“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 laid the ground work for her life calling. 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. She also 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 graduate of Auburn University. aShe served on the Advisory Council for the College of Liberal Arts. She and her husband, Tim, have two grown sons and a beloved golden retriever.
Beth Plummer, Finance and Support Services Director
Beth Plummer has been with On River Time since 2017. An integral part of our team, she was recently promoted to Finance and Support Director. Beth was born and raised in West Virginia and is 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.
Emily Logan, Development and Engagement Coordinator
Emily Logan is honored to join the On River Time team as the Development and Engagement Coordinator. Emily is a native of Alexander City, Alabama and a proud graduate from Troy University, where she obtained a bachelor's degree in Global Business. She has been heavily involved in various leadership and volunteer opportunities within multiple non-profit organizations over the years, as her heart has always been drawn to give back to the community she is blessed to call home. Emily believes in fostering a positive environment that aides in healing for the children we serve, and she is truly honored to invest in making a difference in the lives of so many. In her spare time, Emily loves to spend time with her husband, Davis, be on the water at beautiful Lake Martin, traveling, and baking new recipes.
Alexa Frank, Marketing and Engagement Coordinator
Alexa Frank is On River Time’s Marketing and Engagement Coordinator. Originally from Fairhope, AL, she recently graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, specializing in Marketing. She is particularly looking forward to building lasting relationships and helping On River Time grow its audience by sharing its inspiring mission. With a desire to serve others, Alexa is excited to work alongside the team to support the healing and growth of children who have faced abuse and neglect, helping them discover their sense of self and become confident, successful, and independent adults.
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
