In 1969 Chris participated in a YMCA rafting trip on Oregon's Rogue River and has been a paddler ever since. Though the early years were dominated by army surplus rafts and inner tubes, today he's more likely to be creeking or squirt boating in a kayak or canoeing with his two daughters. Chris's most signifi cant contribution to AW to date has been his work on the Cheoah dam relicensing project, where by happy not-quite-coincidence he's been fortunate to combine his love of paddling with his professional skills as an economist. Chris also served as a Gauley Festival volunteer and is currently AW's Southeastern Regional StreamKeeper. In October 2002 Rod Baird and Chris shared honors as AW Volunteers of the Month in recognition of their Cheoah work. Chris's non-AW volunteer activities include originating and coordinating the Western Carolina Rescue Rodeo (1992- 1997), serving on the Pigeon River Fund board (1997-2004), serving as President, Newsletter Editor and Webmaster of the Western Carolina Paddlers (1990-1998, 2004-), and creating and maintaining the boatingbeta.com regional website.