Partners and collaborators celebrated at conference in Chattanooga
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee RiverLine proudly recognized the recipients of its 2025 awards during the 7th annual Tennessee RiverLine Summit at The Chattanooga Hotel in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The event, held from February 22–24, brought together 250 partners, community leaders and collaborators from across the region to celebrate those advancing the RiverLine’s shared vision for a connected system of outdoor recreation along the Tennessee River.
The annual awards program, sponsored by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development, honors the communities, organizations and individuals whose leadership strengthens the Tennessee RiverLine’s mission to celebrate, connect and catalyze opportunity along the river’s 652-mile reach. Award recipients exemplify innovation, determination and collaboration through their work in enrolled RiverTowns and partner organizations across Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi and Kentucky.
“The Tennessee RiverLine is possible because of the dedication of our partners and volunteers,” said Brad Collett, executive director of the Tennessee RiverLine and professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. “This initiative is powered by partnerships at every level — from local leadership teams and community advocates to University of Tennessee Extension, UT Knoxville, TVA and countless organizations across the valley. Each of this year’s award recipients represents the very best of that collaborative spirit. Their commitment, creativity and generosity of time are what make a 1.2-million-acre river park possible and continue to strengthen community vitality, expand access to outdoor recreation and enhance quality of life in the Tennessee River Valley.”
The RiverTowns Program continues to serve as a catalyst for community-driven progress. Through local leadership teams, collaborative planning and on-the-ground activation, enrolled communities are transforming river access, launching new events and programs, and building momentum for long-term investment in public spaces and outdoor experiences. The awards recognize those whose contributions ensure the RiverLine remains responsive to local priorities while advancing a shared regional vision.
Award categories and recipients:
- Organizational Partner of the Year: Innovate Alabama and the State of Alabama
- Individual Partner of the Year: Ferrin Calvert, Tishomingo County, Mississippi
- Community Partner of the Year: Chattanooga, Tennessee
- CommUnity Leadership Award: Bridgeport, Alabama
- Excellence in River Animation: Calvert City, Kentucky
- Excellence in River Stewardship: Hardin County, Tennessee
- Event of the Year: Pitt to Port Paddle, South Pittsburg, Tennessee
- Powered by Partnerships: Outlandish Adventure Festival, Knoxville, Tennessee
- Legacy Awards: Anne Marshall, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation
Extra Mile Awards:
- Knoxville, Tennessee – Wes Soward
- Loudon, Tennessee – Blair Sitzlar
- Roane County, Tennessee – Mike Beard
- Spring City, Tennessee – Ava Wilson
- Dayton, Tennessee – David Shinn
- Meigs County, Tennessee – Nancy Williams
- Chattanooga, Tennessee – Eric Fleming
- South Pittsburg, Tennessee – Walker Henley
- Bridgeport, Alabama – Judy Matthews
- Jackson County, Alabama – Rick Wilborn
- Guntersville, Alabama – Katy Norton
- Huntsville, Alabama – Chad Hoover
- Decatur, Alabama – Danielle Gibson
- Lawrence County, Alabama – Linda Peebles
- The Shoals, Alabama – Steve Stanley
- Tishomingo County, Mississippi – Ferrin Calvert
- Hardin County, Tennessee – Camila Tato
- Clifton, Tennessee – Shawnee Iacono
- Perry County, Tennessee – Amanda Mathenia
- Benton County, Tennessee – Josh Justice
- Calloway County, Kentucky – Paul Rister
- Calvert City, Kentucky – Kim Hagan
- Paducah/McCracken County, Kentucky – Taylor Morsching
“The year 2025 marked an outstanding year of connecting communities, people and organizations across all 652 miles of the Tennessee River, and it would never have been possible without the efforts of our incredible volunteers and advocates,” said Lizzy Gardner, programs director of the Tennessee RiverLine. “New river users discovered the tremendous resource in their own backyards this year through stewardship, engagement and recreation events, and we couldn’t be more excited to recognize the efforts of our generous partners.”
All awardees were recognized at the 2026 Tennessee RiverLine Summit, presented by BoardSafe Docks and Hive Paddlesports. This year’s Summit convened 250 partners from across the region for networking, engaging sessions and excursions at The Chattanoogan Hotel in Chattanooga.
Award recipients are nominated by members of the Tennessee RiverLine staff and local leadership team members of each RiverTowns community. All award recipients received a custom award commemorating their achievements.
The Tennessee RiverLine is an initiative of UT Extension, with principal partners UT Knoxville and Tennessee Valley Authority, and is a continuous system of outdoor recreation experiences along the Tennessee River’s 652-mile reach. The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is comprised of the Herbert College of Agriculture, UT College of Veterinary Medicine, UT AgResearch and UT Extension. Through its land-grant mission of research, teaching and extension, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture touches lives and provides Real. Life. Solutions. to Tennesseans and beyond.
For more information about the Tennessee RiverLine, visit tnriverline.org.