From left: Tom Hinds, Isaac Ingram, Glenn Carnahan, Kirsten Toby, Jennifer Orr, Jessica Perry Carr, Zac Unger, Frederica Lofquist, Lauren O’Brien
Not pictured: Nelson Mathews
Tom Hinds
“I’m a communications professional who guided for ARTA on the American and Tuolumne Rivers. I’ve been on the board since 2009, and my spouse Shannon was also an ARTA guide. We met on the American River.”
board member since 2009
Kirsten Tobey
“I am a social entrepreneur who loves being outdoors. I founded and ran Revolution Foods, a company that produces healthy meals for low-income school kids, for 18 years. I have never been a river guide but still dream of becoming one someday – maybe once all 3 of my kids are in college.”
board member since 2016
Jess Perry Carr
“I guided for ARTA in California and Utah from 2009 until 2017. I live in Truckee with my husband and two kids where I work in economic development for a non-profit. My favorite place to sleep on the river is Box Elder 3 on the Yampa!”
board member since 2022
Frederica Lofquist
“I am a physician primarily working in rural health. My first and still favorite river is the Middle Fork of the Salmon. I live in Port Townsend, WA where you can generally find me on the water rowing and sailing or exploring the Olympic Peninsula on horseback.”
board member since 1998
Nelson Mathews
“I grew up in Placerville and started on the American in 1980 right after graduating from high school. My brothers, Walt and Andy, also worked for ARTA, as have my nephew Will, daughter Case, and my son, Theo. ARTA sparked a lifelong passion and a 32+ year career protecting rivers. Currently I am the Interim President of the Western Rivers Conservancy. My wife, Jo and I live in Bend, OR along the Deschutes.”
board member since 1989
Glenn Carnahan
“I started boating on the SF American but earned my rowing stripes on the T. I live in Auburn with my wife and three teenagers — all who are becoming passionate about rafting and kayaking (as well as wearing all of my “classic” Patagonia fleece and old ARTA t-shirts).”
board member since 1995
Jennifer Orr
“I started on the SF American and ended up working on almost every river ARTA runs. I live on the Arkansas river in Salida CO. When I’m not working or volunteering, you can find me rafting, paddle boarding, tubing or swimming in the Ark.”
board member since 1995
Zac Unger
“I’ve been guiding since 1989 and still manage to work a few trips every summer, usually in Utah, where I am a flatwater enthusiast. I’m the president of the Oakland Firefighter’s union and I operate a home for wayward river guides.”
board member since 2004
Lauren O’Brien
“I’m an Ad Sales exec at Google and was an ARTA guide from 1998-2002 (I left rafting to join Google in the fall of 2002). My favorite ARTA river is the Rogue. I live in the Bay Area, and outside of work you can find me on the soccer and lacrosse fields with my three kids, dog and husband. “
board member since 2012