“I think we have the opportunity to make a difference…one kid at a time.”
— Steve Davis, Founder
Steve Davis, Founder
“On River Time began a short eight years ago with a mission to serve children who are survivors of abuse and neglect. Using fly fishing as a means of connecting with each child, we introduce people, place, and partners into their life journey to instill value and hope.
As a survivor of abuse, I am familiar with the hidden feelings of shame, guilt, and fear and how those three shaped my life as a child, and then as an adult. Understanding ‘it was not your fault’ does not come easily nor all at once. It’s a process of forgiveness and self reflection that can only happen in silence.
It is with these sounds of silence—the creak of the oar against the drift boat, the riffle flowing over the gravel bank, the screeching of the eagle above, and the lift of a trout to a fly—I found my own forgiveness and my own moment.
Our campers are young people who have endured horrific actions, usually perpetuated by those they trusted the most…their families. In that course, their dreams are dampened and swallowed with a deep fear of ever trusting again.
Our past can only define our future if we allow it to do so. Life changing experiences occur everyday, and it is through these moments and experiences that we learn the true meaning of the words, ‘it was not your fault’.”
Steve Davis began On River Time in 2012. He’s the senior vice president and director of Construction Risk Services for McGriff, Seibels & Williams, Inc. He’s a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and the author of the book, Picking Butter Beans.
Wendy Garner, Executive Director
Wendy Garner joined On River Time as our executive director June of 2019. Within six days, she was on a plane to Idaho to experience her first On River Time camp. “For teens who have experienced abuse and neglect, they may feel like they are defined by their painful past,” she says. “At camp I witnessed lives being transformed. The kids start to realize this trip is a gift and they are worth it. By creating new, positive experiences, our goal at On River Time is to help point them in a new direction - one filled with hope.”
Garner’s diverse background has prepared her for her new role. She’s an award winning television veteran who worked as a news anchor, reporter, and show host for WVTM in Birmingham as well as other stations. More recently she managed her own public relations and video production firm. Garner has been closely involved with many nonprofits over the years, serving on advisory boards, as an emcee for major fundraisers, and also producing videos and managing their social media. She is grateful for the opportunity to help make a difference in the lives of our inspirational kids and advance the mission of On River Time.
Garner is a native of Delray Beach, FL and Auburn University graduate. She served on the Advisory Council for the College of Liberal Arts. She and her husband, Tim, have two sons.
Beth Plummer,
Finance & Support Services Director
Beth Plummer is Executive and Program Assistant at On River Time. She joined the team in January of 2017. Beth was born and raised in West Virginia and a graduate of Marshall University. Her past work experience includes positions as an Aviation Insurance Broker, Office Manager, Bookkeeper, Human Resource Manager, and Executive Assistant. Beth loves being a part of the On River Time team, and giving back by caring for teens who have experienced abuse and neglect.
Scarlet Stearns, Marketing & Engagement Coordinator
Scarlet Stearns was born and raised in Alabama where she grew up at a local children's home called Big Oak Ranch. She first attended On River Time camp when she was 12 years old! Scarlet is a recent graduate of Samford University with a degree in Communication Studies.
Scarlet is passionate about sharing her story of overcoming hardship with kids who grew up in similar circumstances. She has the privilege of being involved in local community outreaches, her local church, and pouring back into others through her blog and podcast, “Feel The Smile”. In her free time, you can find Scarlet spending time with family and friends, writing, and speaking. Scarlet is so excited to serve the ministry that first served her as a little girl!
2024 Board of Directors
Steve Davis
ORT President
& Senior Vice President,
McGriff, Seibels, & Williams, Inc.
Dave Roberts
ORT Vice President
Excel Group
Tracy Schieffer
ORT Vice President
A.L. Helmcamp
John Ahlswede
ORT Vice President
Sun Country Builders
Dave Nichols
ORT Vice President
McGriff Insurance
Sean Doyle
FitzMartin
Phil Hocher
ORT Treasurer
Retired, Pace Construction
Wendy Garner
ORT Secretary
Executive Director - Non-Voting Board Member
Lisa Jernigan Bruhn
Thomas E. Jernigan Foundation
Todd Benfield
Technology Consultant
Chris DeMarco
Excel Group
Peter Horan
Horan MediaTech Advisors
Brian Dowling
McGriff Insurance
Elizabeth Huntley
Attorney, Author, Child Advocate
Lightfoot, Franklin, & White, LLC
Emalyn Lovitt
CRC Group
Greg McMurtrey
Lionmark Construction
Bakari Savage
Journalist and The Carter Center Fellow
Axel Schug
Schug Winery
Milton Smith
McGriff Insurance
Dan Sullivan
Terrier Claims
Ken Burrell
Synapse
2024 Junior Board
Taylor McGuire
Martha Lee Hawkins
Judith Jager
Ryan Wilson
Kingston Hall
Rachel Taylor Gratale
Kevin Bridgmon
Emily Campbell
Meme Marshall
Ryan Wilson
Jonas Williams
Danielle Wilson
Mandie Powell
Jessica Warren
Scott Warren
Steele Cadden
Clayton Campbell
