Board of Directors

  • Wally Pearson

    Wally Pearson joined the NTN board in 2021 and currently serves as Board President, driven by a deep appreciation for the visionary founders who shaped Marquette’s exceptional trail system. He works closely with fellow board members, community partners, and landowners to protect and expand access to outdoor recreation for generations to come. An avid cyclist, skier, and fly fisher, Wally treasures moments like a sunrise ski down Talladega with a red fox leading the way. He sees NTN’s role as both a privilege and a responsibility—ensuring continued stewardship of the trails that enrich our quality of life.

  • Tracy Goble

    Tracy Goble has served on the NTN board since 2019 and currently holds the role of Vice President, bringing her background as a semi-retired environmental engineer to support the organization’s mission. She enjoys Nordic skiing, trail running, mountain biking, and exploring the trails with her family—while also lending a hand grooming the Saux Head Trails. Tracy values the variety NTN offers and is proud to contribute to a trail system that connects people to the natural beauty of the Upper Peninsula. She considers it an honor to help carry forward the legacy of outdoor recreation that NTN has built for both residents and visitors.

  • William Nolan

    William Nolan has served on the NTN board since 2019 and currently holds the role of Treasurer, helping guide the organization’s financial stewardship. A dedicated trail runner and father, William spends much of his time on the trails or chasing after his two kids. One of his favorite memories is hiking Powell Peak with his family during peak fall colors, and he’s especially fond of Porky Pine Pass. He sees land access as a key challenge for trail networks and is committed to ensuring the long-term sustainability of trail opportunities in the region.

  • Michael Sauer

    Michael Sauer has served on the NTN board since 2007 and currently serves as Secretary. Michael was building trails in Marquette even before the organization formally existed. A strong advocate for trail development and protection, he believes trails are a vital community asset that give back in countless ways. His involvement with NTN has supported both personal and professional growth, all while advancing a mission he deeply values. Michael enjoys sailing on Lake Superior, bikepacking, and spending time at camp—one of his favorite memories is organizing a lantern-lit ski at the Fit Strip, a magical winter night that brought the trail community together in a big way.

  • Michael Brunet

    Michael Brunet joined the NTN board around 2006, originally compelled by the City’s 2004 purchase of the Heartwood Forest land and the opportunity to help shape its future. He now serves as South Trails Coordinator, focusing on trail building and system planning, with a deep love for riding Bertha and Zueg’s, and helping bring events like the Fall Enduro to life. When asked how he spends time away from NTN, he simply replies, “Time away? I don’t understand.” With too many favorite trail memories to list, Michael remains focused on one big challenge ahead: securing lasting trail access for the future.

  • Adam Cornette

    Adam Cornette joined the NTN board in May 2023, bringing his skills in mapping, marketing, and public relations to support the trail network he deeply values. As the owner of Flagstaff Bicycle Revolution and a substitute art teacher, Adam balances creative work with a passion for trail running, mountain biking, and Nordic skate skiing. His favorite adventures are with his oldest child, Kensington, especially on Upper and Lower Zueg’s. Motivated by a desire to help preserve and expand Marquette’s world-class trails, Adam sees board service as a way to protect access and strengthen relationships with landowners for future generations.

  • Sven Gonstead

    Sven Gonstead has served on the NTN board since 2002, with continued involvement since 2016, and currently leads as the Director of the Big Bay Pathway. A dedicated trail user, Sven enjoys mountain biking, fat biking, snowshoeing, and Nordic skiing—especially along Ridgeline, his favorite section of the Big Bay Pathway. When he’s not working as the Marquette County Planner, he’s out adventuring with his wife, Marcia. Sven is honored to work alongside passionate individuals to help build healthier communities through trails.

  • Paul Johnston

    Paul Johnston joined the NTN board in 2018, representing the interests of the Noquemanon Ski Marathon and contributing across a variety of board committees. He’s passionate about preserving what makes the trail system in Marquette so special and believes that sustaining it requires people willing to give their time, talents, and energy. Outside of his role as Senior Assistant Director of Admissions, Paul enjoys trail running, mountain biking, Nordic skiing, and hiking—often alongside his wife and 6-year-old daughter, who is learning to ski and ride. While he loves the full range of trail experiences, few moments top skiing the Noque Trail under a clear, cold full moon, no headlamp required.

  • Scott Jordan

    Scott Jordan has served on the NTN board since 2020, bringing his professional expertise as an outdoor recreation professor at Northern Michigan University to support trail development and foster strong connections between NTN and NMU. An avid mountain biker, skier, and fly fisher, Scott enjoys trail riding in the summer—especially on Carp Eh Diem—and has no shortage of memorable trail moments, including an unexpected over-the-bars crash that left him with a surprise broken finger. Looking ahead, Scott envisions a future where NTN continues to grow its funding base to ensure long-term sustainability—so, as he says, “Give now!”

  • Jason Rolling

    Jason Rolling serves on the NTN board as the Noquemanon Ski Marathon Director, bringing a unique blend of athletic, military, and professional experience to the organization. A former U.S. Biathlete and decorated military veteran with over 24 years of service, Jason has worked around the globe supporting engineering and combat operations. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Exercise Science from Northern Michigan University and currently works as a wealth advisor. Jason lives in Negaunee with his two children and remains deeply connected to the outdoor community.

  • Lyle Vanderschaaf

    Lyle Vanderschaaf serves on the NTN board as the North Trails Coordinator, where he contributes to trail building, maintenance, grooming, and long-term planning. An Emergency Physician by day, Lyle spends his free time mountain biking, Nordic skiing, fat biking, hiking, and exploring the trails with his favorite adventure partners—his kids (when they’re patient enough to wait for him). His favorite trail is Zueg’s, and he's passionate about keeping the trails thriving for the whole community. As he puts it simply, “I love trails and outdoor activities.”