TRR Grand Canyon 2018-01042

Joe Mornini

Executive Director

Joe began kayaking at the age of 30….  So in 2022 he had been paddling for 40 years – you do the math….

He is an ACA Level 4 Instructor and spent 40 years as a teacher and counselor for at risk youth and their families.  

He cofounded Team River Runner with Mike McCormick in 2004.  These days all he cares about is to get “Butts in Boats!!” 

email: joe@teamriverrunner.org


Michael Plourde

Programs Director

Michael Plourde, AKA “UM” is a US Army Veteran and experienced Exercise Physiologist specializing in Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation.  Previously he was the lead paddle sports instructor for the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) for the Metro Denver Team.  

Mike is an ACA Level 4 Instructor that has been with TRR since 2011.  He started as a participant, and transitioned into other roles, such as Visually Impaired guide, kayak instructor and chapter co-coordinator for TRR Denver from 2015 – 2018.  

Now he has moved on to be the Development Director for Team River Runner.  

email: michael.plourde@teamriverrunner.org

Bill Finger

National Conference Coordinator

Bill founded the TRR Johnson City Chapter in 2009, and served as the SE Regional coordinator till as well as assistant for National Programs till 2021.  Currently he is the TRR National Conference Coordinator and assists on TRR’s Outtasight clinics/programs.  

Bill is a retired VA Psychologist who worked with veterans for over 30 years.  He primarily worked in rehabilitation and health.  He is certified as an ACA L4 Whitewater Kayaking instructor and L4 Swift Water Rescue (SWR) instructor. He is also a CPR and First Aid instructor and certified in Wilderness First Aid. 

email: bill@teamriverrunner.org

Philip Berry

Business Manager

Philip Berry joined TRR to serve as the national team’s Business Manager. His past experience saw him serving as the Director of Research for a South Carolina-based non-profit specializing in criminal justice reform.

Philip is an avid outdoorsman who is excited about growing TRR to expand its reach to more and more veterans across the nation.

email: philip.berry@teamriverrunner.org

charlie staff

CHARLIE DUFFY​

Chapter Safety Coordinator

.Charlie Duffy has been a paddler since 1979 and is TRR’s Safety Coordinator.  He is a Red Cross First Aid &CPR/AED Instructor, an ACA Level 4 SWR & Kayak Instructor, a former ACA SWR IT, former ACA SEI Executive Committee Member and former ACA SWR Committee Member.  He is an instructor and previous co-Chair of the Canoe Cruisers Association, lead instructor for the TRR Fort Belvoir Chapter, and former instructor and Chair of the Greater Baltimore Canoe Club.

email: safety@teamriverrunner.org

Niki

Niki Markoff

Business Assistant

niki.markoff@teamriverrunner.org

Michelle Karpathy

Outreach/Social Media Coordinator

michelle@teamriverrunner.org

media@teamriverrunner.org

Team River Runner Organizational Chart

Vanessa Jones

Committe Co-Chair

Vanessa A. Jones is a dynamic force dedicated to fostering
inclusivity, encouraging discussion, and promoting a culture of
belonging in the outdoor sports community. Hailing from
Washington, DC, she brings a wealth of diverse experiences and
perspectives to her endeavors.
As a US Army veteran and ordained Chaplain with a focus on
seniors and caretakers, Vanessa is deeply committed to serving
others. Her work as a patient-caretaker advocate reflects her
passion for supporting vulnerable populations and ensuring their
voices are heard.
Currently, Vanessa is employed by a resettlement agency, where
she confronts challenges head-on with resilience and
compassion. As a single, Black woman veteran, she embraces
the unique hurdles she faces, viewing them as opportunities for
growth and empowerment.
In her downtime, she wears many hats, including that of a
missionary, spreading hope and positivity wherever she goes.
Weekends are spent paddling, immersing herself in West African
dance and finding solace and joy in nature’s embrace.
Vanessa is committed to equitable principles, ensuring that
everyone’s opinions are valued and heard. Through her
unwavering dedication and inclusive leadership, Vanessa is
paving the way for a more equitable and diverse outdoor sports
landscape.