Jenn Bower
President and Marketing Manager
she/her
Jenn learned to row during the summer of 2020 with Rochester Community Inclusive Rowing in Rochester NY, while living there during the summer due to COVID. After returning to NC she joined BRC during the fall of 2020 and has never looked back. Rowing has become her new addiction and she loves competing with the BRC Masters team. During the day, Jenn is the Director of State and Federal Testing for the Charlotte Mecklenburg School district, and lives in Mount Holly with her bulldog Wilhelmina.
Debbie Brown
Vice President
she/her
Debbie began rowing in 1981 with Navy Women’s Crew at the United States Naval Academy. She also has rowed with the Yarmouth Rowing Club in Yarmouth, Maine. Debbie lives in Cramerton. After moving to the Charlotte area in September of 2020, she quickly found BRC and joined in the fun of rowing (both sweep and sculling) with a great group of people. When not rowing, cycling, running, or playing golf, Debbie works as in-house counsel for a national engineering company, and is also registered in Maine as a professional engineer. Her education and experience give her the background needed to help with the planning and implementation of developing and building BRC’s new site, which will provide BRC with a dock and, eventually, a boat house.
David Yagnesak
Senior Vice President
he/him
Dave began sculling in the sometimes-frigid tidal waters of the Long Island Sound. There he developed the basic skills and a deep love for rowing. After a move to Charlotte, he sought out BRC and joined the Masters Program where he trains and competes. His role with BRC is to develop and execute our Strategic Plan and help the club continuously improve by listening to our members, soliciting ideas and working with the rest of the Board to implement.
Sarah Macey
Secretary
she/her
Sarah’s lifelong passion for water found a new outlet during the pandemic when she bought a rowing erg to balance remote work. Discovering BRC’s Learn to Row program in June 2022, she quickly got hooked on rowing. The Catawba’s tranquil waters and camaraderie of fellow rowers captivated her. By day, she leads the creation of informal learning spaces, residing in Mint Hill with her daughters.
Elizabeth Ryan
Treasurer
she/her
Elizabeth learned to row in the summer of 2024 at BRC continuing her love for all activities outdoors. She is always outside whether it be rowing, hiking with her 2 dogs or working and herding sheep with her Border Collie Brie. By day, Elizabeth is a Senior Finance Director with the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.
Scott Philips
Board Member at Large
Scott is an avid outdoorsman and waterman. He is passionate in his love for nature, conservation, and promoting youth sports. His children are both active members of BRC and enjoy the opportunity to learn and compete at the state, regional, and national levels. Scott brings corporate board experience and leadership to BRC. His role is to broaden the youth rowing program through community awareness activities and facilities development.