About REACH
REACH (Rowing Experiences Advancing Cardiovascular Health) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting rowing for fitness. It is the mission of REACH to advance cardiovascular health in Knoxville by fostering diverse, inclusive, and sustainable rowing programs on the downtown section of the Tennessee River.
The organization was incorporated in 2018 and partners with a number of other nonprofits and volunteers to train teens and adults in safe and effective rowing techniques in addition to general fitness, balance, and strength training. REACH’s junior rowing program is Gryphon Crew, a program for teens that practices near Ned McWherter Park and trains on ergs at Legacy Parks Foundation at Volunteer Landing. REACH also hosts Learn-to-Row day camps as well as team-building experiences.
REACH has put in place COVID-19 best practices and requires SafeSport training for all coaches and volunteers.
Board of Directors
Susannah Enkema (President & Founder)
Susannah has more than 20 years experience leading teams and developing insights for Fortune 500 clients. She has also worked professionally as a facilitator for corporate leadership training and as a Division I rowing coach. When she isn’t volunteering on the water, Susannah leads a team of market researchers as the VP of Research & Insights for Shelton Group, Inc. Susannah’sh extensive rowing experience began in high school in 1985 with the Oak Ridge Rowing Association (ORRA) where she was a competitive Juniors coxswain. In her senior year, she was selected as coxswain for USRowing’s SE Region’s development camp. Susannah attended the University of Tennessee where she coxed and rowed competitively for four years. Susannah returned to her home club of ORRA to coach the Women’s Varsity program in 1992. She then went on to coach the UT men’s and women’s club crews before being named the Head Coach of the UT Lady Vol Rowing program from 1994 to 1998. Susannah holds an MS in Cultural Studies and BS in Political Science from UT and is a RIVA-trained moderator. Susannah and her family live in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Bill Waugh (Vice President)
Bill is a software developer working for Pilot Flying J. At the University of Tennessee he was an officer of the club as well as rowing for the team. He graduated with a degree in Finance. Throughout his professional career he has worked for several large corporations and non-profits, including Commerce Bank (2008-2011), the American Academy of Family Physicians (2011-2014), and Pilot Flying J (2014-Present). Waugh began his coaching career at the Knoxville Rowing Association (1996-2002), building their juniors program from scratch. He then went on to coach the UT club team (1998-2008), the Topeka Rowing Association (2011-2014). He returned to Knoxville in late 2014, and began coaching the club team the following fall (2015-Present).
David Enkema (Treasurer)
David manages the team finances and is responsible for the team budget. David is also husband to Susannah and proud father of veteran rowers JP, Anna, and Olivia.
Erin Swenson (Secretary)
Erin is an integral member of our organization. She is the proud wife to Timm, master contractor, and mother to veteran rower Caroline.
Veronica Cordell
Vee is a veteran teacher and former nonprofit director with experience in marketing, social media management, and grant writing. She has a BA in English and MA in Education from Austin Peay State University. She and her husband, Martin, have four children, including rower Freya.
Annette Robbins (Asst. Coach, Gryphon Crew)
