Michele Richards has dedicated over 27 years to environmental management, with 21 of those years spent working at Fort Custer Training Center for the Michigan Army National Guard. Currently, she manages programs related to natural resources, wildland fire, and climate adaptation. Michele holds a Bachelor’s degree in Earth Science and Environmental Studies from Western Michigan University and a Master’s in Environmental Policy from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

Throughout her career, Michele has built extensive expertise in climate adaptation, prescribed fire, endangered species management, and invasive species control. Her involvement spans various professional councils and working groups, including leadership roles in the Michigan Prescribed Fire Council, the Army National Guard Environmental Advisory Council, and the Michigan Climate Coalition. Michele's contributions have earned her multiple awards for natural resource conservation and environmental stewardship, reflecting her commitment to maintaining the balance between military operations and ecological sustainability. She is a recognized leader in conservation efforts, often contributing to national projects and local conservation initiatives.

In her other roles, her three amazing daughters and two grandchildren bring her great joy. She and her husband contribute to cultural resources management on a personal level through their 17 year effort to restore an 1877 Italianate farmhouse (aka the money pit). She deeply loves the unsalted waters of the Great Lakes where she grew up and spends as much time in their glorious presence as possible.