Mission Statement
The Alabama Scenic River Trail serves as the state’s official paddling resource, collaborating with communities to promote recreation, economic vitality and stewardship of Alabama’s waterways.
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 promote the opportunities along our many scenic rivers.
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.
Staff
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.
Favorite Alabama Waterway: Cahaba, but also a Sipsey River and Black Warrior fan!
Martha Grace Mize became ASRT’s Director of Growth and Development after serving for several years as ASRT’s Development and Outreach Coordinator. With a background in nonprofit fundraising and public relations, she specializes in grant writing, donor engagement, and building partnerships that support Alabama’s waterways. Her work is shaped by her degrees in anthropology and Southern Studies, which focused on rural Alabama economic development and the power of community-driven initiatives.
Originally from Tuscaloosa and now residing in Huntsville, she enjoys spending time with family, out in the garden, and reading good books.
Favorite Alabama Waterway: Checkin ’em all out! The Cahaba is where it all started though!
Shannon Mo’ikeha-Taylor joined ASRT after volunteering as the Portage Chief in the 2021Great Alabama 650 and then being on the Great 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 the 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 by helping create safe, welcoming Alabama waterways that will provide fun for future generations.
Camping, fishing, wandering in the woods, ‘Cruz’ventures, and watching sports are just a few things Shannon enjoys. In the city, you can find her riding a bike or spending time in her yard.
Favorite Alabama Waterway: Love the Coosa and the beautiful Lake regions!
Savannah Schmidt is the most recent addition to the ASRT team, stepping into the Communications Specialist role in spring of 2025. Savannah’s previous experience with museums, non-profits, and media outlets has led her to this position that focuses on inspiring community members to explore Alabama’s rivers. She is particularly excited to utilize her photography skills to highlight the state’s natural beauty and showcase local events. During her education at Samford University, Savannah honed her historical research skills and designed a digital exhibit to make the research more accessible to the general population. Savannah grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and moved to Birmingham in 2020, where she enrolled and began competing as a track and field athlete at Samford. Today, she loves to trail run, kickbox, and seek out beautiful places to adventure!