Michael K. "Mike" Kopke and Jennifer, his wife of 45 years, have been property owners in Waveland since 2002, dividing their time between Baton Rouge, LA and Waveland until 2010 when they retired and made Waveland their full time home. Mike and Jennifer have two daughters and a wonderful granddaughter, Madyson. Mike and Jennifer completed rebuilding their Katrina-damaged home in September, 2006 and received the Spirit of Waveland Beautification Award in September, 2009.

Mike received a Bachelor's in Business Administration from Western Michigan University in 1964, then served in the United States Marine Corps from 1966 until 1968, attaining the rank of Sergeant (E-5).

Mike retired in 2010, after a successful forty-year career in sales, marketing and operations management for several companies with sales ranging from $1 Million to $60 Million annually.

Using his business experience, Mike has served as President, Vice-President and Board Member of several condominium and home owner's associations, most recently from 1995 until 2008 with the Audubon Trace Condominium Association (Jefferson Parish, LA) where he helped oversee a reserve fund of $3 to $5 Million and an annual operating budget of $850,000.

Mike has been a member of the Waveland Community Coalition since 2006, serving as a Board Member, Membership Committee Chairman and WaveFest sponsorship solicitor.

Additionally, Mike belongs to the Coastal Conservation Association, the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity and is an avid boater, belonging to the Bay-Waveland Yacht Club.