Board of Directors

Lizzie and her husband Sam became the next generation of land stewards of Blue Vista Farm in Bayfield after purchasing the property in the spring of 2021, continuing in a similar vision to the previous owner while bringing new practices and techniques to the fields to repair and improve the unforgiving pressures of time and environmental conditions. Lizzie is a California native who grew up surrounded by the farmlands of the Central Valley. Living life outdoors is second nature to her as an avid mountain biker who has traveled to trails across the U.S. and Costa Rica. In addition to managing the farm, she is a data scientist by trade, an activist, coach, former college triathlete, archaeologist, and veteran of the United States Air Force.

I’m Mollie Carrier. Along with my husband Isaac, we’re the team behind Seagull Bay Motel—answering the phones, changing the laundry, and even pushing the cleaning cart alongside our incredible staff. In 2017, with an 11-month-old and another on the way, we took a leap of faith and purchased the motel, moving back to Bayfield to raise our family. Since then, we’ve been restoring our lakeside property and creating a welcoming, peaceful atmosphere for all our guests while raising our three boys. Bayfield has become our home in every sense of the word, and I’m passionate about contributing to its vibrant community.

After finishing college in the Pacific Northwest, I came to Cornucopia to help my mom at Ehlers Store for the summer in 2008, came back to work for the summer in 2009 and 13 years later I am married to a man from Herbster and we live in Corny full time. My mom, Jayne, and I have spent the last decade building Ehlers General Store into a South Shore destination for tourists and locals, offering quality and speciality food, gifts, apparel and deli items. I am really proud of what we’ve built there and am excited to see what the next decade brings us. Bayfield County, but Cornucopia especially, is a place that is very special to me and as our community grows and changes over time, I’d like to be a part of shaping what comes next.

I grew up in Washburn, WI and am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to be back in the Bay Area with my family and as the owner of the very restaurant that started my life-long career in hospitality, Good Thyme! At a young age, I began getting involved in various community functions and that desire has stuck with me. I’ve found over and over being involved in and supporting local area organizations such as the Bayfield Chamber is one of the most rewarding experiences available to anyone. I care deeply about the long-term success and health of our region, and that depends on the area as a whole thriving.

Curt Basina is the owner and operator of Copper Crow Distillery, the first Native American-owned distillery in the country. The distillery is located on the Red Cliff Reservation, three miles north of Bayfield.

Janine is the third generation of Johnsons to run Pier Plaza. The Johnsons and their staff have a duty to serve the community, acting as a cafeteria for the workforce and sometimes even referred to by locals as “the pier café.”

As the co-founder and operator of St. James Social, I’ve had the opportunity to help reenergize Bayfield’s hospitality scene—transforming a long-vacant landmark into a thriving boutique hotel and restaurant that now plays a meaningful role in our growing year-round economy. With a background in construction, shoreline restoration, and business operations, I bring hands-on experience, practical leadership, and a strong commitment to supporting Bayfield’s business community. I’m passionate about building on Bayfield’s momentum as a year-round destination, where local businesses, makers, and entrepreneurs can thrive well beyond the summer season. I believe collaboration fuels growth—and that when we work together in creative, community-driven ways, we can spark new ideas, strengthen local tourism, and create opportunities that uplift everyone. As a member of the Bayfield Volunteer Fire Department, I’m deeply invested in the wellbeing, resilience, and shared success of the community I’m proud to call home.

I’m Shannon Mager, General Manager at Apostle Island Cruises. I moved to Washburn in 1998 and have been rooted in the community ever since. I graduated from Washburn High School in 2004, and today I own a home here and am raising my two children in the place we proudly call home. Before joining Apostle Islands Cruises in 2022, I spent 18 years working for the Madeline Island Ferry Line, gaining extensive experience on the water and in our local tourism community. I am now a co-owner of Apostle Islands Cruises and our sister kayaking company, where I help run and manage both operations. During the off-season, I also help out at the Firehouse bar in Bayfield to stay busy and stay connected with the community. I’m passionate about the Bayfield Peninsula and enjoy collaborating with businesses and organizations that strengthen and support our region.