Kathleen Mennillo, MBA: CEO

Kathleen Mennillo, MBA, is known for her ambition, business acumen, and integrity and has served at the executive level for over a decade. She comes from her dual role as Executive Director for both the International Hearing Society and the National Board of Certification for Hearing Instrument Sciences. Leveraging the power of relationships and networks, broad business skills, financial acuity, and strategic management, Kathleen propelled the organizations to unprecedented growth and financial stability. During her tenure, she secured the passage of two legislative bills in less than four years, skyrocketed revenue by 375% to more than $4 million, reinvigorated their signature education program, and led through a complete organizational transformation, from staffing to location to streamlining processes. She is honored to join such a prestigious organization dedicated to conservation, education, and research and looks forward to assisting the organization in reaching new heights.

Kathleen relishes adventures with her sweet basset hound Olga, traveling the world with her husband, tending the flowers in her garden, advocating for bees, and designing jewelry.

Lindsay Cain, MS: Manager of Education and Events

As an environmental student researcher, Lindsay spent years developing a deep passion for the environment. She received her Bachelor’s in Biology from Alma College and her Master’s Degree in Natural Resources and Environment from the University of Michigan. Before taking this position, Lindsay taught biology as an adjunct professor. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, cleaning, and spending time with family and friends.

Max Henschell, Ph.D.: Director of Research

Originally from Michigan, Max’s love for birds began with a Magnolia Warbler on Isle Royale. Since then, he has counted waterbirds at Whitefish Point Bird Observatory, marshbirds at Seney National Wildlife Refuge, and hawks at Brockway Mountain. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Applied Ecology from Michigan Technological University and his Ph.D. in Wildlife Ecology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Max has studied grassland and forest bird ecology in Wisconsin as well as worked with large datasets, including eBird, GBIF, and PRISM climate data, to predict changes in avian communities across the continental United States due to climate change. His research interests are in migration ecology, habitat use, and the effects of anthropogenic activity on bird communities. When he’s not at work, he spends as much time as possible outdoors with his young family, cooking, roasting coffee, and brewing beer.

Chad Machinski, MS: Conservation Manager

While Chad’s first love is botany, he doesn’t deny the intertwining nature of birds, plants, insects, and all other organisms we share the world with. His passion for the natural world began in his undergraduate time at the University of Michigan, taking several different forms along the way. His graduate studies at the University of Michigan allowed him to more closely examine the natural communities of Michigan and further understand the complex nature of ecosystems. His work as a Nichols Arboretum Caretaker while in school further enabled him to be directly involved in conservation work as he led workdays removing invasive plant species, performed trail maintenance, and guided tours. Chad can usually be found out in a park in a few ways: binoculars glued to his face, hunched over looking at plants, or flipping logs looking for snakes and salamanders.

Nancy Rasinske: Staff Accountant

Nancy joined the staff of Michigan Audubon after many years of both private and public accounting experience, most recently retiring from the role of Chief Financial Officer for Grand Ledge Public Schools. She spends her time away from work gardening, reading books, walking with her husband and two German shepherds, and spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Linda Smith: Director of Partnerships

Linda is eager to use her passion for collaboration and maintaining professional relationships to advance the mission of Michigan Audubon. She is a former Executive Director of the Novi Chamber of Commerce and comes to us directly from Vibe Credit Union, where she managed the corporate social responsibility program. She has substantial knowledge and experience working with organizations, small businesses, and municipalities.

To assist Michigan Audubon in meeting its conservation, research, and educational goals, Linda develops customized advertising packages, sponsorships, and volunteer experiences that provide partners the opportunity to further their objectives. Her efforts support events, workshops, and sanctuary tours that attract local birders and participants from across the globe. She also assists individuals and estates in facilitating bequests dedicated to making Michigan a better place for birding and land preservation.

Linda is a native Michigander. She loves to explore new trails, although she’s often lagging behind the group while stopping to snap a bird pic!

Whitefish Point Bird Observatory Field Staff

Whitefish Point Bird Observatory (WPBO) is a program of Michigan Audubon located along the shore of Lake Superior in Paradise, Michigan. As a premier migration hotspot, WPBO is home to multiple seasons of avian research including:

• Spring Raptor Count | Mar. 15–May 31
• Spring Waterbird Count | Apr. 15–May 31
• Piping Plover Monitoring | May–Aug.

• Fall Waterbird Count | Aug. 15–Nov. 15
• Fall Field Ornithologist | Aug. 15–Nov. 15
• Owl Banding | Paused for 2025

Sean McLaughlin: 2025 Raptor Counter

Sean is a hawk watcher from Pennsylvania, and his passion for raptors began at an early age while visiting nearby count sites. He cut his teeth on the Appalachian Ridges of Stone Mountain and Tussey Mountain before heading to the North Shore of Lake Superior. Since 2022, Sean has conducted spring and fall raptor counts at Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory in Duluth, Minnesota. He is particularly excited to explore the other end of Lake Superior and a different array of spring migrants at Whitefish Point. Sean loves to watch visible migration of birds and has grown particularly interested in morning flight counts of migrating non-raptors. When not watching birds migrate, Sean enjoys fly fishing, gravel biking, and thinking about migration.

Martina Nordstrand: 2025 Spring Waterbird Counter

Martina is a birder and biologist from North Carolina, where she started birding in her early teens. Her interest in birds and wildlife led her to North Carolina State University, where she graduated with a B.S. in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology. Since then, she has been around the country working a variety of ornithological field jobs. She has always been fascinated with migration, especially visible migration, and is excited to spend the spring counting at the Point! Besides birds, Martina is interested in all aspects of nature, especially snakes, salamanders, wildflowers, and butterflies.