Voyageurs Conservancy Board News
New Voyageurs Conservancy Board Member: Meet Bill Kellogg
Bill Kellogg has a deep-rooted passion for the Northern Minnesota border country, shaped by a lifetime of canoeing and exploring its wilderness. His connection to the region began at age five on a family canoe trip to the Boundary Waters, an experience that sparked a lifelong appreciation for preserved natural spaces. As a camper and board member at Camp Widjiwagan, and later a scouting leader, Bill developed a profound respect for organizations that provide outdoor experiences and environmental education.
In addition to his committee and board memberships with Cub Scouts and Camp Widjiwagan, Bill Kellogg also follows and supports the work of the Friends of the BWCA, Minnesota Land Trust, Carpenter Nature Center and Parks and Trails Council of Minnesota.
Professionally, Bill is the Founder and Principal of WH Kellogg Sales, LLC, with extensive experience in business development, engineering, and international operations. He previously served as a captain in the U.S. Marine Corps.
His family's legacy is closely tied to Voyageurs National Park, with early visits before its National Park designation and his father's dedication to its establishment. Now, as a Voyageurs Conservancy board member, Bill is committed to communicating the park’s mission, enhancing visitor experiences, and ensuring its preservation for future generations, just as his family did for him.
Welcome, Bill!
New Voyageurs Conservancy Board Member: Meet Juli Ponder
Julia Ponder, DVM, MPH, is a dedicated advocate for conservation and the mission of the National Park System, with a strong personal and professional connection to Voyageurs National Park. As a long-time cabin owner on Sand Point Lake and a contributor to the park’s eagle monitoring project, she values the preservation of natural spaces and the role they play in environmental education and research.
With two decades of leadership at The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota, Juli has extensive experience in nonprofit governance, strategic planning, and fundraising, having successfully raised millions to support environmental initiatives. She has also played a key role in communications, organizational development, and community engagement throughout her time with The Raptor Center.
As a Voyageurs Conservancy board member, Juli brings a deep passion for the park and a strong professional commitment to conservation. She believes in the power of connection to drive change and offers extensive experience in nonprofit leadership and sustainability. With a deep familiarity with Voyageurs and its community, she aims to serve as a resource and leverage her expertise and networks to support the Conservancy’s mission.
Welcome, Juli!
Doug Franchot – Gerry Wilson Award, Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation
Doug Franchot, a dedicated advocate for environmental stewardship, has been honored with the Gerry Wilson Award by the Lake of the Woods Water Sustainability Foundation. This award recognizes his outstanding leadership and commitment to water conservation efforts in the region.
A longtime champion of natural resource protection, Doug has played a pivotal role in numerous organizations, including serving as a director emeritus of Voyageurs Conservancy and a founding member of the Heart of the Continent Partnership. His leadership extends across both nonprofit and public sectors, where he has worked tirelessly to support sustainable development and environmental collaboration. He has previously served on several other boards in both the for profit and nonprofit sectors, including IDS Life Insurance of New York, Northeast Minnesota Regional Sustainable Development Partnership, Young America Corporation, Voyageur Outward Bound School, Outward Bound USA, Expeditionary Learning Outward Bound, Management Assistance Project (MAP) for Nonprofits, and the International Falls, Ranier, and Rainy Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau, among others.
With a career spanning executive leadership, nonprofit governance, and conservation advocacy, Doug continues to make a lasting impact on the health of the Rainy Lake and Lake of the Woods watershed. This well-deserved recognition highlights his dedication to preserving these vital waterways for future generations.
Congratulations, Doug, on this prestigious honor!
