Riverkeeper & Executive Director

Justinn Overton

Justinn is the Executive Director and Riverkeeper at Coosa Riverkeeper, where she fights everyday for swimmable, drinkable, and fishable water for Alabamians. She patrols the watershed, tackles pollution, and leads our investigative and legislative efforts while guiding staff and Board of Directors.

In 2024, she was recognized by River Network as a National River Hero. She has also been awarded the State Alabama River Hero award by Alabama Rivers Alliance. In 2015, she was named one of Southern Living’s “Women of Worth,” and in 2017, she starred in a Voices for Clean Air campaign celebrating her passion for water and environmental justice.

Justinn graduated magna cum laude in Environmental Advocacy from the University of Alabama and earned a Master’s Certificate in Non-Profit Management.

When she’s not saving the river, Justinn keeps her many boats and feet wet with lots of swimmin’, canoe camping, and hiking. She is also a registered yoga teacher, enjoys dancing to the Grateful Dead, and lovin’ on her dog, Stella Blue.

Director of Community Engagement

Abby Brown

As Director of Community Engagement, Abby ensures the people of the Coosa River watershed are engaged in Coosa Riverkeeper programs and are informed and educated about the threats to the Coosa and public health. She manages all education and outreach initiatives to increase organizational reach through collecting accurate information on the health of our waters, engaging the public to be good stewards of our water resources, and ensuring ample operating funds are generated for the organization.

Abby joined Coosa Riverkeeper in 2020 as Development Coordinator through AmeriCorps VISTA, working to improve communications, donor retention, and increasing capacity through various funding sources. After one year of AmeriCorps service, Abby became a full time employee of Coosa Riverkeeper as Outreach Manager, leading all outreach efforts for Coosa Riverkeeper programs while supporting fundraising efforts including donor engagement, communications, and events. Abby graduated cum laude from Birmingham-Southern College in 2020 with a B.S. in both Biology and Urban Environmental Science.

Abby loves spending her free time outside with her husband, Jarrod, traveling, obsessing over plants, and snuggling with her 3 kitties.

Water Quality Manager

Jake Lasseter

Jake grew up in Coats Bend, a rural community situated on a bend of the Coosa near Gadsden. He spent his childhood exploring the creeks and woods around Neely Henry Lake and Weiss Lake—hiking, paddling, hunting, and fishing with his dad—discovering an interest in the outdoors early on. While earning a Biology degree from Jacksonville State University amidst a lot of life stress, Jake found Coosa Riverkeeper online and channeled his love and interest for the environment into a role as the North R

oute Field Technician for Swim Guide in 2020. For 16 weeks, he monitored water quality at ten sites, checking water quality each week enduring high temperatures and humidity to inform the public on where it was safe to swim, and ultimately, fell in love with Coosa Riverkeeper’s mission and the work we do.

After his stint as a field technician, Jake became an AmeriCorps VISTA for two years, where he served as the Swim Guide Coordinator. He’s now the full-time Water Quality Manager, where he still manages the Swim Guide program along with responsibilities geared towards assisting the Staff Riverkeeper collate data, manage current water quality issues, help with holding polluters accountable, and researching issues within the watershed. He also keeps a watchful eye on data collection and lab protocols, all while training and managing a team of Seasonal Employees during the summer to conduct our sampling efforts for Swim Guide.

When he’s not busy cracking jokes at Coosa Riverkeeper, Jake can be found enjoying the outdoors, rock climbing, backpacking, paddling, listening to music, playing a video game, or enjoying the company of friends and family—basically living his best life.

He’s tackled both the Pinhoti Trail and the Appalachian Trail, showcasing that he has a serious commitment to walking long distances for fun (and maybe munching on some tasty snacks along the way). Jake completed these adventures in the fall of 2023, and has been back here ever since to help us continue where he left off.

Watershed Specialist

Chad Hoffman

Chad spent his childhood playing in the woods of Pine Mountain, Ga., not far from Callaway Gardens. Through various experiences as he got older he learned firsthand the challenges that major waterways face, along their skinny water. The middle section of the Chattahoochee River is where he learned to whitewater kayak, and where his passion for fly fishing and conservation evolved.

While pursuing a degree in Environmental Science at Auburn University, he spent time working in a paleo limnology lab. He also served as a facilitator at the Auburn University Challenge Course, as well as the Field Coordinator for the Chattahoochee River Conservancy. He also spent a summer in Central Montana, interning for the Friends of the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. After graduating in 2018, he moved to Birmingham in 2019 where he worked as an Environmental Specialist at an environmental engineering firm. During this time he became a volunteer with Coosa Riverkeeper and became committed to conserving our river and helping our organization. 

As Watershed Specialist, Chad ensures that our Swim Guide and Fish Guide programs are operating smoothly and successfully to protect, restore, and promote the Coosa. He collaborates with our Riverkeeper to manage the lab and investigate pollution. He oversees our field technicians, data collection and analyzation, as well as manages our AmeriCorps members. 

Chad is happiest spending time with his friends and family. He loves wading a skinny water stream with a fly rod in his hand and his camera ready to capture special moments on the water. 

Office Dog

Stella Blue

Stella Blue has been a member of the Coosa Riverkeeper team since 2017. She provides crucial support to all of our staff members throughout the day, providing emotional support when polluters get us down and requiring a number of belly rubs from everyone in the office. She enjoys getting her paws dirty and boat rides with our Staff Riverkeeper. She also serves as part-time security and welcome committee to our office.

Stella is happiest when she is with her family, running around and sniffin’, chasing deer, or joy riding in boats.

Outreach Manager

Quinn Herring

As a homeschooled kid from Montevallo, Quinn spent a lot of time learning under her childhood’s iconic Magnolia tree and picking blackberries from the open fields behind her childhood home. Quinn’s family helped instill the value of the outdoors and never-ending awe for the beauty of the South through camping, fishing, and hiking trips, geocaching sprees, and outdoor camps for kids. 

Quinn spent her teenage years volunteering with the Birmingham Botanical Gardens teaching during children’s summer camps and interning in places from Luzoir, France, to Mons, Belgium, and more to focus on off-grid living, beekeeping, and conservation. Quinn joined Americorps NCCC in 2020 working in the Midwest with various nonprofits where she was able to get her hands dirty with field work and outreach experience.

After joining AmeriCorps VISTA in 2023 with Coosa Riverkeeper as the Community Engagement Coordinator, she worked to improve and expand C.R.E.E.K. (Coosa Riverkeeper Environmental Education for Kids), expand outreach via social media, implement litter clean-up days, and more!

As Outreach Manager, Quinn aims to inspire kids through C.R.E.E.K. and adults through River Rats to get outside and make long-lasting relationships with each other and the outdoors. 

Quinn is also a proud cat mom and avid angler of the Coosa!

Community Organizer

Richard Rybka

Born to conservation-minded parents, Rich was captivated by natural environments at an early age. He lived to be outdoors – fishing streams, boating on lakes, observing migratory birds, and building walking trails through the woods. His passion for an outdoor lifestyle has strengthened over the years.

As Community Organizer, Rich is part of the Community Engagement Team. He works to increase the organization’s geographic reach and visibility in Coosa River watershed communities and encourage voter advocacy for environmental legislation. 

As a Registered Landscape Architect, he has acquired experience with innovative design concepts that reduce the environmental impact of development, improve aesthetic appeal, and protect water resources. 

In his free time, he enjoys a simple rural lifestyle with his wife Tracey. The highpoint of his day is hiking a woods trail with their rescue dog Ellie.

Director of Operations

Kacey Hayes

Kacey grew up without cable TV, spending her childhood outdoors and developing a love for Alabama’s natural landscape. Now living on the Coosa River, she enjoys birdwatching and exploring local trails.

As Operations Manager for Coosa Riverkeeper, Kacey is the glue that holds the team together—keeping projects moving, departments connected, and all the behind-the-scenes details flowing smoothly. With over a decade in administrative roles and a recent stint of self-employment in content marketing, she brings both experience and a deep passion for nature to her work protecting the Coosa River.

In her free time, she’s either reading, re-watching Parks and Rec, baking, or camping with her husband and two senior dogs.

Field Coordinator

Nicolaas Boot

I grew up on a farm in Georgia and spent a lot of time hiking, hunting, and fishing.

I am currently studying biology at UAB. I am very passionate about the environment and solving issues that threaten our planet.

I started as a seasonal employee during the summer of 2024 where I did Swim Guide and Angler surveys. I’m very excited to now be working for Coosa Riverkeeper as the Field Coordinator!

Development Manager

Candace Schilling

Candace Schilling loves putting her words to work meeting deep needs, thanking donors and sharing good news through strategic storytelling. 

She also loves the inspiration and healing found in nature. That’s why she joined Coosa Riverkeeper as the Development Manager in April 2025.

With branding, writing, teamwork and strategy, she executed fundraising and stewardship campaigns for an Atlanta research university and healthcare system, including a cancer institute, from 2022-2023. Next, she raised money for a Birmingham non-profit through both grants and appeals.

Before her pivot into fundraising, she spent more than a decade in PR and marketing roles at local, regional and national levels. She’s also a former state and federal lobbyist for a non-profit trade association.

A freelance writing career sharpened her communication skills and tactics, including websites, content strategy and email marketing.

Past President

Chuck Graham

Chuck is Client Executive for the Global Sales Division of Ricoh Business Solutions and has spent 20 years in the technology industry. Growing up near Cheaha Mountain, he developed a love for the outdoors at a young age.

As an avid competitive bass fisherman, Chuck has spent countless hours fishing the waters of the Coosa River. A majority of those hours have been spent on Lay Lake, which has resulted in a special attachment to that portion of the river. During his time on the water, he has witnessed first-hand the need for the care and protection of this valuable resource. Chuck loves Alabama football, good music and spending time with his wife, Susan and their two kids, Lyla and Caleb.  

Treasurer

A.J. Mercer

A.J. is a Certified Public Accountant and currently works as the Director of Finance at Orchestra Partners Development. He is a Birmingham native and resides in Bluff Park with his wife, Katie, and dog, Cooper.

As an avid fisherman, A.J. grew up fishing and exploring the lakes and rivers surrounding Birmingham, as well as the waters of the Alabama coast. He enjoys spending his free time outdoors and is passionate about conserving the state’s natural resources for future generations. A.J. is the former Chairman of The University of Alabama Ducks Unlimited Chapter (2015-2016) and is a member of the Rotaract Club of Birmingham.

Vice President

Carrie Machen

Carrie owns and operates GadRock Microgym, an indoor climbing facility and outdoor stand-up paddle board guide service.  Since 2017, she has guided and taught stand-up paddling on the Coosa River and its tributary creeks.  She believes there is always something to be learned when paddling and finds inspiration out on the water.  She is an Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT) trail angel for the Gadsden area of the Coosa River.  In addition to paddling, she also coaches a competitive youth climbing team, having coached her athletes all the way to Nationals.  One of her favorite things to do is take her athletes outside to experience sport and nature together.  When not managing the day-to-day operations of GadRock, you can be sure to find her paddling the nearby creeks and rivers or climbing southern sandstone rocks with her family and friends.

President

Chris DiGiorgio, J.D.

Chris is an attorney with the boutique immigration law firm of Graham Adair. He has spent the last 25 something years representing corporations in all of their US immigration needs. He was blessed to grow up with a family place on Lake Mitchell with his 5 brothers and 2 sisters and now all his very large extended family. He grew up fishing on the lake, skiing and any other water sport his family could dream up. He has seen the lake change in many ways throughout the years and is excited about working to protect the river and the lake for future generations.  Chris is married to Betsy and has two grown men for children Zac and Noah.

Outreach Committee Chair

Dion Grimes

Dion is an artist, passionate activist, volunteer and avid outdoorsman, living in Wilsonville, AL.  Having lived along the Coosa for his entire life, on Logan Martin as a child, and now near Lay Lake, he has seen the impacts of the issues the basin faces first hand. He joined Coosa Riverkeeper, first, as an outreach committee member, then, spent time volunteering for the Advisory Council. He can now be found hiking the area trails, or kayaking the skinny water tributaries that feed the mighty Coosa.

Owner of Treeline Expeditions & Educator

Bill Andrews

Bill, a resident of Homewood, has over 20 years of teaching experience as a 5th grade teacher. As a life long educator, he believes that experiential education is essential for growth in kids and adults. This belief led him to creating Treeline Expeditions LLC in 2012. Treeline’s mission is to get people of all ages unplugged and connected to the environment and those they are sharing the experience with. Bill and his wife Suzanne have led backpacking, paddling, and mountain bike expeditions all over the country and sea kayaking expeditions in the Bahamas. Though these adventures seem grand, some of his most rewarding and memorable experiences are sharing the beauty of the Coosa with others. Bill believes it is crucial in order for people to want to protect these invaluable arteries of Alabama that they experience what makes these waterways special.

Director of Service Learning and Undergraduate Research at UAB

Amy Badham

Black Warrior Riverkeeper and Alabama Rivers Alliance “River Hero”

Nelson Brooke

Nelson Brooke has been Black Warrior Riverkeeper’s staff Riverkeeper since January of 2004. As Riverkeeper, Nelson patrols the Black Warrior River and its tributaries from the land, water, and air, looks for and documents pollution problems, responds to citizen complaints, researches and analyzes polluters’ permits, collects pollution samples for laboratory analysis, educates the public about the beauty of the river and threats to it, works to empower stakeholders throughout the watershed, advocates compliance with environmental laws, works on finding solutions to pollution problems, and is a spokesman for the Black Warrior River watershed. Nelson also co-founded GASP, which is working to advance healthy air and environmental justice in the greater Birmingham area.

Alabama Rivers Alliance “River Hero” and founding Coosa Riverkeeper Board member

Dr. Bryan Burgess

Lovelight Farm Manager

Keith Caton

Coosa Outdoor Center/ Southern Trails, owner and Alabama Rivers Alliance “River Hero”

Lonnie Carden

Attorney

James Eubank, J.D.

Environmental Health & Safety Professional- Auburn University & Competitive Bass Angler

Michael Freeman

Presidential Graduate Research Fellow at Auburn University working towards a PhD in genetics

Matthew Lewis

Matthew is the author of Fly Fishing for Redeye Bass: An Adventure Across Southern Waters

biology, University of Alabama

Liz Johnson, Ph.D.

Lake Jordan property owner

Cliff Martin

Associate Professor in New College

Ellen Spears, Ph.D.

Dr. Spears published “Baptized in PCBs”.

Associate Professor in New College/Geography at The University of Alabama

Michael Steinberg, Ph.D.

Attorney, Past Vice President of Coosa Riverkeeper

Michael Strickland, J.D.

Slasham Valley Interiors, owner

Lee Varner

Professor in Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Aquatic Science at Auburn University

Alan Wilson, Ph.D.

Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Montevallo

Heather Tinsley, Ph.D.

Associate Professor for Soil Physics and Critical Zone Hydrology in the Department of Crop, Soil & Environmental Sciences at Auburn University

Dr. Thorsten Knappenberger

Dr. Thorsten Knappenberger is an Associate Professor for Soil Physics and Critical Zone Hydrology in the Department of Crop, Soil & Environmental Sciences at Auburn University. He has received his BS, MS, and Ph.D. in agricultural engineering from Hohenheim University in Stuttgart, Germany. He joined Washington State University as a post-doc in 2011, studying colloid-facilitated pollutant transport and stormwater mitigation. In 2014, he joined Auburn University in Alabama as an assistant professor for soil physics.

At Auburn University, Thorsten’s research focuses on irrigation management based on soil sensors and remote sensing, preferential flow in structured soils, constructed wetland hydrology, stormwater management, geostatistics, as well as the fate and transport of chemicals in soils. He teaches split-level environmental soil physics and soil resources and conservation courses.

Advisory Council Member

Dan Gilliland

William Daniel “Dan” Gilliland was born in New Orleans Louisiana. Dan grew up in Mountain Brook
Alabama and spent all his spare time as a youth wading, fishing and exploring the network of beautiful
creeks that fed the Cahaba River, catching and studying “anything that swam”, crawled or slithered
there!” Dan’s family purchased a lot on what was to become Logan Martin Lake, and from the time the
water was raised to full pool in 1964, Dan was already honing his fishing skills there. As a later full-time
resident on the lake, Dan spent many hours volunteering with the state fish hatchery at Eastaboga,
working with the beginnings of the Striped Bass and Hybrid Striped Bass stocking programs.
A graduate of Auburn University’s School of Education in 1978, Dan taught school in Shelby County
School systems and later worked with Special Needs students at Mountain Brook City Schools. As a
Program Director of Alabama Easter Seals Camp ASCCA on Lake Martin, Dan wrote and implemented
many environmental education programs for both special populations and mainstream children and
adults in Alabama and around the Southeast.

An advocate for “taking ownership of, and becoming a stakeholder of your natural world”, Dan oversaw the design and construction of, and wrote all of the interpretive verbiage for the Oscar C. Dunn Rotary Environmental Center and its adjacent nature trails.
Dan received the Lake Martin Lake Watch Environmental Steward Award in 2005 for his “establishment
of enduring environmental programs at Camp ASCCA and for his vision and leadership of seeing to
completion the Oscar C. Dunn Environmental Center”. I am honored to be chosen to be a part of the
Coosa Riverkeepers Advisory Council and look forward to the future working with this outstanding
organization!” Dan currently resides with his wife Paulina in Lincoln, Alabama on the shores of Lake
Logan Martin. He has a daughter Lindsey (Clint) and four grandsons, Aiden, Evan, Colt and Alex, who live
in Georgetown Kentucky.

Kayla Minton

Hi, I’m Kayla! You can usually find me outdoors hiking, kayaking, or camping. I love a good adventure! I
got my start with Coosa Riverkeeper back in 2016 as a Swim Guide intern. Since then, I’ve loved every
minute I’ve spent serving this amazing non-profit organization and watching it grow into what it is today.
I grew up living right on the banks of Choccolocco Creek, one of the major tributaries to the Coosa River.
This creek has faced many threats throughout the years, yet it still flows with such beauty and resilience.
Choccolocco Creek has inspired me since I was a child who spent many days playing along its banks. The
restoration efforts for this particular creek, and the Coosa River as a whole, continue to inspire me in my
professional career today. As an Environmental Protection Specialist my focus is on protecting our local
waterways from daily threats, in hopes of maintaining the numerous recreational resources our
beautiful lakes and streams have to offer. My job consists of making sure all state and federal
regulations are upheld and enforced. It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. I’m extremely
honored to serve as a member of the Tributary Board and continue my outreach to advocate for the
best interest of the river and the wonderful community who love it!

Seasonal Environmental Technician

Abi Wilkins

Abigail has always loved the outdoors. She spent her teenage years volunteering at a wildlife rehabilitation center where she developed a passion for wildlife. This drove her to get a degree in Wildlife Ecology and Management from Auburn University. While in school at Auburn, she spent a summer working in the Conecuh National Forest as a field technician. She then went on to pursue a Master’s of Biology at Jacksonville State University where she worked in the Brown Herpetology Lab. There, she spent two summers leading a USFWS-funded project surveying an endangered turtle species in the Upper Coosa River. This helped further fuel her passion for conservation.

Abigail enjoys spending her free time with friends and family and loves baking, hiking, and birding.

Seasonal Environmental Technician

Caeden Hartfield

Caeden is a rising junior at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she is pursuing a major in Biology with double minors in Chemistry and Anthropology. She grew up in Hoover, Alabama, where she spent much of her childhood exploring the woods near her home, fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world. Her passion for environmental science has only grown over the years, shaping her academic and career goals. 

After graduating, Caeden plans to pursue a master’s degree in environmental sciences, with the long-term goal of working in a research lab dedicated to environmental conservation and ecosystem health. She is particularly interested in marine ecosystems, with a focus on coral reef rehabilitation and the impacts of climate change on ocean biodiversity.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time with her two cats, and exploring the outdoors. She is thrilled to join Coosa Riverkeeper this summer as a seasonal environmental technician and looks forward to gaining hands-on experience in water quality monitoring and conservation efforts.

Seasonal Environmental Technician

Camille Schmied

Originally from Chattanooga, TN, Camille is excited to trade one riverfront city for another with her move to Gadsden, AL. Camille Schmied recently graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs, with minors in Anthropology and Environmental Science & amp; Studies from Berry College. She is now working towards a Master’s degree in the Anthropology of Peace and Human Rights at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. Camille hopes to bring policy and anthropological perspectives to the team to better serve the Coosa River and the communities that depend on it.

In her free time, Camille enjoys going on hikes with her dog Odie and jogging trails. When outside, she will always find a great patch of green moss to touch and big trees to climb. Inside, she loves to light a candle and cozy up on the couch with a good book to read. Camille is known for her encyclopedic knowledge of world geography and music collections (just don’t ask her about 80s music).

Seasonal Environmental Technician

Delaney Burrows

Delaney Burrows grew up in the Central Cascades of Washington State. She spent her childhood exploring the mountains and ocean side of Washington with her family and friends. At Carroll College in Montana, she was able to explore her love for research and develop a passion for animal physiology and wildlife biology. This passion has fueled her efforts in ecology and conservation after completing her bachelor’s degree in biology. 

Delaney has spent time researching Columbia spotted frogs and their resistance and susceptibility to Chytridiomycosis in central Montanan ponds. She has also been involved in stream ecology research throughout the state of Montana. Her work has led her to fighting wildfire and conservation efforts in Washington and coral reef studies in the Philippines. Delaney is spending the summer of 2025 as an environmental technician for the Coosa Riverkeeper’s Swim Guide program. She is excited to have the opportunity to work in Alabama’s environmental conservation efforts and assist in researching the watershed. 

When Delaney isn’t working, she can be found travelling the world, rock climbing, backpacking, taking care of her plants, reading, developing hyper fixations on new projects, and being the best dog aunt in the world. She is currently applying to master’s degree programs to further her education in the biological field.

Seasonal Environmental Technician

Isaac Puckett

Isaac Puckett is a 19-year-old Eagle Scout with a passion for the outdoors and community service. He has spent two summers as a backpacking guide in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and has volunteered for about three years with Common Ground Shoals, an after-school program dedicated to supporting local youth. Isaac is currently a junior at the University of North Alabama, majoring in professional biology. He works alongside one of his professors conducting research on salamanders. When he’s not studying or working, you can usually find him in the woods or on the water, always looking for new experiences. His deep love for the natural world drives his commitment to caring for the planet so future generations can enjoy it as much as he has.

Seasonal Environmental Technician

Jennifer Sanford

Jennifer’s love for the outdoors began in childhood. Whether camping with her family, building forts, or digging for crawdads in the creek behind her house, she was always outside. An avid backpacker, at age 21 she took off to travel the world, experiencing places like New Zealand, Mexico, and Fiji, to name a few. Eventually settling back home in Birmingham, AL, Jennifer graduated from UAB with a Bachelor’s in Nursing. 

Her love for travel and nature persist. In the summer she enjoys ocean kayaking in Orange Beach, AL and getting lost in the Talladega National Forest. In the winter she loves to ski in Steamboat Springs, CO. Last year she completed the 350+ mile thru-hike along the Pinhoti Trail. Her dream is to pick up the trail where she left off, and continue on to Katahdin- completing the Appalachian Trail “Bama to Baxter.” 

After nearly 15 years of nursing and working through the pandemic, Jennifer decided to step away from the bedside and pursue a Master’s in Public Health. This idea was born through an internship she had with Turkey Creek Nature Preserve. Through this internship, she was able to join a patrol with the Coosa Riverkeeper performing Swim Guide testing. She fell in love with the work and is thrilled to be a Seasonal Environmental Technician.

Seasonal Environmental Technician

Lily Simpson

Lily is a junior at Auburn University, studying environmental science with a passion for sustainability. Originally from Auburn, Alabama, she enjoys learning about ways to preserve and protect our ecosystems. Outside of academics, she loves yoga, music, her two cats, and cheering on Auburn men’s basketball. War Eagle!

Seasonal Environmental Technician

Mays Dunbar

Mays Dunbar is a Sustainable Development major at Appalachian State University, where she recently completed her freshman year with a concentration in environmental studies. Originally from Mountain Brook and Wilsonville, Alabama, Mays has spent her life near the Coosa River, where her love for the outdoors began at an early age. Now based in Boone, North Carolina, she enjoys rock climbing, hiking with friends, and going to live music shows when she’s not in school. This summer, Mays is thrilled to be back in Birmingham and working with Coosa Riverkeeper, combining her passion for the environment with her homegrown connection to the river.