Tennessee RiverLine Celebrates 2024 Award Winners at Annual Summit

The Tennessee RiverLine proudly recognized the 2024 award recipients at the 6th Annual Tennessee RiverLine Summit, held February 23–25 at the Marriott Knoxville Downtown. Nearly 200 partners, stakeholders, and community leaders gathered in Knoxville, TN, to celebrate those making a lasting impact along the 652-mile Tennessee River.

"The Tennessee RiverLine is a testament to what’s possible when communities come together with a shared vision," said Brad Collett, Executive Director of the Tennessee RiverLine. "The dedication of our partners—whether through programming, stewardship, or innovative leadership—is shaping a more connected, accessible, and vibrant future for the Tennessee River Valley."

Celebrating Excellence Across the Region

The Tennessee RiverLine awards program recognizes communities, individuals, and organizations whose leadership and innovation bring the RiverLine vision to life. Their efforts support sustainable outdoor recreation, economic development, and expanded access to river experiences.

The 2024 Tennessee RiverLine Award Winners:

  • Organizational Partner of the Year: Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

  • Individual Partner of the Year: Gail Loveland, Outdoor Chattanooga

  • Community Partner of the Year: Spring City, TN

  • CommUnity Leadership Award: Black Kids Adventures, Inc.

  • Excellence in River Animation: Paducah, KY

  • Excellence in River Stewardship: Tennessee River Rescue

  • Event of the Year: Blythe Ferry Paddle (Meigs County, TN; Dayton, TN; Cherokee Removal Memorial Park; Trail of Tears Association)

  • Powered by Partnerships: Appalachian Regional Commission Conference Paddle

  • Legacy Awards: Hannah Kirby, Liz Riester

Recognizing Local Leaders

The Extra Mile Awards honor individuals who have gone above and beyond to support the Tennessee RiverLine’s mission in their communities:

Tennessee:

  • Wes Soward (Knoxville)

  • Rodney Grugin (Loudon)

  • David Bolling (Roane County)

  • Kristin Urani (Spring City)

  • Ashley Ervin (Dayton)

  • Paige Finnel (Meigs County)

  • Brooke Fleeman (Chattanooga)

  • Walker Henley (South Pittsburg)

  • Jared Stricklin (Hardin County)

  • Shawnee Iacono (Clifton)

  • Amanda Mathenia (Perry County)

  • Heather Smith (Benton County)

Alabama:

  • Lieutenant Colonel John M. Walker (Bridgeport)

  • Jim Jordan (Jackson County)

  • Katy Norton (Guntersville)

  • Lisa Heinrichs (Huntsville)

  • Danielle Gibson (Decatur)

  • Heather Dyar Rose (Lawrence County)

  • TJ Johnson (The Shoals)

Kentucky:

  • Jeremy Whitmore (Calloway County)

  • Elena Blevins (Calvert City)

  • Jeff Canter (Paducah/McCracken County)

Looking Ahead

“2024 marked an outstanding year of connection, collaboration, and river engagement,” said Lizzy Gardner, Programs Director of the Tennessee RiverLine. "Through stewardship, recreation, and community-driven programs, our partners are making the Tennessee River an even more valuable resource for residents and visitors alike."

The annual Tennessee RiverLine Summit, presented by BoardSafe Docks, provides a space for networking, knowledge-sharing, and planning for the future of this ambitious regional initiative.

Photos of award winners are available here. A list of those pictured is available in the file description.