Jim Perry elected president of Birchwood Farms board

Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club has elected Jim Perry as president of its Board of Trustees for a one-year term, succeeding Dane Slater. The move comes as the Harbor Springs private community pushes ahead on infrastructure projects, managed growth and member amenities.

Why it matters: - Birchwood Farms is pairing new board leadership with ongoing investment in the private community’s infrastructure and member experience. - The election comes as the club emphasizes preserving Birchwood’s character while supporting managed growth and renewed residential development. - The board transition affects governance for a 1,600-acre property with more than 440 residents and significant room for future home construction.

What happened: - Birchwood Farms Golf & Country Club elected Jim Perry as president of the Board of Trustees. - Perry succeeds Dane Slater and will serve a one-year term. - Club members also elected Paul Borchers and Steve Shalit as new trustees. - Members re-elected incumbent trustee Ken Parrott. - Ed Murphy was elected vice president. - Tom Koempel will serve as treasurer. - Glen Remus will serve as secretary. - Doug Fertuck and John Pennell will continue as trustees.

The details: - Perry previously held senior leadership roles at Brown-Forman Corporation in Louisville, Kentucky. - Perry is a native of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, and a University of Michigan graduate. - Perry is a second-generation Birchwood Farms property owner. - Perry’s mother and stepfather, Joanne and Paul O’Hara, were longtime Birchwood members. - Slater said Perry brings executive experience, a deep connection to Birchwood and a thoughtful commitment to members and the community. - Slater said Perry will help the club build on its momentum as Birchwood advances key infrastructure projects and manages continued growth. - Perry said Birchwood will advance several major infrastructure projects over the coming year. - Perry said the club will continue to support managed growth in the community. - Perry said Birchwood has an engaged and growing membership committed to keeping the club a desirable private community in Northern Michigan. - Birchwood Farms is a private residential community in Harbor Springs, Michigan, along the Tunnel of Trees on the bluffs of Lake Michigan. - The property includes 27 holes of golf, dining, racquet sports, heated swimming pools, a fitness center, hiking and snowshoe trails, and spec and custom home building in process. - Birchwood Farms has 130 additional lots available for new home construction.

Between the lines: - The leadership changes point to continuity rather than a strategic reset. - Perry’s background as a property owner and longtime family-connected member suggests the board is choosing a leader with strong institutional ties. - The club’s focus on infrastructure, amenities and residential development signals an effort to balance growth with preservation of the community’s existing identity.

What’s next: - Birchwood Farms is expected to keep moving forward on major infrastructure projects during Perry’s term. - The club will likely continue managing residential growth while promoting the community to current and prospective members. - Birchwood Farms says it is positioned for its next chapter as investment and membership interest continue.

The bottom line: - Birchwood Farms has installed a familiar insider to lead the board at a time when the club is investing in upgrades, expanding housing opportunities and trying to protect the character that defines the community.