Staff

Riverkeeper & Executive Director
Justinn Overton

Director of Community Engagement
Abby Brown

Riverkeeper & Executive Director

Justinn Overton

Justinn Overton’s life is shaped by the outdoors. She spent countless days swimming as a child in Logan Martin Lake, hiking in National Parks in college, and still loves to explore the natural beauty of the southeast.

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 Nonprofit Management from University of Alabama at Birmingham,

Justinn joined the organization as the Executive Director in 2012 and has served as the Staff Riverkeeper since 2020. As the Executive Director and Riverkeeper, she ensures Coosa Riverkeeper has the resources needed to fight for swimmable, drinkable, and fishable water. She also coordinates many other aspects of our organization including our strategic planning, public presentations, grassroots organizing, and community engagement. She provides direction to our staff, volunteers, and robust internship programs with local universities.

As Riverkeeper, Justinn patrols and documents the Coosa River and its tributaries from the land, water, and air, looks for 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, advocates compliance with environmental laws, works on finding solutions to pollution problems, and is a spokesperson for the Coosa River.

Justinn was named a 2023 River Hero by Alabama Rivers Alliance and a Woman Making Waves. In 2015, she 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. She served as the President of Waterkeepers Alabama from 2020-2022 and continues to serve on the Leadership Council.

Justinn is happiest when she’s outside– swimming, canoeing, hiking, gardening or camping– with her husband, Spence, and their 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.

Watershed Specialist

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.

Jake served as our AmeriCorps VISTA for two years, serving as our Swim Guide Coordinator and has now moved into a full-time position as our Watershed Specialist. In his current position, 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 is responsible for the organization’s data collection, laboratory protocol, and manages our Riverkeeper Patrol 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. He is currently hiking the Appalachian Trail and will return to the River State in the fall of 2023.

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.

Field Manager

Lucas Allison

Lucas Allison has enjoyed Alabama’s incredible biodiversity since he was a kid. Born and raised in Alabama, his interest and joy for the outdoors started young. Going hiking, kayaking, camping, flipping over old logs to look for bugs and staying at his families small lake house were all mainstays of his childhood that helped create a long lasting foundation based on love and a passion for our natural world. This early passion for our world has influenced many of his interests and hobbies today; he is a regular camper, hiker, climber, and mountain biker. It has also influenced his love for the aquatic world as he has multiple fish tanks all designed after natural river scapes with live plants included.

Lucas graduated from the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a degree in Public Health with a concentration in Environmental Health. After serving as our AmeriCorps VISTA for a year, we’re excited to bring Lucas on full-time. During this time as an AmeriCorps, Lucas spearheaded our creel survey of anglers, algae monitoring program, and responding to citizen complaints. As our Field Manager, Lucas handles our field investigations for citizen complaints, manages our clean-up volunteers, and collects water quality samples to support our Riverkeeper Patrol program.

Field Education Coordinator

David Jones

I am David Jones, most recently graduated from Talladega College with my Bachelors of Art and Science in Biology. During my time as an Undergraduate student, I worked hand and hand on a service learning project with the Coosa Riverkeeper team in the first Ecology course at Talladega College. Throughout the service project I analyzed, researched, and set apart chemical releasing data. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, tennis, and listening to music.

Grants Coordinator

Tyler Dickey

Hello! My name is Tyler Dickey and I just recently graduated from The University of Alabama in Huntsville with an M.A. in English. I grew up in Pinson, Alabama where I graduated from high school and I later went on to obtain my associate’s degree at Jefferson State Community College and then my B.A. at UAB. While at UAB I interned at Coosa Riverkeeper for a few summers and now I have returned to do some more work for the old Coosa. With my experience as an award-winning writer and teacher, I aim to help save the river in new and innovative ways. My special interests include disability studies, environmental writing, and transpacific literature, and where those areas intersect and I hope to use my background and special interests to create a brighter future for all!

Board of Directors

At-Large Board Member
Lawrence Lockhart Myatt

Governance Committee Chair
Doug Morrison

Legal & Advocacy Committee Chair
Chris DiGiorgio, J.D.

At-Large Board Member
Megan Phillips Huizinga

Rotaract Fellow

Charmaine White

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.

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 worked 27 years at Integrated Benefits Solutions as a Senior Systems Analyst before ending his career in the 401k Recordkeeping Industry in June of 2022. 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 and has taken on a new career as the Manager of the new Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve in Springville, an undertaking he worked on for many years. He is also Chairman of the Big Canoe Creek Preserve Partners, www.bigcanoecreekpreserve.org.

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. The other is the creation of the Big Canoe Creek Nature Preserve, a Forever Wild property in Springville. Doug wants to do his part to preserve our beautiful waters, promote conservation and educate others of the need to protect our valuable resources. It is very rewarding to work with a great organization that is the Coosa Riverkeeper.

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.

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.

Secretary

Kathleen Kirkpatrick

Kathleen Kirkpatrick is an environmental engineer and climate activist with a passion for helping rural communities in the South become more resilient and sustainable. She grew up mostly in Alabama, left the region to attend college and pursue a career in environmental protection, then returned in 2012 after her hometown of Tuscaloosa was devastated by a tornado. A dedicated advocate for environmental and social justice, Kathleen earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical and ocean engineering from the University of Rhode Island and pursued graduate studies in sustainable building and Biomimicry. With a diverse career ranging from environmental policy, sustainability education, and nonprofit management to movement politics, she continues to work collaboratively with others in the climate & environmental justice movement towards a Just transition for Southern communities and also serves on the board of directors for the Alabama Sustainable Agriculture Network. Kathleen has held a LEED Accredited Professional (AP) credential since 2009, and was the first Sustainable SITES AP and first EcoDistricts AP in Alabama.

At-Large Board Member

Josh Tidwell

Josh is Managing Partner at Big Wills Outfitters. For the past 10 years, he and his family have introduced thousands to the joys of kayaking and the beauty of Big Wills Creek. He lives with his wife Leslie and daughter Courtney within a short walk from the creek’s edge. As a child he and his cousins spent hours hunting crawdads in the streams around their neighborhood. His teen years were spent wade fishing with friends in Little Wills Creek for redeye bass, or boating and skiing on Weiss Lake where his family spent their summers. The adult years brought flyrods, canoes, whitewater kayaks and most of the rivers of Alabama into the mix. Along the way he dropped the whitewater kayaks, but remains an avid paddler and fisherman, spending most of his free time on the Coosa River and its tributaries. Josh joined Coosa Riverkeeper because he feels that everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy some time in and around the water.

Avid Outdoorsman & Activist

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.

At-Large Board Member

Megan Phillips Huizinga

Megan grew up in Ohatchee, Alabama. After graduating from Ohatchee High School, she attended Troy University, graduating magna cum laude with a B.S. in English and History. She then attended law school at Faulkner University, Thomas Goode Jones School of Law, graduating magna cum laude with “Best Paper” honors in Real Estate Practice, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, and First Amendment Rights.

Megan is an associate attorney at Knowles & Sullivan, LLC in Gadsden, Alabama. Her practice largely consists of civil litigation, including environmental and real estate law as well as business litigation and formation.

Megan and her husband, Cole, are proud to live in a lake community off Lake Neely Henry on the Coosa River. She grew up on the same lake and is excited to give the same experiences to their son, Atticus. They have two fur-children, Maple and Murphy.

At-Large Board Members

Nan Butler

Nan is originally from Birmingham, but went from part time to full time Coosa River, Lake Jordan, resident 20 years ago when her husband accepted a job in Montgomery. She retired from her position as Director of Development at Easter Seals of Birmingham, however in 27 years there she held a variety of positions. Fund raising and special events allowed her to put her marketing degree to good use and she continues to help organizations in her area on a volunteer basis.Nan first became acquainted with Coosa Riverkeeper through the summer Swim Guide, allowing testing at their dock. This gives peace of mind when their children and grandchildren visit and swim and play in the water. She became more interested in all aspects of the work of Riverkeeper and is passionate about the cleanliness and safety of the Coosa River. She is a charter member of the Alabama Mineral and Lapidary Society, beginning at the age of 6 when it was founded by her grandfather, father and a few fellow “Rockhounds”. She still maintains a collection and a love for rocks! In addition to enjoying living, fishing and playing on the Coosa she loves photography, having completed several certificate programs at UAB. Art is also very important and she volunteers at a local art gallery, enjoys birdwatching, travel, and, of course, spending time with family. She and her husband of 53 years have two sons and three grandchildren.

Rotaract Fellow

Charmaine White

Charmaine White serves as the Director of External Affairs for The Nature Conservancy’s Alabama Chapter, with responsibility for the development and implementation of strategic projects to protect, enhance, and expand Alabama’s natural lands.

Charmaine previously held positions within Fulton County Government and Atlanta’s City Hall, serving as a policy analyst and communications specialist for elected officials within the state of Georgia.

Charmaine White is a graduate of Spelman College and holds a MS in Public Policy from Georgia State University. Charmaine joins the Coosa Riverkeeper Board of Directors in 2023 as a Rotaract Board Fellow.

At-Large Board Member

Richie Gudzan

Richie leads growth strategy and contract compliance for SET Logistics, Inc., an Alabama-based freight brokerage firm, creates and sells fine artwork, and pursues various entrepreneurial endeavors in outdoor sporting apparel and merchandise.

Since coming to Alabama in 2001, Richie has fallen deeply in love with the Coosa and its tributaries. As a lifelong fisherman and paddler, he finds refuge in the water; and as an artist, draws his most meaningful inspiration from time spent on the river. Richie is passionate about keeping the Coosa wild and protected from contamination of all kinds, and is a vocal advocate for educating his community about the threats facing the Coosa.”

At-Large Board Member

Greg Brockwell

Greg is an attorney at Brockwell Smith LLC, in Birmingham, Alabama. His law practice focuses mostly on representing local individuals and businesses in litigation and other disputes. Greg is a native of Anniston and spent his youth roaming around the woods of the Coosa watershed. He now lives in Homewood with his wife and two children. Greg enjoys spending as much time as he can outdoors—trail running, mountain biking, kayaking, and fishing.

Advisory Council

Owner of Treeline Expeditions & Educator
Bill Andrews

Director of Service Learning and Undergraduate Research at UAB
Amy Badham

Black Warrior Riverkeeper and Alabama Rivers Alliance “River Hero”
Nelson Brooke

Alabama Rivers Alliance “River Hero” and founding Coosa Riverkeeper Board member
Dr. Bryan Burgess

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

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

biology, University of Alabama
Liz Johnson, Ph.D.

Ellen Spears, PhD — Associate Professor in New College
Ellen Spears, Ph.D.

Michael Steinberg PhD — 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.

Biology Professor & Turtle Expert
Andy Coleman, Ph.D.

Vice President & Operating Partner for River Construction and Avid Fisher
Kane Estes

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

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.

Cattle Farmer

Larry Phillips

Born in 1963, I was raised on a farm in Lincoln Alabama, we farmed soybeans and cows. Graduated from Lincoln High in 1981 and worked as a welder for the Nuclear Power Division of Flour Daniel Construction until going to work for the Department of Defense in 1987 and retired as a Logistics Management Specialist on the Command Staff of Anniston Army Depot in 2017. I currently own/operate a small 300+ Ac Angus cattle farm in the heart of the Coosa River Watershed in Lincoln Alabama.

I have an adjoining landowner that applied Septage (Human Feces) as fertilizer on his property that drains onto my property where high levels of E.coli have been detected. I am well versed and have done extensive research into ADPH regulation 420-3-6 Septage Management and am looking forward to working with and supporting the efforts of Coosa Riverkeeper.

Biology Professor & Turtle Expert

Andy Coleman, Ph.D.

Vice President & Operating Partner for River Construction and Avid Fisher

Kane Estes

I am an avid fisherman of the Coosa River, and try to share that experience with as many people as possible. I believe this river is often overlooked and ignored. But the experiences I’ve personally had on this river are unmatched. With Fishing pressure on every Coosa Lake at an ALL TIME HIGH, it is important that our water quality is strong enough to support a healthy population of sport fish. As natural fishing habitat disappears, it is replaced by sea walls and docks. I believe that the more vegetation that is not invasive, the better. It is the river’s natural filter.

Advisory Council Member

Max Jolley

Max was born and raised in Athens Tennessee. Growing up, hid family boated, camped and fished on Watts Bar Lake on the Tennessee River and spent a lot of time in the mountains of East Tennessee doing the same. Hi father instilled in me to always to respect nature and practice good conservation. Even though he has been on the water since could remember, it was one year on a Boy Scout camp we took a Canoe paddling trip and I was hooked on paddling.

Moving to Birmingham in 1973, paddling and outdoors kind of fell by the wayside until he rediscovered the outdoors in the mid ninety’s at the same time when Alabama, with its waterways was actually discovering its great opportunity in the paddling world. While a little white water and river paddling filled his time, when retired and moved to Logan Martin Lake in 2015, flat water paddling and learning the history of the lake. Learning about the lead him having to learn about the history of the Coosa River, both good and bad. He has been a volunteer the last fours years for the Great Alabama 650 Paddling Race which he has thoroughly enjoyed. More recently he is a volunteer with the opening of Pell City Museum. Between the Boy Scout motto, ” Be Prepared” and my career in analysis and logistics he is looking forward to working with Coosa Riverkeeeper’s Advisory Council.

Advisory Council Member

Tia Stephens

Tia is a lifelong resident of Etowah County and currently resides in Southside, Alabama. She has a passion for the Coosa River and the Neely Henry Lake, it is her home away from home!

With 26 years of management, marketing, and advertising experience, she utilizes her knowledge and experience to advise local small businesses and non-profits on growth potential and how to achieve their goals.

She currently support Rainbow City, Greater Gadsden Tourism, American Legions, VFW 2760, and other various clients. She knows collectively, we can achieve our goals and common purpose to be an asset to our community!

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.

Tributary Board

Co-President

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.

Co-President

Anna Screven Kelley

Anna Screven Kelley is currently living in Homewood. She is an independent sales rep for several major outdoor retail brands such as Teva and Kuhl. She graduated from The University of Alabama, class of 2017. She grew up on the Coosa River on Lake Logan Martin and has many fond memories from there. Her passions include hiking, fishing, and attending live music. She is excited to join Coosa Riverkeeper and be part of Tributary board.

Yahn Olson

My name is Yahn Olson. I am a recent graduate of Cumberland School of Law currently working at Environmental Litigation Group in Birmingham. I volunteered as the legal intern at Coosa Riverkeeper in 2020, and am excited to be back as a member of the tributary board. In my free time I also enjoy fishing, backpacking, playing lacrosse, and spending time with my wife Lauren & and our dog Aspen.

JT Mumber

I’m an environmental science major with a minor in fisheries aquaculture and allied sciences at Auburn University. I love nature and conservation and believe whole heartedly we can make or break our environment, and that we are at a critical juncture in human history in terms of environmental protection. I greatly enjoyed being a Lab technician for Coosa Riverkeeper and have been honored to be added to the Tributary Board. The Riverkeeper is full of great people doing great work and I’m so happy to continue being a part of that.

Mekenzi Esensoy

Hi! I’m Mekenzi Esensoy but I go by Meki. I graduated from UAB with a bachelor’s in philosophy in 2018. I am an artist and graphic designer living in Birmingham, AL. I’ve volunteered at several Coosa Riverkeeper events in college and I am so excited to reintegrate into its wonderful community as a member of the Tributary Board. In my free time, I enjoy rock climbing, concerts, and photography.

Brannan Cliver

Hi there! My name is Brannan Cliver and I am super excited to be on the Tributary Board. I am currently a PhD student at Auburn University after graduating from Auburn in December. I am studying Jamesianthus alabamensis, an Alabama endemic sunflower species that actually grows along the Coosa River! I have loved being an intern for Swim Guide and volunteering with Coosa Riverkeeper and can’t wait to keep that up as a Tributary Board Member.

Austin Parker

My name is Austin Parker and I live in Leeds, AL. I have worked in Birmingham as a registered nurse for the past 7 years. My favorite thing to do growing up was to be outside on a creek or river, and that is where my happy place is to this day. I currently explore all the Coosa river tributaries usually fishing out of my Jon boat, so that is why I’m so excited to be apart of the Coosa River Tributary Board. We hope to bring knowledge and aid to our river while bringing young professionals together who love the Coosa.

Olivia Holdsworth

I am a Public Health student at the University of Alabama at Birmingham pursuing my bachelors and master’s in Public Health in Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety as well as a minor in Spanish. I am pursuing a career in the field of occupational safety but am also passionate about the preservation of our natural resources after serving as a Fish Guide Intern with Coosa Riverkeeper. I’m grateful to be able to serve on this new Tributary Board to continue aiding in their efforts to protect the Coosa River and those who utilize it.

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!

Reese Koehler

Reese was born and raised in the Birmingham area and spent much of his childhood on the banks and in the waters of the Coosa River and its tributaries. He attended UAB where he first become involved with Coosa Riverkeeper in 2014 and has stayed involved ever since.

Through his work with Coosa Riverkeeper, he developed a passion for environmental health which led him to pursue a Bachelor’s in Public Health and a Master’s degree in Industrial Hygiene, a specialized aspect of occupational health that focuses on safe working environments. He now works in private industry and is grateful to support Coosa Riverkeeper in any way he can going forward.

Madeleine Lasseter

Interns

Choccolocco Survey Field Technician
Zane Fraser

Choccolocco Survey Field Technician
Parker Henson

Choccolocco Survey Field Technician
Nicholas Foster

Swim Guide Lab Technician
Adrienne Belser

Swim Guide Field Technician
Henry Alperin

Swim Guide Field Technician
Trinity Buse

Swim Guide Field Technician
Mary Beth Hall

Choccolocco Survey Field Technician

Zane Fraser

Zane is a sophomore at Jacksonville State University currently working toward a Bachelor’s degree in Biology. He chose to intern at Coosa Riverkeeper to cultivate his interpersonal skills and to do his part in keeping Alabama’s natural features clean and available for everyone. When not in class or in the field he enjoys going on walks and reading.

Choccolocco Survey Field Technician

Parker Henson

Parker is a junior at UAB Majoring in Public Health with a concentration in Global Health and a Minor in Anthropology. After her Bachelor’s, she plans on pursuing my Masters of Public Health in Epidemiology. She hopes to one day work with and help under-privileged communities and improve their health through disease prevention and environmental safety. When she has free time you may catch her enjoying the outdoors hiking or tending to my garden, reading, or relaxing in a coffee shop.

Choccolocco Survey Field Technician

Nicholas Foster

Nicholas Foster is a Sophomore at Birmingham Southern College majoring in Urban Environmental Studies. He loves bass fishing and plays hockey.

Swim Guide Lab Technician

Adrienne Belser

Adrienne is a rising sophomore at Loyola University Chicago and a Birmingham native. In school, she is pursuing a degree in Environmental Science and she has always loved to be in nature. She is so excited to be a part of the Riverkeeper team to help make our rivers a better environment for all organisms as well as helping to educate the community about the unique ecosystems and environments found in Alabama’s rivers.

Swim Guide Lab Technician

Rachel Conner

Rachel Conner grew up in Gadsden, AL, the youngest of 3 children. Her parents, who were avid runners all throughout my childhood, instilled a love of being outdoors and respect for nature in her early. As soon as she could walk, she was in the woods with them. They spent our weekends hiking all over Alabama and they spent most of their family vacations in the Smoky Mountains. All that mountain air, the sound of the spring water rolling down mountains, the crunch of leaves beneath my feet, and the overall sense of peace that came over her while being outdoors is something that has stayed with throughout her life.

She graduated from Gadsden State Community College in 2021 with an Associates Degree in Medical Laboratory Technology. After graduating, she moved to Birmingham and started working as a microbiologist at St. Vincent’s East and then became a travel MLT at the end of 2022. After working in the medical field for 2 years, she realized that she wanted to take my experience and microbiology knowledge, return to my roots, and do actual field work. She reached out to Coosa Riverkeeper and am excited to help support the rivers which so enriched me as a child. In her free time she enjoys tending to my houseplants, reading, going for hikes and walks with her boyfriend and our dog, spending time with family and friends, and playing video games.

Water Quality Technician

Lily Simpson

Lily Simpson is from Auburn, AL. She is a sophomore at Auburn University studying environmental science. She enjoys going to the lake with her family and playing with her dogs.

Swim Guide Field Technician

Henry Alperin

Henry is currently a Biology student at Samford University in Birmingham. He was born and raised in Memphis, TN and he graduated from Christian Brothers High School in May of last year (2022). He is an Eagle scout out of Troop 95 in Somerville, TN and he enjoy all things outdoors, especially hiking, camping, and canoeing/kayaking. Finally, he am extremely excited to be a part of the Coosa Riverkeeper team this summer!

Swim Guide Field Technician

Jay Knowles

Jay is from Gadsden, AL. He will be a student at Samford University in the fall where he will be studying accounting. He enjoys working out, playing guitar, hiking and fishing. He have lived on the Coosa River my entire life, and he am excited to play a part in helping conserve our river.

Swim Guide Field Technician

Trinity Buse

Trinity is from Steele, Alabama. She enjoys hiking, kayaking, swimming, and dancing! She is currently at the University of Montevallo studying Environmental Studies and Political Science.

Swim Guide Field Technician

Mary Beth Hall

Mary Beth has always enjoyed being out on the water. She was born and raised on Lake Mitchell where she developed a love of all things outdoors. From an early age she knew she wanted to do something to help conserve and protect the environment. In fall 2022, she began pursuing a degree in Biosystems Engineering as well as a Bachelor of Arts in music from Auburn University. She is an active member of the Society of Women Engineers, and she also plays oboe in the Auburn University Symphonic Wind Ensemble, which recently went on a tour in Spain. Her favorite things to do are play with her dogs and travel!

Choccolocco Survey Field Technician

Skylar Jones

Skylar is a senior at Birmingham-Southern College majoring in Urban Environmental Studies. In her free time she enjoys hiking with her dog, photography, and reading.