Traverse Connect and Michigan’s Creative Coast are pleased to welcome the 2025 Northern Explorers, jobseekers from outside the Grand Traverse region, to be featured as VIP guests and receive complimentary tickets to the upcoming Annual Economic Summit on November 3. These ‘Northern Explorers’ will have the opportunity to learn about what relocation to the Traverse City area looks like and to connect with over 600 business leaders, residents, and local stakeholders during a long weekend of personal and professional networking. Learn more about the Northern Explorers below.
For the first time in program history, Traverse Connect was very pleased to sponsor participant travel and accommodations thanks to funding from the You Can in Michigan campaign. Together with talent attraction organizations across the state, the program is rolling out the red carpet for newcomers to the state and residents who want to stay here. The program is also supported by the Northern Explorer Presenting Sponsor Northwestern Michigan College.
If you would like an introduction to a Northern Explorer, please email abby.baudry@traverseconnect.com.
Lydia Craig Aulisi: RESUME & LINKEDIN
Current Location: Raleigh, NC
After more than a decade living and working outside Michigan, my partner and I are excited to return to the Grand Traverse region, where I grew up. Northern Michigan has always felt like home, and I look forward to being closer to family while finding meaningful work in a community I care deeply about.
I am an applied researcher and organizational psychologist with expertise in people analytics, employee well-being, and workplace culture. I currently work in the financial services industry, where I guide strategy through data-driven insights. I also teach a course on employee motivation and listening as an adjunct faculty member at George Mason University. I’ve had the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills across industries, and I’m excited to bring that experience home to contribute to a community that means so much to me.
Shannon Bailey: RESUME & LINKEDIN
Current Location: St. Louis, MO
I am looking to relocate to Northern Michigan from St. Louis, Missouri — a move that’s been a long time coming. Over the past several years, I’ve spent extended visits in the area, especially around Elk Rapids, where close friends live. Each time I come back, I feel more connected to the community and to the land and water that make this region so special.
I’ve spent the past 20+ years working across the Midwest — growing up in Indianapolis, moving to St. Louis for work, then to Chicago for school, and eventually back to St. Louis. Most recently, I worked in the federal government, and now I’m excited to bring that experience to a more local level.
My background is in leadership, strategic engagement, and project management, and I’m passionate about public service. I’m looking forward to finding ways to contribute meaningfully to the Grand Traverse area and becoming a part of the community in a deeper way.
Dylan Baker RESUME & LINKEDIN
Current Location: Charlotte, NC
With roots in Byron, MI, and family now settled in Traverse City, I am eager to leave Charlotte, NC, and return to Michigan to be closer to family and friends. The Grand Traverse region’s natural beauty, strong sense of community, and opportunities for growth make it an ideal place to build both a fulfilling life and career. I am especially passionate about Human Resources and the role it plays in creating positive employee experiences, fostering collaboration, and aligning people development with organizational goals. My background in HR and training have equipped me to design and deliver impactful programs that support individuals while driving business success. Relocating to this area represents more than a career move, it is also a chance to be near family and contribute to a community I deeply admire. I look forward to bringing my expertise, energy, and commitment to both my future employer and the broader Grand Traverse community.
Kelly Bartsch RESUME & LINKEDIN
Current Location: Jupiter, FL
I grew up in Grosse Pointe, MI. Relocating from Jupiter, FL. Looking to move to TC (visited many times) for its small-town warmth, four season playground of natural beauty and cultural richness.
Graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in Journalism. 20+ years in Corporate Communications as a collaborative and influential leader partnering with senior executives and cross-functional teams to develop and execute strategic communications plans aligned with business priorities. Committed to enhancing the employee experience and fostering a purpose-driven culture. Adept at navigating time-sensitive projects in fast-paced, dynamic environments. Builds trust through integrity, professionalism, and experience—earning strong relationships across all levels of the organization.
Mike Dunn RESUME & LINKEDIN
For decades I had hoped that the Grand Traverse region would become my future home, and am overjoyed to have purchased my actual future hope in the region in 2024. As I look toward the next arc of my career, I am hopeful to find an organization that I can contribute my generative leadership, relationship building, and program growth skills to. These skills have been honed over more than 20 years of youth development and nonprofit work in 3 different states with a wide range of organizations.
I look forward to working on a team committed to making the world a better place, that is forward thinking in this effort, and that finds joy in our beloved region of Michigan. I am a natural collaborator, good listener, and believe that if we want to go far, we should plan to go together.
Austin Harm RESUME & LINKEDIN
Current Location: Rochester Hills, MI
After growing up in the Southeast United States I moved to MI nearly six years ago to complete undergraduate studies at Hillsdale College in Hillsdale, MI. After my collegiate graduation in 2022, I spent time in Grand Rapids and currently reside in metro Detroit, but neither region calls more to me than Traverse City. After attending college in rural MI, I grew to love the small town atmosphere from attending local baseball games to bumping into friends at the grocery check out line. The bustling summers and quiet winters allow for year round outdoor recreation, giving residents of Grand Traverse region a place to both work and play hard in. I am excited for Traverse CIty’s future and the opportunity it brings to upcoming entrepreneurs and young professionals.
Professionally, I have several years of experience in the finance industry ranging from financial advising to corporate FP&A for the largest public mortgage lender in the U.S. In my current role in FP&A, I monitor macroeconomic drivers affecting the housing market, forecast corporate financials for internal and external use cases, and assist in valuing a level three asset. My favorite aspect of finance is the constant challenge and competitiveness it brings when attempting to forecast how U.S macroeconomic drivers impact global markets and how those decisions immediately impact portfolios/investable assets. I recently passed the first level of the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) certification in February 2025 and am excited to become a level II CFA candidate (exam date May 2026).
I am excited to plug into all aspects of life in Traverse City and give back to the community I call home.
Maija Hurst RESUME & LINKEDIN
Current Location: South Carolina
I’m a strategic marketing professional who has managed key campaigns for companies such as Michelin, LG Electronics and REI. My heart has always been drawn to places where the outdoors, culture, and nature intersect—qualities that the Grand Traverse region embodies perfectly. I’m excited about the prospect of relocating here because it offers a balance of natural beauty, a vibrant community, and a slower pace of life that fosters connection and well-being.One of the most important things I’d like to share with future employers and community members is my passion for building meaningful relationships and fostering collaboration. I strive to create spaces where people feel valued and heard.I look forward to contributing to the region while enjoying everything it has to offer, from outdoor adventures to local arts and culture. I am a low-key ceramics artist and love a good book club.
Connor Kurek RESUME & LINKEDIN
Current Location: Dublin, OH
Since planning camping trips to the State Park in college, and now visiting 2-3 times per year with my wife, Traverse City has become the only place I haven’t lived that feels like home. One of my favorite things is hearing, “THIS is Michigan?!” when we bring friends up for the first time. To me, nothing beats TC’s year-round access to recreation. Even when it’s 20º and snowing, and other towns shut down, life still feels vibrant and residents enjoy the outdoors. I’m a 2020 Ohio University grad, living in Dublin, Ohio, where I use my journalism background to strategically communicate for mission-driven organizations. I’m skilled at writing and all aspects of digital storytelling from videography/photography, paid advertising and media relations to producing multimedia content, telling stories of the people and initiatives shaping a stronger Central Ohio. While I lead projects and craft campaign strategies, I also value being boots on the ground, directly building connections with the community. I thrive in environments where collaboration is valued, especially across organizations. Outside of work, I hike, run, produce a podcast, ski and sometimes chase the northern lights (even in Ohio).
Liz Kurek RESUME & LINKEDIN
Current Location: Dublin, OH
My name is Liz Kurek and I am currently a Career Advisor for Engineering Career Services at The Ohio State University. I graduated with a Master of Education in College Student Personnel in April 2022 at Ohio University. My husband and I go to Traverse City at least 2-3 times a year in all seasons. We love the people, the lake and hiking all times of the year, the joy this place brings, and how well the city cares for health and well-being. We camp every year at the Traverse City State Park. In 2025, we came for the Cherry Festival and camped for a week, then raced in the half marathon for the Meijer Festival of Races. We also are devoted customers to Third Coast Bakery (I cannot eat dairy, and this place is a must stop for me). Traverse City is one of my favorite places in the world. I would want to help college students engage with local companies for internships and co-ops to eventually have those opportunities turn into full-time roles. I would love to help the college student population in Traverse City grow and encourage students to build roots there after they graduate. I love Traverse City and would love to learn about more opportunities and build connections.
Rachel Oti RESUME & LINKEDIN
Current Location: Ypsilanti, MI
I grew up an hour and a half south of Traverse City, have dear friends in the area, and have visited many times. My husband and I are excited by the idea of raising our 3 year old daughter in the Grand Traverse area. We love that she would have a greater connection to nature while living in a close-knit, creative community.
I have over a decade of experience with arts administration, event planning, and student programming in higher education. I’m in search of a position in the arts where I can utilize my interpersonal skills and educational expertise to make a meaningful community impact.
.
Samsriti Satyal RESUME & LINKEDIN
Current Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Hi, my name is Samsriti Satyal and I am a graduate student in Applied Computer Science at Grand Valley State University. I am passionate about technology that improves people’s lives and I am open to opportunities in QA automation, product management, project management, and IT consulting.I bring experience in quality assurance and automation, where I focused on ensuring reliable systems and meaningful results. I am also a Cook Leadership Fellow, which has given me the chance to grow as a leader, collaborate with peers, and contribute to volunteering activities that make a positive impact.I am excited about the possibility of relocating to the Grand Traverse region because of the strong sense of community, natural beauty, and opportunities to be part of meaningful work that connects people and ideas. One of the most important things I would like to share with future employers and community members is that I bring both technical skills and a people-centered mindset.
Josh Visnaw RESUME & LINKEDIN
Current Location: Saginaw, MI
After graduating from Central Michigan University during the 2009 recession, I left Michigan for New Orleans – to serve as an AmeriCorps for low income homeowners at a non-profit. New Orleans sparked my passion to pursue work in the public good – which led me to experiences across 11 states and 3 countries, taking on roles in campaign management, international affairs and higher education.Experiences include managing projects in Belize, where I convened experts from universities and corporate partners, focusing on women’s healthcare and literacy. In the emerging democracy of Timor-Leste, I advised high-ranking government officials on issues of youth participation in democracy and consulted for the United Nations, producing a study on improving livelihoods for rural youth. Most recently, I led an initiative at Harvard’s Kennedy School, building and scaling a tool to safeguard voter registration across 50 states.After years on the road, I returned to my birthplace in Saginaw. While there are many reasons to be attracted to Traverse City – the rapid development presents opportunities to construct a community to be a destination for well-being, enrichment and prosperity.
Mallory Zink RESUME & LINKEDIN
Current Location: Philadelphia, PA
I grew up in Petoskey and am looking for opportunities to move back with my growing family. We currently live in the bustling city of Philadelphia and look forward to a slower pace of life up north. Moving with me would be, my husband who grew up in the Ann Arbor area, our young son, two little dogs, and two kitties. My husband and I met at Kalamazoo College and have spent the last 10 years moving around the globe! We are looking for a better work life balance and to live close to family again! I have a wide breadth of experiences and skills, including a Masters degree in History, specialized in Public History with certifications in Nonprofit Management and Museum Studies. I recently finished a certification cultural tourism and am a certified interpretive planner. I currently work for a community assistance program, helping community groups build parks and trails in their towns. I would love to bring my family and my skills to the Grand Traverse region and get back to the lake life!
