Board of Directors

Hello, my name is Cory Berens. I am seeking my first term on the Board of Directors for Sandy Pines.  My wife, Jamie, and I, along with our 2 children, ages 15 and 13, and our 2 Chocolate Labs, fell in love with Sandy Pines after our first camping trip.  We purchased our lot in June of 2021. This is our 4^th year here, and we have loved every minute of it. Most summer days, you can find our family cruising the Pines on the golf cart, lounging on our boat in Sailboat Cove, or taking advantage of the many activities that make Sandy Pines great! I am no stranger to Sandy Pines as I grew up in the area and have been here many times prior to finally purchasing my own piece of paradise. This is such a great park and community!

Growing up I spent many years in the Boy Scouts of America, where I went to National Leadership training in Cimarron, New Mexico. Consistent hard work, determination and a love of the outdoors led me to reaching the honor of earning my Eagle Scout Badge. Not only did this give me many practical life skills that I still use today, it also reinforced within me the character traits that I hold most valuable.  Integrity, loyalty and trust are the hallmark of who I am and my family is built on that foundation as well.

My professional career has led me to many places. 22 years ago I started out as a machine operator. My drive and grit led me on a journey of growth and success. Always wanting to learn more, and do better, I have moved up through the last 22 years and have now been in my current position as a Lead Weld Engineer, programming custom automation welding equipment, teaching others the skills I have learned along the way, and growing our team to exceed company expectations. Being complacent is not in my vocabulary. I am continuously striving to make things better and doing what I can to better myself and others around me.

I spent 6 years as Council President of St. Peters Lutheran Church in Dorr. During my time leading we were able to overcome struggles of the previous church council such as budget issues, and the growing need for maintenance and improvement. During my time as president we were able to pay off the church mortgage also make many changes for the good of the congregation. Sometimes we were challenged, but perseverance and being diligent led us to the light at the end of the tunnel.

Through my past few years here at Sandy Pines I have seen many changes. Some have been good and some came with some growing pain. In order to preserve our “Happy Place” we must have forward thinking leaders who are motivated to improve and who are willing to listen to ALL members. The financial stability of the park is vital to protect what we have so we can invest in our future. Transparency is paramount if we want the members that we serve to support us. Doing what’s best for the park and what the voting members want isn’t always easy, but with the right leadership and members who support the common goal, it is attainable. After all, we are all here for the same purpose. To enjoy the beauty that we have been given and the peacefulness that God has created. It would be my honor to serve you as a member of the next Board Of Directors. I can’t wait to join with you, our members, to make this park better than ever for generations to come!

Thank You for your consideration.

My name is Kolyn Giebel. My wife Shawna and I, along with our three daughters and son, are blessed to call Byron Center home after relocating from the Kalamazoo area where we both graduated from Kalamazoo Christian. I am currently employed by Pfizer as an electrician and proudly served our country as a United States Marine Corps veteran.

We first joined Sandy Pines in 2022 during the challenges of the COVID pandemic, seeking a safe and uplifting place for our family. What started as a getaway quickly became so much more — Sandy Pines has become a cherished part of our lives. We have truly fallen in love with the community, the people, and the values that Sandy Pines represents. We look forward to creating lasting memories here not only with our children, but eventually with our grandchildren as well.

One of the most joyful traditions we’ve started as a family is transforming our site in phase 2 into Whoville for two weeks every summer. What began as a fun idea has grown into something the whole community looks forward to each year. It’s a chance for kids and adults alike to step into something whimsical, joyful, and uplifting—something that reminds us all of the power of imagination, creativity, and connection. My family pours our hearts into it, and seeing how much joy it brings to others is one of the highlights of our year.

Sandy Pines stands out to me as one of the last wholesome places on earth — a safe, family-centered environment where children can grow, play, and build lifelong friendships. The strong sense of community and neighborly support is something we deeply value and want to help preserve for future generations.

I believe my background in the trades, my military experience, and my commitment to serving others would bring a strong, practical, and service-oriented perspective to the Board of Directors. My desire is to help maintain and strengthen what makes Sandy Pines special — ensuring it remains a safe, well-maintained, and welcoming place for all families, both now and into the future.

Thank you for your consideration.

My name is Jill Grung and I am running for a seat on our Board of Directors.

I am a retired CPA with 30+ years of auditing nonprofit organizations. My work focused on the financial side of looking at an organization and how that organization spends responsibly and plans for its future.

This is my 3rd season here at Sandy Pines. I spend the entire summer right here in phase 5 enjoying everything Sandy Pines has to offer. In the off-season I live locally in Jenison.

I meet so many new and interesting people here in the park. I have developed an understanding of many issues on the minds of the membership. I believe I can offer a new, clean and refreshing perspective to  “business as usual”.

I do come with experience of sitting on a large Board of Directors. I spent six years as a member of the Community Unit School District 300 Board of Education in Illinois, and for many of those years, I was an officer on the board. This governing body was responsible for a $90 million budget and approximately 15,000 students. I learned there are times when hard decisions are necessary to protect the masses and that you can’t please all the people all the time. However, I found that being transparent with information and educating your constituents on the reasons behind certain decisions, can gain the respect of all parties.

I would appreciate and consider it a privilege if you allowed me the opportunity to represent you, the membership, on our board.

Thanks Jill Grung, CPA

My name is Ginny Hager and I am running for my third term on the Sandy Pines Board of Directors.  Sandy Pines has been a part of my life since I was very young. My parents were members of the park for 20 years when I was growing up. My husband Kevin and I have been members since July of 2000. It was a great place to be in the summer with our three kids Allison, Courtney and Isaiah as they were growing up. They participated in several park activities and also worked here on the recreation staff and at the ice cream shop. They still enjoy Sandy Pines as adults with their families and spend most weekends here with us. We have seven grandkids ages four and under and they are already enjoying our happy place here with us.

In my professional life, I am a self-employed accountant with over 40 years of experience. I have had a wide variety of clients over the years. My husband and I own a construction company where I have been the CFO for over 30 years. I am very active in our church and community. I have served as the treasurer of various non-profits and school/community organizations. These experiences have provided me with a wealth of financial knowledge to offer to the Board. I hold myself to a high degree of integrity; I am very motivated and I always see things through to completion.

Throughout my years at Sandy Pines I have seen the park go through many changes. I am excited about the future of the park. It is my desire to continue playing a part in ensuing that it stays a great place for my family and yours. Utilizing my financial background and expertise, my aim is to preserve, update and improve the assets of our park. I am currently serving as the Chairman of the Finance Committee. My hope is to be re-elected to the BOD and be able to carry on with these duties. I am eager to see the park move forward and help to create solutions as it grows. I will continue to provide transparency and to help the Board communicate with the members in the best ways possible.

I appreciate your vote and hope you will join me when I say “I love Sandy Pines!!”

My name is Kelly V. Johnson and I am respectfully requesting your consideration to vote for me for the Sandy Pines Board of Directors.

FAMILY:
I grew up in Mattawan, MI, where I graduated from Mattawan High School in 1975 and then attended Kalamazoo Valley Community College. I was lucky enough in 1981 when Leslie said “I do” and we’ve been happily married for 44 years this September. We were blessed with 2 children, Jamie and Scott, and raised our family in Portage, MI. Since I last ran for this position we were blessed with the birth of three granddaughters, Hadley, Hannah, and Hailey from our daughter Jamie and Son In Law, Ben.  And further blessed last year when our son Scott married Karli Burt Johnson and in August, Leslie and I will again be Blessed with our 1st Grandson.

SANDY PINES LIFE:
We heard about this awesome park called Sandy Pines from a dear friend and decided to camp there in 2011. Like everyone, we immediately fell in love with this park. After camping at Sandy Pines several times over the course of 2 seasons, it was a no-brainer in 2013 that we wanted to buy
a site and become members. Our love for the park grew in such a way that we decided to sell our home in Portage and buy a Sandy Pines condo in 2016 to live here year-round. We just couldn’t get enough, and we’re happy to call Sandy Pines our permanent home.

I previously served 2 Terms as a Board of Director, the last three in the position of Vice Chairman.  After being off the board last year due to term limits, I came to the realization that I missed being involved and contributing to the overall well being of the park. As such, I am humbly asking for your vote again to allow me to continue to give back to our amazing community.

CAREER:
In 1979, I began working for the U.S. Postal Service as a Mail Handler. Throughout my 33- year career with the USPS, I received several promotions and held the following positions; Supervisor of Mails, Tour Superintendent, Supervisor of Customer Service, Station Branch Manager, Postmaster Portage MI, District Safety Manager, and Transportation Manager before retiring in 2012.

EXTRACURRICULAR / VOLUNTEER:
Chairman, Kalamazoo County Combined Federal Campaign
BOD, Kalamazoo Postal Federal Credit Union BOD, Access First Federal Credit Union
BOD, Post Community Credit Union
BOD, United Bay Community Credit Union BOD, Sandy Pines Condo Association Moderator, Bethlehem Baptist Church Sandy Pines Rules Advisory Committee

SUMMARY:
There is one reason and one reason only that I would like to serve on the Sandy Pines Board of Directors; this community is our home and I love our home. I believe that my career and previous BOD experience has provided me with the skills and experiences that make me qualified to serve as a member of your BOD. I promise to listen to you, the members. I promise to be diligent in collecting and reviewing all pertinent information to make the best possible decisions for Sandy Pines and the  over 2100 site owners I represent. A vote for me is a vote to help Sandy Pines continue to grow and thrive for many years to come

My name is Angie Kuppler and I am running for a seat on the Sandy Pines Board of Directors.

My husband Kurt and I have been married for 34 years. After purchasing our Sandy Pines site in 2022 and later purchasing a condo in 2024, we chose to make Sandy Pines our year-round home. We are fully invested – emotionally, financially and wholeheartedly in the future of this community. I want to ensure that the decisions made today will sustain the Sandy Pines experience and to continue making Sandy Pines a place everyone can enjoy.

Prior to moving here we lived in Texas Township, near Kalamazoo, and raised our three children. Today, our family includes four grandchildren, and some of our greatest memories are made right here at Sandy Pines. Family, community, and creating lasting traditions are at the heart of why I am running.

Professional & Leadership Experience

I founded and operated three successful service businesses, including a 440-customer cleaning company, along with window cleaning and mosquito/pest control businesses. Through those experiences, I developed strengths in budgeting, financial oversight, operations, staff leadership, long-range planning and customer service.

I have also served in numerous volunteer leadership roles. I was PTO President for two different elementary schools, sat on a committee when the school system expanded, President of a little league – 750+ player little league program and managed my sons travel soccer team. Given that one of those tenures as President of a PTO involved starting a new school – I have also had involvement with drafting governing by-laws to support long-term organizational success. I know what it means to lead, to collaborate, and to make decisions that stand the test of time.

Currently, I serve as Secretary on the Sandy Pines Condo Board of Directors. In this role, I work closely with fellow board members on governance, communication, meeting administration and representing condo co-owners’ interests while balancing responsible stewardship of community resources. This experience provides current hands-on insight into board operations, decision-making, and serving the broader Sandy Pines membership.

My Vision for Sandy Pines

Sandy Pines should continue to improve without losing the character that makes it unique. I support thoughtful growth, strong stewardship of member investment and preserving the traditions that bring families together. We need to remember that the foundation of this community started based on camping, camp fires, enjoying friends and family, safe spaces for children and being budget friendly. While we can add new additions to the park-like pickle ball courts, tennis courts, new pools and various other items that we would enjoy, I would like to see the park stay like a park – open, natural and family centered. No big structures with restrictive guidelines that would block the lake or take away from the family camping experience.

I feel like I “check all the boxes” required for someone in the role of a board member. In addition to my past experiences:

• We have a condo and a trailer so I am invested in both I pay two sets of dues and want to keep them reasonable while protecting your investment.
• We own a boat with a boat stake – so I care deeply about the lake and the infrastructure that supports it.
• Our grandchildren love to come out and play on all the different playgrounds – each playground is They love the water park and going to the pools. They enjoy all of the kids activities that the Recreation staff provides. These are things that we need to make certain we maintain and keep in good repair.
• I play tennis and pickle ball and my husband loves to
• We enjoy Karaoke, Music Bingo and clubhouse events, and feel we can expand these offerings while keeping costs down.

With all the above being said I will most definitely fight to keep this park “open” for 6 months and not just the 4 months like we seemed to have morphed into this past season. Sandy Pines should be enjoyed for the full season it was designed for.

I would be honored to earn your vote and the opportunity to serve Sandy Pines with thoughtful leadership, fiscal responsibility, common sense, and a long-term commitment to preserving the community we all love.

Hi, my name is Larry Munger, and I am running for election to the Sandy Pines Board of Directors. I am married to my wonderful wife Janet, and we will celebrate our 54th anniversary this November. We have four grown married children who have blessed us with 17 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

I am a veteran, having served in the US Army from 1970 to 1972.  I graduated from Calvin College in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering (BSE).  I was elected to serve on the executive board of the UAW Local 730.  I am serving on the board of my HOA   I have served for three years on the Sandy Pines Board of Directors. I have volunteered for committees. I have written rule and Bylaw changes for Sandy Pines.

As a family, our first visit to Sandy Pines was in 1975.  My wife and I camped in tents with our young children as we enjoyed what Sandy Pines had to offer.  We bought a membership in 1983.  I have seen many changes and improvements in the park in the 40 years that I have been a member. My family and I have great memories of the time spent here.  The two oldest daughters worked at the ice cream shop and our son delivered messages from the guard shack to members in the park.  Now that my wife and I are retired, Sandy Pines is our summer home, living here full time during the season.  It’s time for me to give back to the park I love.

I am asking for your support and your vote in the August election.  Members should have a voice in the future of Sandy Pines.  I want to be the members voice on the Board.  I support the members’ rights to vote on large construction projects.  I will advocate for transparency and listen to your concerns. In decisions that affect our park finances, I will be fiscally responsible.  Concerning rule changes, I will use a common-sense approach that benefits the members as a whole.  I will fully support a decision made by the majority of the Sandy Pines members voting on an issue of concern.

I am committed to the community of Sandy Pines.  I would be honored to once again serve the members of this park as their representative on the Board of Directors. Thank you in advance for your vote.

My name is Craig Van Beek, and I am asking for your support as I run for the Sandy Pines Board of Directors.

Sandy Pines has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. My grandparents and my parents were members of the park, and many of my childhood memories were made here. My parents even operated the Golden Onion Restaurant during the late 1970s and early 1980s, making Sandy Pines not just a campground, but a place our family has proudly called home for generations.

I had the privilege of working in the Sandy Pines Maintenance Department for 25 years before accepting God’s call into ministry as a local pastor. Those years gave me a firsthand understanding of how our park operates, the challenges it faces, and the importance of caring for this special community.

Today, my wife Laura and I are members of Sandy Pines and enjoy spending our summers in Phase 4 with our three daughters. We love the friendships, traditions, and sense of community that make this place so unique.

I have always believed that serving others is one of life’s greatest responsibilities. Along with serving as a local pastor, I currently serve as an Allegan County Commissioner and as the Vice Chair of the Allegan County Board of Commissioners. These roles have given me valuable experience in leadership, budgeting, long-range planning, listening to diverse perspectives, and making thoughtful decisions for the benefit of an entire community.

I believe my lifelong connection to Sandy Pines, combined with my experience in public service and leadership, has prepared me well to serve on the Board of Directors.

If elected, I will work hard to represent all members with honesty, integrity, transparency, and respect. I will listen carefully, communicate openly, and strive to make decisions that preserve the traditions we cherish while thoughtfully preparing Sandy Pines for the future.

Thank you for your time, your trust, and your consideration. I would be honored to earn your vote and serve our Sandy Pines community.

Blessings,

Craig Van Beek

Hello my name is Scot Wyman, I’m running for the board of directors this year. I was first introduced to Sandy Pines in the early 1990’s when my mother and brother bought places in Phase 3, I purchased shortly after that in 1994 (I believe). I was amazed at the size of the park and the amenities they had to offer back then and have seen the park evolve to the great place it is today.

I retired from the East Lansing Fire Department after nearly 30 years serving as a Firefighter/Paramedic, Lieutenant, Captain and Deputy Fire Chief. I also served in different capacities within our local union as well. I attended Lansing Community College obtaining a degree in Fire Science, and a certificate as an A-EMT (Paramedic). And then received my Paramedic License from the state of Michigan.

I am currently on the Long Range Planning committee, I served three years on the Chapel Committee, and also served as an arbitrator for Sandy Pines.

My wife Jamie and I have a place in Phase 6, prior to that we were in Phase 3. My three children have had the pleasure and great experience of Sandy Pines for many years. We have been so blessed to have such an amazing place at Sandy Pines.

My reason for running for the BOD is to help continue making and keeping this place an affordable, great experience for years to come. I support transparency for the board while realizing some issues must maintain strict confidentiality.

I look forward to serving you and appreciate your support in the upcoming election.