Our Staff

Susan Pocklington, Executive Director

Susan joined the staff at Preserve Historic Sleeping Bear in 2000, holding two prior positions before becoming Executive Director in the fall of 2007.

She has guided the organization from its inception, through two strategic plans, fundraising for and facilitating dozens of preservation projects, creative interpretive programs, adaptive use plans for historic buildings, and volunteer recruitment as well as the marketing and publications of the organization. Implementing a vision for the complete restoration of the historic Olsen Farmhouse into a park visitor center was a major step including the gardens, re-landscaping, and a new kitchen. Susan has expanded programs and events that immerse the visitor into the landscape to learn about the incredible history in Sleeping Bear Dunes.

“I continue to be energized by the endless opportunities for growth and creativity in preserving the structures and stories of the heritage in Sleeping Bear, and opening doors to new experiences utilizing historic buildings.”

BIO

Susan graduated with honors in Parks and Recreation Administration from Michigan State University and did her internship in the rocky mountains of Colorado. Years later, living 20 minutes from one of the finest historic preservation programs at Eastern Michigan University, Susan was ready to enroll in the graduate program when she was hired at PHSB. Susan has had a dedicated career helping several nonprofit organizations including positions with Greenhills School Development Department, Oakland University Meadow Brook Estate, six years as Executive Director and Co-founder of the Leelanau Center for Education Adult Enrichment Programs, and assisted others with start-up ventures. Prior to joining PHSB, she was an event planner and program developer.  Originally from Plymouth, Michigan, she grew up near her grandfather’s farm, where she helped with harvesting hay and produce. She attributes her love of history to her grandfather who was instrumental in building the Plymouth Historical Museum. She was introduced to the beauty of Port Oneida in high school when her marching band attended band camp there, and has always had an affinity for historic buildings. Susan is an accomplished flutist and vocalist and has served as flutist in the Traverse Symphony and Plymouth Symphony. She enjoys hiking, biking, softball, canoeing, white water rafting, and tennis.