Riverkeeper & Executive Director

Justinn Overton

As the Executive Director and Riverkeeper, she ensures Coosa Riverkeeper has the resources needed to fight for swimmable, drinkable, and fishable water. Justinn patrols the watershed, investigates pollution, and speaks on behalf of the river. She also coordinates many other aspects of our organization such as membership, capacity building, special events, and outreach. She provides direction to our staff, volunteers, and robust internship programs with local universities.

In 2015, Justinn was one of four women highlighted by Southern Living as “Women of Worth,” a short list of women who are dedicated to improving the lives of Southerners in need. In 2017, Justinn was featured in the Voices for Clean Air campaign highlighting her love of water, yoga, and environmental justice. Click here to watch the short documentary.

Before joining the staff of Coosa Riverkeeper, she worked with the Alabama Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council implementing the Building Green Jobs for Alabama program, a statewide federally funded workforce development grant. During her time at USGBC Alabama, she trained 300+ Alabamians about green building principles and sustainability.

Justinn graduated magna cum laude from the New College program at the University of Alabama with a degree in Environmental Advocacy. There she earned the Dean Bernie Sloan Spirit of New College Award for her campus-wide grassroots organizing efforts to her “Greener Way for UA” campaign. She holds a Master’s Certificate in Non-Profit Management from University of Alabama at Birmingham,

Justinn is happiest when she’s outside– swimming, canoeing, hiking, practicing yoga, or camping– with her husband, Spence, and their dog Stella Blue.

FISH GUIDE COORDINATOR

Victoria Miller

Victoria grew up on the Mississippi Gulf Coast where she got to enjoy the swampy marshes of the Pascagoula and Escatawpa Rivers as well as the salty Mississippi Sound. As her family swears, she could swim before she could walk, and she later became a lifeguard and swim instructor. In May of 2020, she graduated cum laude from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a B.S. in Public Health. She also earned a minor in Chemistry and Distinguished Honors for completing the personalized honors college pathway. While in undergrad, she developed a passion for preserving our natural resources and a belief in the power of volunteerism and service. Through UAB Service-Learning, she volunteered with the Coosa Riverkeeper in the fall of 2019 and began fostering a love for the Coosa River. She returns to us now as the Fish Guide Coordinator.

Victoria feels most at home on the water and can’t wait until she is as familiar with the Coosa River as the waterways she was raised on. She is happiest when enjoying the water with friends or teaching others how to safely enjoy the water.

Outreach Manager

Abby Swain

Abby knew from a young age that she loved the outdoors and was fascinated with creating a better world. As a Girl Scout, she was always running around outside, camping, and white water rafting. Her love for water comes from most of her time being spent in a pool, from 6 years old summer league to swimming competitively at Birmingham-Southern College to being a part time swim lessons instructor. As an Atlanta native, she spent all 4 years at Birmingham-Southern constantly driving over the Coosa River on her way home (and it was obviously her favorite part of the drive!). She has always been passionate about conservation and as a part of her classwork at Birmingham-Southern College interned for Coosa Riverkeeper in 2019, fueling her love for conservation. During her time at BSC, she worked as the Vice-President of Community Service for her sorority for three years, where she was in charge of event planning, fundraising, and community outreach. She won the most prestigious award offered in her chapter for her impact on the chapter and the community.

Abby graduated cum laude from Birmingham-Southern College in May of 2020 with a dual degree in Urban Environmental Studies and Biology, and has completed the Tomorrow’s Leader’s College Program, where she learned more about leadership, advocacy, and fundraising. She has served as Coosa Riverkeeper’s Development Coordinator for the past year and is ecstatic about continuing her career in conservation biology and non-profit management as our Outreach Manager! She is so excited to continue advocating for the Coosa and keep our waterways clean! 

Abby loves spending her free time outside with her fiancé, Jarrod, traveling, obsessing over plants, and snuggling with her 3 kitties – Boo, Nala, and Bongo.

Swim Guide Coordinator

Jake Lasseter

Jake grew up in Gadsden exploring the creeks and woods around Neely Henry Lake. He is a graduate from Jacksonville State University and majored in Biology with a concentration on ecology/environmental biology. In 2020, he served as the North Route Field Technician for our water quality monitoring program, Swim Guide. He monitored 10 sites for 16 weeks at creeks, outfitters, and boat ramps surrounding Neely Henry Lake. 

As the Swim Guide Coordinator, he focuses on issues pertaining to water quality in the Coosa River watershed. He supports our Staff Riverkeeper with following up with citizen complaints, reviewing polluter’s self-reported data, and researching emerging issues facing the Coosa. He coordinates the popular Coosa River Swim Guide program and is responsible for the organization’s data collection, laboratory protocol, and managing interns. He supports the rest of the team at events, writing blog posts, and working hard to combine his love for science and the outdoors to the public. Ultimately, Jake is happiest when he is drinking craft beer, rock climbing, hiking, camping, or on the water.  

Program Director

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 Program Director, he 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. Chad 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.

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.  

Outreach Committee Chair

Kristin Trowbridge-Alford

Kristin lives in Birmingham, Ala., as an entrepreneur,
activist, homemaker and volunteer. She is a sales consultant for the skin care and cosmetic line, Beauty Counter, Kristin has the opportunity to not only place safe products into our homes, but to help further the company’s mission to push for more regulation and higher standards in the beauty industry. 

When she’s not busy in the city, Kristin loves to spend time with her husband, Josh Alford, their four children and two dogs at her family’s cabin on Lake Mitchell, where in her childhood she lived as a full-time resident. A former state slalom ski champion and national competitor, Kristin’s love for the lake and the community there permeates her bones. As an adult, she returns to the Coosa with a newfound appreciation for its origins, its beauty and a passion to preserve what remains for her children and future generations.

Treasurer

Hays Latimer

Hays Latimer is a Certified Financial Planner at Pearson and Associates, a private wealth advisory practice of OneAscent Financial Services, where he helps families and organizations become better stewards of their financial resources. He and his wife Meredith live in Cahaba Heights with their daughter Margaret Anne.  He is a member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Birmingham, where he serves on the Vestry and as the Chairman of the Finance Committee.  Hays is an avid river and creek fisherman, and regularly participates in the Coosa Canoe & Kayak Fishing Tournament events.  He is passionate about protecting the Coosa River and its tributaries in order to preserve them for current and future generations.

At-Large Board Member

Cecil Bostany

Cecil Bostany is a Certified Public Accountant and member of the firm of Warren Averett, LLC in its Birmingham office. He has a house on Lake Logan Martin. He is a current Board member and past Chairman of the Board of Birmingham Metro YMCAs in 2001 and 2002, an Executive Committee Board member of both BioAlabama and TechBirmingham and a Board member of the Birmingham International Center and Innovation Depot, the business incubator in Birmingham. Cecil is also a member (since 1986) and former President of the Rotary Club of Shades Valley in Birmingham.

At-Large Board Member

Lawrence Lockhart Myatt

Lawrence considers himself  “a jack of all trades and a master of none.” As a graduate of South Carolina State University, he earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Arts Education. His favorite activity since childhood has been exploring the outdoors with the sun on his face. 

He has been married 21 years to his wife, Jacqueline, and together they have a beautiful son, Joshua. His hobbies include art of any kind, wood working, nature photography, and agroforestry. His passion in this life is to assist other in any way possible to achieve a beautiful life. Lawrence has volunteered with Coosa Riverkeeper for years and been instrumental in the planning and execution in many of our fundraising events— plus he’s an amazing gluten-free baker!

Governance Committee Chair

Doug Morrison

Doug is a Senior Systems Analyst at Integrated Benefits Solutions since 1995.  Doug and his wife, Joannie, live on Big Canoe Creek in Springville.  He likes to hunt, fish, paddle, camp and hike, basically almost anything outdoors.  He currently serves on the Springville Planning & Zoning Commission. He was also one of the original Board members of Coosa Riverkeeper, and served a few years as President. 

After a year off he has returned to serve on the Board.  

Living on Big Canoe Creek has taught him the importance of a clean watershed, seeing firsthand the incredible living creatures that exist within the ecosystem of a watershed.  He was the recipient of the River Hero award from the Alabama River’s Alliance in 2015. Working with the Coosa Riverkeeper, The Friends of Big Canoe Creek, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Nature Conservancy to remove the Goodwin Mills Dam on Big Canoe Creek in 2013, has been one of the most treasured conservation events he has been involved in.  Doug wants to do his part to preserve our beautiful waters and educate others of the need to protect this valuable resource in the process. 

At-Large Board Member

Beau Beard, D.C.

Beau is a sports chiropractor, human performance specialist and health conservationist that owns and operates The FARM: Functional Athletic Rehabilitation & Movement with his wife Dr. Sloan Beard, where they work with athletes ranging from little league to the Olympics. 

When not in the clinic Dr. Beard allocates his time to local and national conservation efforts, hunting, fishing and trail running.

At-Large Board Member

David Smith

David is the Operations Manager for the Auburn Branch of the Climate Service, Inc. He is a husband and father to Becky and Michael Smith. With a huge love for skinny water, he has spent countless hours fishing some awesome places from his kayak and his jet boat.

He is a den leader in his sons Cub Scout Pack. In 2015, David was the Coosa Canoe & Kayak Fishing Tournament Angler of the Year. He has a huge love for just being on the water and making sure the river has someone looking out for it. 

Secretary

A.J. Mercer

A.J. is a Certified Public Accountant at the Birmingham, AL office of RSM US LLP, where he works in their audit practice specializing in real estate investment funds. He is a Birmingham native and is a resident of Cahaba Heights.

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.

At-Large Board Member

Carson Dabbs

Carson is the General Manager at River Rocks Landing in Gadsden, AL. He lives a few steps from the Coosa River with his wife Jes, and their two daughters, Baileigh and Raelynn. He loves taking his family and friends out on the water to explore all that the Coosa has to offer. He is also very passionate about keeping the Coosa clean and enjoyable for everyone.

Legal & Advocacy Committee Chair

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.

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

Mt Laurel 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.

Avid Outdoorsman & Activist

Dion Grimes

Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Montevallo

Heather Tinsley, Ph.D.

Sandhya Krishna

Sandhya Krishna is a public health professional currently working at the CDC Foundation as the Contact Tracing System Manager for the Ohio Department of Health. She is a UAB graduate with a BS in Biology and an MPH. During her collegiate years, she spent her time volunteering at Coosa events and working as their Programs and Outreach Intern during the summers. She is thrilled to rejoin the Coosa Riverkeeper team as a Tributary board member. In her free time, Sandhya enjoys practicing yoga, rock climbing, and learning Hindi on duo lingo.

Mackenzie Pennington

My name is Mackenzie Pennington. I am from Childersburg Al. I am a graduate student at Auburn University studying horticulture with a bachelors in environmental science. I have always loved all aspects of the outdoors. I have spent and still currently spend many weekends on the Coosa river. My hobbies include nature photography, kayaking, and fishing.