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Share Your Alabama Water Adventures
Who We Are
Meet the Board of Directors and Staff of the Alabama Scenic River Trail

Staff

Andrew Szymanski
Andrew Szymanski
Executive Director
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Andrew Szymanski
Andrew Szymanski
Executive Director

Favorite Alabama Waterway: Coosa River/Moccasin Gap

Andrew started with the Alabama Scenic River Trail in 2021 and quickly became the Executive Director in the fall of 2022. Andrew has worked in the nonprofit industry since moving to Montgomery, AL in 2010 as a member of the AmeriCorps VISTA program Over the years he has honed his skillset that includes nonprofit management, community development and public speaking. Andrew has a passion for promoting recreational and competitive paddling and hopes to connect more people with the numerous outdoor experiences that exist here in Alabama.

Andrew grew up in Topsfield, Massachusetts and loves spending time hiking, biking and swimming with his family in Maine when he visits each fall. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia in 2004.

Martha Grace Mize
Martha Grace Mize
Development & Outreach Coordinator
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Martha Grace Mize
Martha Grace Mize
Development & Outreach Coordinator

Favorite Alabama Waterway: Cahaba, but also a Sipsey and Black Warrior fan!

Martha Grace Mize is the Development and Outreach Coordinator at the Alabama Scenic River Trail. With expertise in nonprofit fund development and PR, she excels in grant writing and community engagement efforts. Martha Grace holds dual masters’ degrees in Anthropology and Southern Studies, focusing on rural Alabama economic development. With experience spanning multiple counties, Martha Grace brings new resources and ideas from across the state to ASRT. She is dedicated to promoting Alabama communities from the inside out and is passionate about providing an inclusive, fun, freshwater experience for everyone.

Originally from Tuscaloosa and now residing in Huntsville, she enjoys spending time with family, in the garden, and reading good books.

A Woman Standing Next To A Body Of Water
Shannon Mo’ikeha Taylor
Waterways Program Manager
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A Woman Standing Next To A Body Of Water
Shannon Mo’ikeha Taylor
Waterways Program Manager

Favorite Alabama Waterway: The Cahaba is my happy place. Eager to try ‘em all!

Shannon Mo’ikeha Taylor joined ASRT after volunteering as the Portage Chief in the 2021 Alabama 650. Then being on the Alabama 650 staff in 2022. Her knowledge of Alabama waterways comes from her avid kayaking and canoeing lifestyle. Shannon has volunteered, and successfully campaigned for other nonprofits. While working with Osprey Initiative on the Litter Gitter Program her love of the outdoors was confronted with the reality of the need to conserve our resources. That passion drives Shannon to inspire others through helping create safe, welcoming Alabama waterways that will provide fun for many generations. 

Walking Cruz, camping, fishing, wandering in the woods are just a few things Shannon enjoys. In the city you can find her riding a bike or at a local brewery.

Fred Couch
Fred Couch
Founder
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Fred Couch
Fred Couch
Founder

Favorite Alabama Waterway: Autauga Creek, prior to that it was Talladega Creek, and Little River Canyon

Fred is the original visionary behind ASRT, dedicating his life to promoting Alabama’s waterways and recreational opportunities. As Founder of the Alabama Scenic River Trail (ASRT) in 2006-2007, Fred’s organizational and management skills – developed over 60 years in the business world – were instrumental in its creation and maturation. As an expert canoe paddler who is very civically active and dedicated to enlisting people to assist him, Fred has created a network of volunteers and government officials willing to commit to ASRT’s vision and benefit the State of Alabama ASRT’s Mission.

Fred continues to shape and influence the organization’s growth and success by sharing his wealth of knowledge and experiences with ASRT. Recognized numerous times for his work in Alabama, Fred’s recognition includes awards from Governor Bob Riley, Auburn Forestry, and various other groups for his outstanding contributions to outdoor recreation.

Board of Directors

The Alabama Scenic River Trail owes much of its success to the remarkable dedication and talent of our Board of Directors. Our board is a group of individuals who possess an unwavering passion for our state’s waterways and the recreational opportunities they provide. Together, we forge ahead, driven by their collective efforts, in our mission to protect and cherish the beauty of our scenic rivers.

John Rarick et al. posing for a photo

As Pictured above: Ryan Davis, Vice President – Linda Gunnoe, Secretary – Edward “Ike” Lyon, President – Sam Howell, Mike Mullen, Treasurer – Thomas McLeod, Robert “Shep” Shepard

Connect With Us

If you’d like to learn more about river experiences and opportunities near you or how to get involved, get in touch with a member of our team today. A representative will reach out to you as soon as possible.