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2024 ElectionThank you for taking the time to vote for the 2024 Directors positions for the Genesee County Historical Society. Simply enter your name, email, and choose not more than six board members, then click the Submit button. The results will be tallied by the acting Secretary of the GCHS, and then announced at the 2024 Annual Heritage Day Dinner, on May 23rd, which will be held at Brick Street in Grand Blanc.
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LEARN ABOUT THE CANDIDATES:Cindy Birk
Cindy was born and raised in Genesee County. Her family lived in Mundy Township, and she attended Grand Blanc Schools. After earning an engineering degree from the University of Michigan, she built a decades-long career in program management and sales, mostly in the automotive industry. Recently, she's begun pursuing her childhood dream of becoming an author (two books already published, working on a third!) She currently lives in Canton, MI, but over the years her appreciation for the history and culture of the Genesee County area has continued to grow. She'd be delighted to be a part of its preservation. With her involvement in the Historical Society, she will bring skills in writing, spreadsheets, basic research, and sales, along with a sincere interest in preserving and promoting the heritage of the area. Brandon Compton
Brandon was born and raised a Flintstone. As a graduate of Mott Middle College, Mott Community College, and the University of Michigan-Flint, he believes the best is yet to come. His grandparents came to the area during the automotive boom and his parents graduated from Clio and Mt.Morris. While Flint and the Genesee County area have gone through a great deal of change in that time, Brandon truly believe we're headed in a positive direction. He’s extremely honored to be the current Assistant Manager of Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad. A spot known by generations for fun field trips, interactive history, and holiday fun. Everyday he gets to see the effect of places like Crossroads on people and is so thankful. “We're just one gem of many here in the county!” Proudly raising his three wonderful children here, in their free time, you'll likely find them relaxing at the beach, on a bike ride, or out exploring all the sights and sounds of this great state. Brandon assumed the responsibilities of Membership Chairman, and we can't say enough about his attention to detail and commitment to learning that role, making meaningful strides in improving renewals and new member acquisition, and database management. Derek dohrman
Derek’s commitment to preserving the history of our area runs deep, and he walks it like he talks it. He moved into Flint’s Carriage Town district in 2016, immediately becoming deeply involved in its renaissance, personally renovating several of the historic houses himself. He recently acquired the Nash House from extreme neglect and is in the process of restoration. His grandparents arrived in Flint during the automotive boom, as so many did, his father’s family from Sebewaing, Michigan and his mother’s from the Boston area. His mom graduated from Carman-Ainsworth, and his dad from Grand Blanc. Derek also graduated from Grand Blanc, playing football and baseball, then went on to the University of Michigan-Flint earning his degree in computer science. During his time on the GCHS Board, Derek has taken charge of the Sales Committee, and his efforts have increased sales of products tenfold, driven by great tee-shirt design, appropriate inventory, and availability of products at all of our events. He has also grown our online presence through Facebook. Gary Fisher
Gary has been serving as the President for the past 3 years. A financial planner, wealth advisor, and president of GL Fisher Capital Management, LLC, his office is housed in the Mott Foundation Building. He is a fourth generation Flintstone — the first generation arriving in 1911 to work for Buick. Gary attended Flint Community Schools, including Washington, Walker, Whittier, and graduated from Flint Central, playing football, baseball, and soccer. He holds a Bachelors Degree from University of Michigan-Flint, and a Masters of Science from Central Michigan University. Gary is the force behind our organization’s forward-thinking, non-profit business plan. Under his leadership, our membership has tripled in size, public awareness of the historical society has significantly grown through a solid media strategy, and we now have a healthy financial foundation to cover the care and maintenance for the society's most important asset, the Saginaw Street Arches. Gary is part of the Publications & Publicity committee, where he contributes regularly to content for The Historian magazine. He also produces and hosts the Fish and the Flint Chronicles radio show, which highlights noteworthy people who have contributed to our rich history. As Program Director, he has created high-quality, interesting, and fresh programming for our members, and personally delivers talks, including the popular Boys Under the Hood presentation. Walt Peake
Incumbent Walt Peake was born and raised in Flint and attended Flint public schools, including the Mackin Road Units, Anderson, Longfellow, and graduated from Flint Northern. He went on to attain a Bachelors from University of Michigan-Flint, and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Michigan. Walt, a retired social worker, is active on the vestry (leadership) of historic St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Flint, which celebrated its 150th year of worshiping in the present building at the intersection of Saginaw and Third Street. He acts as a docent for the 181-year-old church, and is a fount of information about the church and downtown Flint history. He communicates his fantastic knowledge base to the community through tours, and social media. As an avid walker/hiker/traveler, he particularly enjoys walking long distance foot paths in Europe and has walked coast-to-coast across England. John Tosto
John grew up in the Stevenson/Ballenger area, attended Flint schools K-12, and is a Flint Northern Viking. His father’s family immigrated from Sicily in 1917, drawn to the area by the promise of the auto-industry, as was his mother’s family, who immigrated from Sault Ste. Marie in Canada. John received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan and received his Juris Doctor degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Prior to entering private practice, John served as an Assistant City Attorney for the City of Flint for nearly five years. He offices in the historic Mott Foundation Building in Downtown Flint. John is very involved in the community including St. John Vianney Catholic Church and School and Flint Powers Catholic High School. He is a sponsor and a 30 year participant of the Crim Festival of Races, is active with Chamber of Commerce events, and participates in many local charity events. He is also a licensed pilot and member of the Greater Flint Pilots Association. 2024 Annual Heritage Day Dinner InfoIf you wish to attend the dinner, please buy your ticket in advance (May 17th), as we need to provide the restaurant with a headcount so they can prepare properly for the event. Click here to learn more about the event, RSVP and purchase your tickets. |
