2025-28 DTCA Board of Directors Election
Your Voice Matters! Vote by May 1
The DTCA Board plays a key role in guiding our events, programs, and support for local businesses. Voting for board members is one of the easiest ways you can make a difference in our community. Take a moment to cast your vote (one ballot per DTCA membership) and help shape what’s next for downtown!
Terms begin July 1, 2025 and end June 30, 2028. The Board of Directors (seven members in total) is expected to:
- Cooperate with city officials and other organizations in developing downtown Traverse City.Please review the candidate bios and click to vote below.
- Build community, encourage integrity, and camaraderie among the merchants.
- Advance, protect, and perpetuate the commercial, professional, financial, and general business interests of downtown Traverse City related to our merchants.
- Create and manage effective fundraising for the non-profit and marketing to support merchants.
Review candidate bios then link to your ballot below. Write-in candidates are also accepted. Four candidates are vying for three open positions. Vote for UP TO THREE nominees.
Candidate Bio: Katie Asher, Owner of slip. vintage and Secondhand Social Club
I am the owner of slip. vintage and Secondhand Social Club, I have been in business downtown for 4 years. I was raised in Traverse City, my grandparents had a house out on Old Mission when I was a kid, my heart belongs to this area. I am a member of the Great Lakes Business Network, raise money and donate to social justice projects, and have made it my goal to build community and connection through my businesses.
I have a Bachelors in Fine Art, my passion is all things art and community. I support diversity, and want to give small businesses that aren’t on the main drag, in hallways or side streets or down stairs the representation they need. I have skills in design, community building and advocacy.
I’d like to see more education and resources for connecting businesses together. I would love to feel like we were all in connection, instead of competition. I think a fresh perspective on the main issues that people consistently bring up would be cool.
I participate in any relevant events, push events and posts on socials, and try to get people to come downtown as much as possible. I try to do events to bring people who normally wouldn’t come downtown to shop to at least come to art events. I host live music, poetry readings and other art events. I do collaborations with other businesses both within and outside of the DTCA downtown.
Candidate Bio: Robert Bruning, Area GM and Regional VP for TPG Hotels and Resorts
Born and raised in Traverse City, I’m proud to now serve as the Area General Manager and Regional Vice President for TPG Hotels and Resorts, overseeing Hotel Indigo and Cherry Tree Inn and Suites. After 25 years working with premier hotel brands along the East Coast, I returned home to lead local hospitality efforts and give back to the community that shaped me.
I bring decades of hospitality leadership, board experience, and a deep understanding of both branded and independent operations. I currently serve on the Beach District Implementation Team for East Bay Township and have served on various tourism and hospitality boards throughout my career. I believe in thoughtful, transparent leadership and would bring a collaborative, strategic perspective to the DTCA Board.
As a candidate, I aim to support sustainable growth downtown, strengthen marketing efforts for DTCA members, and advocate for projects that enhance livability—like workforce housing and year-round tourism initiatives. I’d be honored to help shape the future of Downtown Traverse City, ensuring it remains vibrant, welcoming, and successful for both visitors and locals.
Candidate Bio: Andre Bushell, Owner of Bushell’s Kitchen and Cocktails
Andre Bushell is a driven entrepreneur, restaurateur, and community leader based in Northern Michigan, with a deep-rooted passion for building businesses that create impact. From humble beginnings, Andre carved his path in the hospitality industry through relentless hustle, strategic vision, and a commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences.
His career began in sales, but it was the restaurant industry that truly sparked his purpose. Since stepping into the culinary world, Andre has founded and operated multiple ventures across the region, including Foundry Craft Grillery, Dreloco Taco, and Bushell’s Kitchen & Cocktails. He has played a key role in revitalizing downtown spaces and diversifying Northern Michigan’s culinary scene with concepts that blend culture, authenticity, and community connection.
Over the years, Andre has been directly responsible for creating over 500 jobs through both current and former employment, generating not just employment, but opportunity, mentorship, and growth for hundreds of individuals across the region.
Andre is also deeply committed to giving back. Whether it’s hosting fundraisers, providing meals for families in need, or sponsoring local events, he consistently prioritizes community impact as a core part of his mission. His businesses don’t just serve food, they serve people, purpose, and the neighborhoods that support them.
Today, Andre continues to lead with heart and hustle, investing in the Traverse City area and surrounding communities, creating strong teams, and building a lasting legacy through entrepreneurial excellence and community-driven leadership.
Candidate Bio: Hunter Eagle, General Manager at Mammoth Distilling
My name is Hunter Eagle, born and raised in Traverse City. I am 31 years old and have been in the hospitality industry for going on 16 years. I started out at The Park Place Hotel as a banquet server and throughout the years of my career, I have done everything from dishwashing, event and wedding planning, winery and brewery tours, and currently I am the General Manager at Mammoth Distilling in the Warehouse District. I have taken and passed hospitality management course through the Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan. I am so incredibly passionate about all things’ food, drink, and Traverse City. I pride myself on knowing the best spot for anything and everything in town and have made/planned many itineraries for visitors to our lovely town.
I would love to see more/bigger events to attract visitors to us during the off season, especially when we have a less that spectacular snow fall. Summer and fall are both great for nearly every business, but the off-season can definitely leave something to be desired for most. I feel that I can bring a fresh perspective and insight that most people don’t have, due to my career path. I try to support as many local events and charities as possible. I have personally volunteered and have made many donations to organizations in town for various events, fundraisers, etc. As well as participate in as many events as I possibly can, not only to support, but to also meet new people that share a love for Traverse City.
Link to BALLOT below. One ballot per DTCA membership allowed. Voting deadline: May 1, 2025, 11pm.