Meet our new board members

Meet our new board members

July marked the beginning of a new fiscal year for the Land Conservancy of West Michigan, which means we said farewell to some board members and welcomed new ones to the team.

Jon Prins and Amy Kenny finished their board terms this year. We are incredibly grateful for their years of dedicated service and support for nature nearby. We wish them all the best in their future endeavors!

Tom Comer 

Tom brings extensive financial experience to his role on the board of directors. He is the CFO for the Gun Lake Tribe. Prior to working for the Tribe, he was the Director of Internal Audit at WMU. 

“Some of my best experiences in life have happened in nature. I’m happy to help LCWM leave this legacy for future generations to enjoy,” Tom said. 

In his free time, Tom enjoys hunting, fishing, boating, golf, and motorcycle rides. 

Joe Engel 

Joe practiced law for 36 years and served as executive director of LCWM for 5 years. Joe retired from his role as executive director in 2021 but has remained involved as a volunteer Preserve Steward for Richmond Woods and McDuffee Creek Nature Preserves, a member of the Prescribed Burn Crew, and a frequent participant in volunteer workdays.  

Joe looks forward to continuing his support for LCWM as a board member. “The mission, and the passion its people and volunteers bring to every project, outing, and strategic consideration are off the chart. It’s a pleasure and inspiring privilege to work with these folks,” he said. 

In his free time, Joe enjoys spending time with his grandkids, scuba diving, singing, hiking and camping, traveling, working in his native garden, playing euchre/scrabble/bridge, and visiting LCWM preserves. 

Mary O’Neill 

Mary O’Neill co-founded the software company Atomic Object with her husband in 2001. She led all aspects of the company’s business operations. She retired from this role in 2023.  

“I’m drawn to work with LCWM because I’m drawn to (and love) the concept of creating as many pathways as possible to preserve natural landscapes and make them accessible to as many people as possible,” Mary said. 

In her free time, Mary likes to cook and host friends in sharing good food, drink, and conversation. She also enjoys traveling. 

Scott Timmer 

Scott is a semi-retired attorney. He has practiced real estate and business law for 45 years. He also owns and manages a number of commercial and residential properties. 

Scott has worked with LCWM in his real estate practice and is looking forward to collaborating with the organization on the board of directors. “I greatly support the preservation of land for forests and recreation,” he said. 

In his free time, Scott likes to fix up, ride, and drive vintage motorcycles and sports cars. He is an avid downhill skier, and enjoys hunting, fishing, tennis, golf, and boating.