Landon Bartley was a varsity rower and executive board member for Michigan State University Men’s Rowing for the 2002 – 2005 seasons. In that capacity he eventually achieved a USRA Level III coaching certification, and also holds the distinction of being the largest person to ever cox a junior girls' 8+ shell, one fateful day in the summer of 2004.

Landon currently works as City Planner for the City of Grand Rapids, and received both a Bachelor's Degree in Linguistics as well as a Masters Degree in Urban Planning from Michigan State University. Landon's goals as President continue to be wild expansion of the club's membership and programs, working with volunteers and area coaches to host and cohost bigger and better regattas, the continued financial stability and sustainability of the club, and recruiting and retaining junior members from community schools, especially for underserved populations.

Jordan Hefferan currently serves as the treasurer for the rowing association and also frequently coaches the club's Learn to Row programs. Jordan’s rowing background started at Rockford High School where he rowed for four years under former GRRA president and recent Head of the Charles winner, Rick Anderson, and continued his rowing career for two seasons at Grand Valley State University under Chad Jedlic. He also took a course in coaching rowing at GVSU with Chad, and was an assistant coach for Northview High School. 

Currently, aside from coaching learn to row programs, Jordan sculls and sweep on a recreational level and participates in the occasional regatta for fun and fitness. He looks forward to seeing you on the water!  

Walt Alexander grew up in North East, Maryland, a little town located at the north end of the Chesapeake Bay. He went on active duty with the U.S. Army soon after high school graduation and was fortunate to spend most of his 3+ year enlistment in Germany. There Walt met a soldier from Riverview, Michigan … his wife Donna. They originally came to Grand Rapids so that Walt could attend Electronics School, and found a town they liked and for Walt a part- time job that turned into a 30+ year career.  Walt works at Micron Manufacturing, a small, family-owned company that produces precision machined parts, where his duties include estimating and directing safety, health, and environmental efforts. 

Walt got interested in rowing after going to a regatta in Grand Rapids to watch Donna’s niece Kelli compete as a member of the Riverview HS team. He took an Adult Learn-To-Row at the GRRA in 2009 and not only found rowing to be fun and a great workout, but it’s a great way to make new friends.  Walt decided to seek a position on the Board, after realizing that there’s a lot of work going on behind the scenes that makes GRRA possible. Aside from continuing to compete and help out at regattas and around the Boathouse, he hopes to encourage greater member participation and maybe even find some new members. See ya on the water!

Donna Munro grew up in GR and has lived here most of her life. Donna has always loved the river and wanted to know it better, but never thought could have a boat and navigate it. She loved Riverside Park, worked there one summer, rode her bike around the area, saw the old boat house and wished she could be a part of that world, but thought it was only for rich people. She also had a friend in the UK who is very into rowing, and he made it seem more possible that she might do it herself.

Finally, in 2009, Donna saw that Parks & Rec was offering a Learn-to-Row class, so she registered (got the last spot), and got hooked. Donna would like to help GRRA become more well-known and get more financial support, perhaps growing partnerships with businesses and schools, and with the city itself.

Mike and his family moved to the Grand Rapids area in 2001, and he immediately joined the Grand Rapids Rowing Association.   Mike was given a short introduction to GRRA and was elected to be President in 2002...a role that he held until 2008. He is currently a coach for the Adult recreational rowing group, which has experienced significant growth and participation over the past 2 years, by athletes ranging in age from late 20's to early 60's.   As Mike has stated, it is great to be coaching and see the enthusiasm of new rowers develop skills in this sport...in particular with mature athletes.   Grand Rapids has a well-kept secret, with the Grand River, and it is nice that rowing puts individuals in contact with such a valuable natural resource.