NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release March 15, 2001
Risa Shimoda Named American Whitewater Executive Director
(Silver Spring, MD) — Risa Shimoda has been selected as Executive Director for American Whitewater, the nation’s conservation and access organization dedicated to supporting recreation on whitewater rivers. Shimoda will be responsible for leading American Whitewater’s staff and volunteers, and implementing the Strategic Plan developed by the Board of Directors.
American Whitewater enjoys a membership of more than 8,000 individual members and 160 local canoe and kayak club affiliates, representing more than 80,000 whitewater paddlers across the country. American Whitewater was organized in 1954 with a mission to "conserve and restore America’s whitewater resources and to enhance opportunities to enjoy them safely."
"Risa’s experience and knowledge of the sport of whitewater is unmatched," states American Whitewater
President Jay Kenney, "and her skills will grow this organization, as both an advocate for whitewater rivers and a driving force for grassroots conservation and access work."
Risa has been active on the whitewater scene for well over twenty years as a river runner and competitive
freestyle, squirt and slalom paddler. In addition to having served on boards for the Conservation Alliance, Trade Association of Paddlesports, and the Stanford Alumni Association, she is Past President of the American Whitewater Board and a founding member of whitewater institutions that include the National Organization of Whitewater Rodeos (NOWR) and the Gauley Festival Marketplace.
Schooled as a design engineer from Stanford University, Risa’s professional training ranges from Brand
Management at Procter & Gamble, Coca-Cola USA and M&M/Mars, to designing and marketing paddlesports products at Perception Kayaks and Harmony Paddlesports Accessories.
"For over 45 years, American Whitewater has set the highest standards for ethical activism and the promotion of ‘safe, exciting fun’ for paddlers," states Risa. "I cannot imagine a better platform from which to prepare a future that provides ample whitewater resource options for future generations."
According to outgoing Executive Director Rich Bowers, "For years I have been amazed at the dedication and enthusiasm that Risa has brought to American Whitewater as a volunteer. Tapping this energy on a daily basis is an incredible opportunity for this organization and its mission."
For more information, contact American Whitewater’s Executive Office at (301) 589-9453 or visit our
Website at www.americanwhitewater.org