American Whitewater has a new Events Director! Michael Phelan, working in the Southeastern Office near Asheville, NC, brings experience and enthusiasm as an outdoor educator and volunteer event organizer for the Farmington River recreation and conservation community.
Michael’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and a Master’s in Outdoor Recreation Management. He has worked as the Director of Outdoor Programs and Assistant Professor of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism for Springfield College.
“He is a perfect choice for the position,” according to friends in the paddling community and outdoor industry contacts notes Risa Shimoda, American Whitewater Executive Director. “He seems to have been preparing for this for years, based on his personal dedication to the sport and the professional investment he has made to outdoor education. We feel lucky to have him working with us.
Beside designing and delivering curriculum aimed at giving students tools for success as outdoor and outdoor business leaders, Michael has served on local conservation and recreation boards and has recently organized the Tariffville Whitewater Rodeo.
Mike will be heading up the efforts in the North Carolina office, along with David Knox, American Whitewater Events Coordinator, and Kevin Colburn, Eastern Conservation and Access Associate.