Melissa DeSimone

Member group representative
Michigan Lakes & Streams Association

Melissa joined the Environmental Council Board of Directors in 2023.

She is the executive director of the Michigan Lakes & Streams Association, which preserves and protects Michigan’s vast number of inland lakes and streams. As part of this pursuit, she supports riparian associations, conservation initiatives, lake associations, and the efforts of people and businesses alike while also educating and advocating for good water policy.

The Kalamazoo-area resident comes from a background in education and communication. She came to the Michigan Lakes & Streams Association first as its membership coordinator, working with the organization's thousands of members. Prior, she was a longtime science teacher.

Bolstering Melissa's experiences are a bachelor's degree in elementary and middle school teaching from Illinois State University and a master's degree in educational administration and supervision from Governors State University.

Melissa currently serves as the vice president of communications for the Oak Park Women's Guild and as technology coordinator for the Gravel Lake Association, a member of the Michigan Lakes & Streams Association.