Tennessee RiverLine Announces 2025 Award Recipients at 7th Annual Summit

The Tennessee RiverLine community gathered in Chattanooga, Tennessee, February 22–24 for the 7th annual Tennessee RiverLine Summit presented by BoardSafe Docks and Hive Paddlesports, bringing together partners, RiverTowns leaders, volunteers, and collaborators from across the Tennessee River Valley.

Almost 250 participants representing communities across Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, and Kentucky, along with partners and allied organizations, attended the Summit to share ideas, strengthen partnerships, and celebrate the people helping bring the RiverLine vision to life.

A highlight of the event each year is the Tennessee RiverLine Awards presented by Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, which recognize the communities, organizations, and individuals whose work strengthens outdoor recreation opportunities, community vitality, and stewardship along the 652-mile Tennessee River.

Celebrating the Power of Partnerships

The Tennessee RiverLine is built on collaboration—uniting local leadership teams, community volunteers, nonprofit organizations, and public partners working together to expand access to river experiences across the region.

“These awards celebrate the dedication of the people who make this initiative possible,” said Brad Collett, executive director of the Tennessee RiverLine. “Our progress depends on partners across the region who are investing their time, energy, and creativity to strengthen communities, expand access to the river, and steward this incredible landscape.”

Through the RiverTowns Program, communities along the Tennessee River are working together to enhance recreation access, host stewardship events, and develop projects that connect residents and visitors with the river and its surrounding landscapes.

2025 Tennessee RiverLine Award Recipients

Each year, the RiverLine recognizes partners whose work demonstrates leadership, collaboration, and innovation in advancing the initiative’s shared vision.

Organizational Partner of the Year
Innovate Alabama & the State of Alabama

Community Partner of the Year
Chattanooga, Tennessee

Individual Partner of the Year
Ferrin Calvert – Tishomingo County, Mississippi

CommUnity Leadership Award
Bridgeport, Alabama Local Leadership Team

Excellence in Recreation
Calvert City, Kentucky

Excellence in Stewardship
Hardin County, Tennessee

Event of the Year
Pitt to Port Paddle – South Pittsburg, Tennessee

Powered by Partnerships Award
Outlandish Fest – Knoxville, Tennessee

Legacy Award
Anne Marshall – Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

Recognizing Local Champions Across the Tennessee River Valley

Additionally, the Tennessee RiverLine honored community leaders through the Extra Mile Awards, recognizing volunteers who have gone above and beyond to support RiverLine programs, organize river recreation events, and strengthen partnerships in their RiverTowns communities.

These individuals represent the local leadership that helps bring the Tennessee RiverLine vision of a connected system of outdoor recreation experiences along the Tennessee River to life.

Tennessee

  • Wes Soward — Knoxville

  • Blair Sitzlar — Loudon

  • Mike Beard — Roane County

  • Ava Wilson — Spring City

  • David Shinn — Dayton

  • Nancy Williamson — Meigs County

  • Eric Fleming — Chattanooga

  • Walker Henley — South Pittsburg

  • Camila Tato — Hardin County

  • Shawnee Iacono — Clifton

  • Amanda Mathenia — Perry County

  • Josh Justice — Benton County

Alabama

  • Judy Matthews — Bridgeport

  • Rick Wilborn — Jackson County

  • Katy Norton — Guntersville

  • Chad Hoover — Huntsville

  • Danielle Gibson — Decatur

  • Linda Peebles — Lawrence County

  • Steve Stanley — The Shoals

Mississippi

  • Ferrin Calvert — Tishomingo County

Kentucky

  • Paul Rister — Calloway County

  • Kim Hagan — Calvert City

  • Taylor Morsching — Paducah / McCracken County

Together, these volunteers play a vital role in helping RiverTowns communities expand access to the river, host outdoor recreation events, and inspire stewardship of the Tennessee River and its surrounding landscapes.

Award recipients were nominated by RiverLine staff and local leadership teams and received custom awards commemorating their contributions to the initiative.

Together, these partners are helping shape a future where the Tennessee River and its surrounding landscapes are experienced as a connected 1.2-million-acre river park, creating new opportunities for outdoor recreation, stewardship, and community vitality across the Tennessee River Valley.