Our Team
Board of Directors
Kees van Frankenhuyzen
President
Growing up in one of the most crowded places on earth as the son of an enthusiastic naturalist, Kees acquired a deep appreciation for the natural world at an early age. He came to the Sault in 1985 to start a 31-year research career in forest entomology. Living in the Sault and being able to explore its endless bounty of forests and waterways by foot, canoe, kayak, skis or bike is his dream come true.
Kees is happiest when he is outside roaming the woods and lakes, with King mountain and Lake Superior being his premier playgrounds. He was on the AHC Board of Directors from 2005 to 2008, and now that he is retired, is looking forward to renewing his commitment to conserving the natural beauty that surrounds us.
Laurie McBay
Secretary
Laurie McBay is an enthusiastic cross country skier and hiker. She joined the Board of the AHC in 2009 and became the secretary shortly after that. Laurie is retired but worked as a physiotherapist for more than 40 years and recognizes the importance of ongoing physical activity to achieve optimal physical and mental health.
She appreciates the unique value of the Algoma Highlands and the opportunity to enjoy silent sports in the outdoors. Laurie is pleased to support the goals and principles of the conservancy and acknowledges the contribution of time and expertise of many former AHC Board members and staff.
Dave Fanslow
Vice-President
Dave has been a frequent visitor to the Algoma District since he first came on family fishing trips as a kid. He’s been an avid Stokely skier for going on thirty years and spends as much time as possible skiing or hiking the trails of the AHC.
His professional background is at NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory in Ann Arbor Michigan where he works as a Biologist focusing on the lower food web and the impacts of recent invasive species.
Ruth Koskenoja
Growing up spending summers at camp, and after school hours exploring the fields and forests around her home in the Sault, Ruth has always loved the outdoors, nature and animals. An avid skier, snowshoer, hiker and backpacker, Ruth believes time outdoors in nature is time well spent.
An educator for 28 years, and mentor for Korah’s Duke of Edinburgh club for 12 of those years, Ruth understands the importance of sharing environmental education and stewardship with youth and adults. The Algoma Highlands truly provide an invaluable outdoor classroom.
Brian Anstess
Brian Anstess is a lifelong resident of Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma. He finds silent sport recreation in the Algoma Highlands to be a great diversion from work, and seeks to expose others to the many outdoor opportunities available in the area. The values of the Conservancy are much aligned with his personal principles, and he hopes to assist the AHC with conservation of these precious lands for his children and future generations.
Brian is certified through the Ontario College of Teachers, and is currently employed as a Professor with the Natural Environment and Outdoor Studies Department at Sault College.
Jay Kerr
Jay values every moment outdoors when he is hiking, camping, or paddling. As a professional landscape photographer, he goes beyond capturing nature's beauty with his camera. He values the trails and conservation efforts that make these natural areas beloved by the community. For Jay, the Algoma Highlands offer a peaceful escape from the urban hustle, a space for exploration, and inspiration.
Beyond his outdoor pursuits and photography projects, Jay directs his professional expertise to JAK Media, his web design firm. With over 25 years of experience, his company specializes in offering digital marketing solutions to a variety of businesses and organizations.
Cathy Larsen
Originally from Parkhill, Cathy and her husband fell in love with the Searchmont area after a visit in 2005. They continued to visit friends in the area and purchased an original Finnish homestead in 2009.
A certified CGA and CPA, Cathy has spent decades working for various businesses, and sharing her expertise as treasurer for a variety of charities and non-profits over the years. After fully retiring in 2023, Cathy had time to devote and the Algoma Highlands Conservancy is grateful to have her skills and years of experience.
Snowshoeing, skiing and kayaking are the outdoor passions she enjoys pursuing in her spare time (outside of tax season!).
