Our Team
Great Lakes Agricultural Labor Services is the largest H-2A contract filer in Michigan. We forge successful relationships with local farmers and growers through the dedicated effort of our exceptional team. From language and culture to regulations and laws to agricultural practices and needs, our team brings an array of unique skills to the table. The combination of these skills allows us to streamline the H-2A process and help workers integrate quickly. We are happy to help answer questions you may have about the H-2A process, requirements, and what to expect. To speak with a member of our experienced team, contact us.
Sarah Black
General Manager
Sarah has spent the first 27 years of her career working for Michigan Farm Bureau, as a Regional Representative, National Legislative Counsel, and for the last 12 years as the Director of the Public Policy & Commodity Division. She brings management, policy, political, regulatory and legislative experience to our team. In addition, her roots extend deep in ag, having grown up on a multi-generation family dairy and cash crop farm in the Thumb of Michigan that is still in operation. Sarah is a graduate of Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture & Natural Resources, and looks forward to helping GLALS continue its growth and outstanding customer service.
Misty DeBoer
Operations Manager
Misty DeBoer is the Operations Manager for Great Lakes Ag. She began with the company in October 2018 after living in Costa Rica for nearly 6 years! Her education includes a Master’s degree in International Education from Framingham State University, and a dual Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and International Studies from the University of Michigan. Misty enjoys outdoor activities and building community. She’s proud to be part of a team that’s making positive impacts in the ag. industry.
Amy Grosvenor
Assistant Operations Manager and Account Manager
Amy brings over 20 years of agricultural experience to Great Lakes Ag Labor Services. In the position as an Assistant Operations Manager and Account Manager, Amy’s experience with H2A coupled with her knowledge of food safety, human resources, payroll, and operations management allow her to provide clients with the necessary information when choosing Great Lakes Ag Labor Services.
Amy graduated with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Western Michigan University and currently lives in Southwest Michigan with her husband and two daughters.
Sandra Archer
Administrative & Domestic Recruitment Manager
Sandra is originally from Colombia and graduated from La Universidad del Valle in Business and Administration. Sandra has cultivated a solid customer service and business background for the past 15 years. Sandra has been in Michigan for several years, and has learned to appreciate its beauty.
Sandra is fluent in English and Spanish, which is a skill that has provided her with great experiences in both her personal life and at work. At Great Lakes Ag Labor Services, she found the opportunity to combine her experience and knowledge in support of diverse areas including client accounts, billing, conducting domestic recruitment, and translation services. Sandra enjoys the opportunity to support our clients to meet their goals and have quality workers who will assist them to plant, maintain and harvest their crops every season.
Laura Herrygers
Marketing Specialist & Account Manager
Laura has spent her life in the agriculture industry as part of a 6-generation apple, cherry and asparagus farm. She began working for Michigan Farm Bureau as a Regional Representative after earning her degree in International Studies from Northern Michigan University. While at NMU, Laura spent a semester abroad in Italy.
Laura brings her experience in agriculture and her understanding of farm operations and struggles to every client relationship.
Edgar Torres-Salinas
Senior Account Manager
Edgar began working as a migrant farmworker in Texas at a young age, which gave him a unique perspective on life and made him passionate about agriculture. This background led him to earn his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Business Management from Michigan State University, which was a goal he set over 10 years ago. Today he is utilizing this background as a Labor Program Coordinator and serves as a main point of contact for farmers participating in the program.
Savanna Barksdale
Account Manager
Savanna’s experience in the agriculture industry began in the Texas Panhandle where she grew up. While at Texas Tech University, she completed a government internship in Washington D.C. and a study abroad program in San Luis Potosi, SLP, Mexico – useful experiences for navigating the multiple government agencies the H-2A visa application requires, as well as the bilingual communication with farm workers.
She graduated with her bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications with minors in political science and Spanish. Savanna first saw the need for agricultural labor when she worked with Texas corn producers and cattle feeders back in 2017. She’s excited help growers leverage the H-2A visa as an important tool to supplement the essential agriculture workforce.
Eligio Larraga
Associate Account Manager & Field Training Specialist
Eligio Larraga began work June of 2015 as a Sales and field representative for MFB’s H-2A company Great Lakes Ag Labor Services, to help alleviate Michigan’s farm worker shortage. In the past five years Eligio has met with hundreds of growers allowing him to identify the main needs of the industry. Eligio has also helped growers by providing training to supervisors and crew leaders on worker management and how to navigate the cumbersome rules of the H-2A program.
Larraga earned his bachelor’s degree in agronomy and animal science at the Tecnologico de Valles in Valles city, Mexico, while working on his uncle’s diversified farming operation. He moved to Charleston, SC in 2004, learned English, launched his own landscape company and earned American citizenship.
Larraga lives in Haslett with his wife and their three daughters and his new baby boy.
Priscilla Berumen
Associate Account Manager
Priscilla Berumen’s experience in agriculture began at a young age in West Michigan as she grew up as a migrant farm worker. Early on she learned the value of hard work and how vital agriculture is to our country. She previously worked with non-profits where she navigated working with H-2A workers and has seen firsthand how the H-2A program, when navigated legally and properly can successfully & temporarily supplement the agricultural workforce.
Priscilla lives in West Michigan with her fiancé and two children. She volunteers regularly for her children’s school activities and is active in her community. She looks forward to working with each client and is excited to be the newest member of Great Lakes Ag.
Have a question for one of our staff members?
We can answer any questions you may have about meeting requirements, costs involved, and more info on how the process might work for you.