coastal management. WCMP advocates for the sustainable use of the coastal environment, increased public awareness, and public participation in decisions affecting Great Lakes resources.

John Broihahn, State Archeologist, Historic Preservation and Public History, Wisconsin Historical Society, Madison, WI
The Wisconsin Historical Society connects people to the past by collecting, preserving, and sharing stories. Its vision is enriching and transforming lives through unparalleled access to history. As State Archeologist, John has been a member of the local working group for the proposed designation of a Wisconsin-Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary. His input has improved community members’ understanding of the profound societal, cultural, and economic benefits of the exploration and preservation related to historic shipwrecks located in Lake Michigan along Wisconsin’s coastline.
 

Mayor Mike Vandersteen, City of Sheboygan, Sheboygan, WI
Since 2013, Mayor Mike Vandersteen has represented the interests of the City of Sheboygan during the designation process of the proposed Wisconsin-Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary. He’s been actively engaged in understanding the economic, historical, cultural, educational, and societal benefits to the area. As Vice Chairman for Visit Sheboygan board, he’s advocated for sanctuary-related expansion of tourism and Great Lakes awareness. A board member of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, Mayor Vandersteen has also collaborated with other U.S. and Canadian Great Lakes cities to protect and restore the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River.
 
Moderator
Leslie Kohler, Chairman, Sailing Education Association of Sheboygan (SEAS), Sheboygan, WI
A local non-profit organization, SEAS, works to invest time, treasure, and talents into research, education, and other initiatives to help provide access, training, and education to anyone who desires to participate in water-related activities, including those with physical, mental, or financial needs. As Chairman of SEAS, Leslie has been an active member of the local community working group advocating for the proposed Wisconsin-Lake Michigan National Marine Sanctuary. As moderator for the event, she welcomes questions and engagement from community members in order to broaden the public’s understanding of facts vs. myths related to the proposed National Marine Sanctuary Designation.


Host by Visit Sheboygan, Inc. and SEAS