Raised in Austin, Matt Knifton, a partner at Texas Rowing Center since 1999, was a University of Texas Crew member from 1986 to 1990 and trained for the 1992 U.S. Olympic Rowing Team. In 2009, he co-founded Texas Rowing For All to offer rowing and paddling for individuals with disabilities. Currently serving as President of the Board for TRFA, Matt is dedicated to making Austin a leader in inclusive recreation. A seasoned rower, attorney, husband, and father of two, Matt champions accessibility in sports.

As Executive Director of the Coalition of Texans with Disabilities (CTD), Dennis, a seasoned advocate, influences disability policies with 28 years in nonprofit management. Appointed by Gov. Rick Perry, he contributes to advisory councils, playing a vital role in initiatives like CTD's Team Everest expedition. A former teacher and Peace Corps volunteer, Dennis garners national recognition for creating opportunities in inclusive community development.

Julie, with a background in financial administration and business management, now dedicates time to a local non-profit, engaging with children. In retirement, she actively volunteers with organizations offering recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities. An enthusiastic alpine skier, Julie leads an annual trip to the Adaptive Sports Center in Crested Butte, Colorado for 15 years. Her love for outdoor activities includes camping, water skiing, sailing, and paddleboarding

Vincent, a seasoned Marketing & Communications Consultant, brings diverse experience in academia, print advertising, and radio. Specializing in promoting radio features and advocating for educational programs, he excels in event planning and execution. Vincent, a Masters Level competitive rower with the Austin Rowing Club, holds a BAAS degree from Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.

In 1996, Greg overcame a severe leg injury, competing in cycling races just a year later. Named to the US Disabled World Cycling Team in 1998, he secured 3rd place at the 2008 US Paralympic Cycling Nationals. Greg discovered rowing in 2009, excelling in adaptive competitions and earning medals at regattas. With a BS in Mechanical Engineering, MBA, and ongoing Computer Science studies, Greg contributes expertise to TRFA as a board member and website manager.

Roger Brannon, a retired Air Force officer and decorated Vietnam War veteran, joined our board to champion rowing for individuals with intellectual disabilities. With a background in coaching Special Olympics and a real estate business in Austin, Roger holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Psychology. He takes pride in his six successful children and six energetic grandsons.

Diane, a dedicated community volunteer and parent of a child with multiple disabilities, serves on the Austin Mayor's Committee for People with Disabilities and the STAR Kids Managed Care Advisory Committee. A former Board Member of Sammy's House, she advocates for inclusive services. Diane, a speaker at national conferences, works as a product manager at a telecommunications company. She resides in Austin with her husband and three children.

Steve, CFO at GO2 for Lung Cancer, a Washington DC-based non-profit, brings 35 years of finance and business expertise, transitioning to the non-profit sector in 2019. His diverse experience includes Fortune 500 companies and startup ventures. Steve, a licensed CPA, holds degrees in accounting and an MBA in finance. A rowing enthusiast since college, he resides in Georgetown with his wife, two Great Pyrenees dogs, and three grown children.

Emily, a passionate advocate for wellbeing through recreation, discovered her love for rowing while briefly on the Texas Women’s Rowing team. Actively involved in nonprofits since 2014, Emily, with a background in Kinesiology and Health, holds a Master's in Sport Administration, and is pursuing a Ph.D. in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences. In spare moments, she enjoys racquetball, pickleball, and paddleboarding.