Board of Directors
Andree Hurley—Board President Email
Andree has been leading expeditions, teaching kayaking, and river rafting since she took her first leadership course through the Outings Club at Cal Poly (San Luis Obispo) in 1977 and still loves it! She has been on boards for the American Canoe Association, Trade Association of Paddlesports and Washington Kayak Club. She is an ACA certified instructor trainer for coastal and whitewater kayaking and is an EMT. Her degree is in International Studies and she has guided trips or paddled in eastern Mexico, Baja, Belize, Chile, Bolivia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, and Canada. She currentely works in real estate for Coldwell Banker Bain on Lake Union.
AJ Mallory—Board Vice President Email
Karen Scharer—Board Secretary Email
Karen is a native Washingtonian. She fell in love with the local waters as a child visiting the San Juan Islands each summer. Karen is an avid sea kayaker and skier who is thrilled to explore all waters. As a Tacoma Mountaineer, she enjoys teaching paddling and safety skills for those new to kayaking. Karen also enjoys hiking the local mountain trails, biking in the valleys, and sometimes just walking a few miles to a local coffeehouse. With a degree in Urban Planning from the University of Washington, Karen has managed land use, and environmental and development applications in King County and local cities. Some of her bigger projects include the Klahanie neighborhood on the Sammamish Plateau, telecommunications towers on Cougar Mountain, the East Lake Sammamish Interim Trail that ultimately connects to the Burke Gilman Trail. Karen's project list also includes sewage treatment facilities for Beulah Park, Bunker Trail Beach and Spring Beach on Vashon Island, as well as many other projects along the shorelines of Puget Sound and Lake Washington. With a lifelong passion for outdoor recreation and a career in urban planning, Karen is excited to support WWTA through her unique skill set.
Board Treasurer—Position Vacant
Rob Casey
—Board Member
Rob has been a photographer for nearly 15 years for magazines, advertising and design firms, and stock agencies worldwide. His work has appeared in The New York Times, USA Today, Time, Seattle Metropolitan, Country Home, and Sunset. Images from his miniatures series can be found in the private collections of Elton John and Disney. He lives in Seattle, Washington and he is the Northwest expert on Stand Up Paddling (SUP). Rob also has a decade of sea kayaking experience and has worked as a guide instructor for local retailers.
Fran Troje —Board Member
Jameson Riser—Board Member
Jameson's paddling passion began at age 12 in open boats and quickly moved to kayaks. She continued paddling professionaly in whitewater freestyle, to present recreational and competitive Surf Zone Kayaking. She earned a 1st place finish in Ottawa at the 1999 Pre World Whitewater Freestyle Championships. As a five time member of the US West National Team, Jameson's highest finish was a 2nd place in Women's International Class at 2007 World Surf Kayaking Championships, in Bakio, Spain. She teaches both Surf Kayaking and Sea Kayaking with level III ACA certifications. Jameson works in Sales and as Inventory Manager for Feathered Friends, a world renowned outdoor outfitter and Down product manufacturer in Seattle, Washington.
Melinda Moree —Board Member
Michael Silence —Board Member