Meet the MIS Team

Meet the man who’s turned his love for the water into one of Michigan's premier swim events.   If it involves swimming, boating, or just standing near a body of water, he’s there (and probably wearing goggles). Whether he’s controlling chaos, corralling kayakers, or rolling his eyes at anyone asking “what's the water temp” one thing’s for sure — this event wouldn’t float without him.

This always kind, forever generous and amazing man has been helping make things happen at MIS for 3 years now.  After swimming the entire event twice, Jon Bob decided to become part of the team, and we love having him.  Not only does JB help coordinate with all of the kayaking responsibilities, he also guards the event, can be heard constantly encouraging athletes and makes the event atmosphere chill and enjoyable.

When Maggie's not setting open water swimming records, or blowing minds with her math wizardry at GVSU, she's likely in the background helping plan many parts of the Mackinac Island Swim.  On event weekend, among many other things, Maggie heads up the operation of our timing system to make sure we know who is in and out of the water.  Maggie was a part of the original nine swimmers in 2020, and has been a part of this swim in more ways than 1 since the inaugural 2021 swim.

Part Baywatch, part marine patrol and 100% caffeinated, these two oversee an 8.2-mile aquatic circus with the precision of Navy captains and the patience of saints.  When things get choppy, they’re the calm in the storm (and occasionally the ones yelling, “get closer to shore!”). Thanks to their heroic coordination, the only thing going down during the Mackinac Island Swim… is the post-race pasta.

Meet Deb, our Volunteer Coordinator — the smiling face behind the Mackinac Island Swim’s army of helpers. When her summer isn't full of golfing, playing pickleball, or chasing grandkids, she’s somehow managing to organize dozens of volunteers with the precision of a general and the warmth of a grandma. From the start line to the finish, Deb keeps everything running smoothly — and if you sense a little extra authority in her voice, that’s probably because she’s also the event director’s mother… which technically makes her the boss of all of us.

A Marine veteran whose calm under pressure is matched only by his ability to start a conversation with literally anyone. As a seasoned paramedic, Phil has the medical know-how to handle any emergency, but you’ll probably find him chatting up half the crowd before anything goes wrong. Equal parts protector, problem-solver, and people-person, he keeps our event safe, running smoothly, and just a little more entertaining.

Tommy Dylan, better known for his career in radio in West Michigan has been our voice since the Mackinac Island Swim's first event in 2021.  You can hear Tommy getting our swimmers amped up at the start and then as each and every swimmer crosses the finish line.  Tommy's ability to encourage others, embrace optimism and raise people up is a special gift and The Mackinac Island Swim is so lucky to have this one of a kind hype man! 

Every great event has its unsung heroes — and for the Mackinac Island Swim, that’s The Haan family. Year after year, they’re the quiet force behind the scenes keeping everyone hydrated, fed, organized, and somehow still smiling. From managing aid stations to tackling the mountain of logistics that make a weekend like this run smoothly, the Haans have become part of the very foundation of this event. They don’t just support the weekend — they hold it together.

Meet Angie, our Fundraising Coordinator — the soul of the Mackinac Island Swim (and honestly, the whole community). Her kindness, compassion, and tireless energy have helped turn this event into something far more meaningful than just a swim. When she’s not busy rallying support through the Mackinaw Woman’s Club, she’s at the finish line cheering, hugging, and making sure every swimmer feels like a champion. 

Wendy has an uncanny ability to be everywhere at once, keeping the chaos in check with calm confidence and flawless organization — usually punctuated by that knowing smirk that says, “don’t worry, I’ve already handled it.” Matt (not pictured) is our on-water powerhouse, patrolling the course on his jet ski like a guardian of the Great Lakes. Together, the Leonards provide the logistical and marine support that keeps this event humming along — and we truly couldn’t do it without them.

For the past four years, the Volkemas have been a steady sight on the water — a family of three who somehow make long days at sea look like the best seat in the house. Nate captains their boat with the perfect mix of patience and dad-jokes, while Heather brings her nurse’s calm to every wave and rescue call. Their daughter, our youngest crew member at just eleven, already swims with the same spirit her parents bring to the event. Together, they’re the kind of team you want nearby — steady, smiling, and always ready to lend a hand (or a tow).

They’re the heartbeat of the Mackinac Island Swim — the smiling faces in orange shirts who somehow manage to keep everything afloat (often literally). What started as a handful of helpers has become a family of magic-makers who show up each year not just to work, but to belong. They’re the early-morning lifters of buoys, the fudge-fueled cheerleaders, the calm in the neoprene storm — and the reason this event feels like more than just a swim. They don’t just support the magic… they are the magic.