Board of Directors
Meet the Board
Steve Rutowski, Chairman of the Board
After graduating high school in 1972, Steve entered an apprenticeship and received his Journeyman's card as a Reinforcing Ironworker. In 1976, he experienced a diving accident that left him quadriplegic. Unexpectedly faced with such a profound life change, Steve, with the support of family, friends, and a deep faith, has embraced life to its fullest. Answering God’s calling, he serves the community as a licensed minister. His interests include sailing, kayaking, traveling, designing stained glass, and kites. He aspire to be a valuable asset to everybody supported by the Disability Network.
Paul Derby - Board Director
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Paul graduated in 2004 with a B.S. in Therapeutic Recreation from Lake Superior State University. He currently lives in Cadillac and is the business owner of Streamer’s Custom Flies where he crafts custom flies for fly fishermen. Paul is passionate about accessible recreation and strives to live life to the fullest. He enjoys skiing, sailing, kayaking, camping, fishing, and all that Northern Michigan has to offer. He is currently a committee member and Assistant Scout Master for Boy Scout Troop 125 in Cadillac and is active with Knights of Columbus Council 1224. Paul became a board member in Spring 2014 and is excited to have the opportunity to advocate on behalf of others with disabilities.
Justin Liptak - Board Director​
Justin Liptak is a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones in Traverse City, Michigan. After growing
up in Cadillac, Michigan Justin attended and graduated from the United States Military Academy
at West Point and was commissioned as an Armor Officer in the United States Army. After
serving five years in the Army Justin and his wife Katlyn came home to Northern Michigan.
Katlyn is an Occupational therapist here in Traverse City. Justin loves the outdoors including
hunting, fishing, camping and golfing. Justin and Katlyn are active in the community with various
organization and volunteering with an urger to help those in need in Northern Michigan.
Brandon Dornbusch - Treasurer
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Brandon received his undergraduate degree with honors from Michigan State University in History with a concentration in Mandarin Chinese. He then went on to receive his Juris Doctor degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 2011. He currently practices estate planning in Traverse City. He is passionate about helping individuals, families, and business owners achieve peace of mind by tailoring plans specifically to each of his clients. Part of his practice involves helping disabled individuals with guardianships and conservatorships, Medicaid planning, and special needs trust issues. As an attorney with a disability, Brandon finds a great deal of fulfillment in helping others with disabilities increase their degree of independence, and improve their quality of life. When not practicing law, Brandon enjoys spending time exploring the outdoors around Traverse City, fishing, hunting, hiking, and spending time with his wife, Charlotte, and dog, Bosco.
Coco Stephenson - Secretary
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Coco Stephenson is the CEO of Grand Traverse Resource Center. She worked at Grand Traverse Industries as a Program Manager, Community Employment Specialist and Custodial Manager simultaneously. Coco volunteered with Arts 4 All for approximately ten years and thereafter became a Board Member. She advocates for individuals of all abilities for community, promotes social integration and uses her time and resources to help others in the community. She demonstrated a keen ability to empower individuals to achieve their goals and dreams. Her unwavering commitment to serving others and her passion for making a difference in peoples lives makes her exceptional leader and inspiration to many.
Sarah Sutherin Hansen - Board Director
Jason Prior - Board Director
Ex-Officio Board
Jackie Duncan
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Jackie is a Mortgage Originator at West Shore Bank.