Paul Sanford
Director of Stewardship & Public Policy and General Counsel
As Stewardship Director, Paul manages the ACA’s conservation program, which helps paddlers and paddling clubs preserve and protect the places they like to paddle. As Policy Director, he represents paddlers on public policy issues like boating regulation and clean water enforcement before state and federal governments. As General Counsel, Paul advises the Association on recreation, tax and corporate law, and serves as the ACA’s primary risk manager. He also helps manage the ACA’s insurance program. Paul earned a Bachelor’s degree from Ohio University in 1985, and a law degree from the University of Toledo in 1991. He is licensed to practice law in Ohio and the District of Columbia. Paul joined the ACA National Office Staff in 2004.
Director of Membership
Anne has been with the ACA for 20 years and during that tenure has been instrumental in growing the organization from around 3,500 members to over 25,000 members. She is responsible for managing ACA member benefits, providing support for all program areas, managing the Paddle America Club program and generally making sure that we are responsive to you, our membership. Anne and her family are dedicated to the mission of the ACA, spending countless hours volunteering for the organization. Many of her five children have worked at the ACA office and, as a result, all of them were exposed to the joys of paddlesport. She is proud to be part of such a venerable organization but also excited about what the future brings for the ACA.
Office Manager
Jessica joined the ACA in June of 2006. Although she had never canoed or kayaked before, she now routinely organizes trips on the Rappahannock River for her entire family. Jessica believes in what the ACA stands for and loves being part of fulfilling that mission.
Education Outreach & Club Coordinator
A native of Fredericksburg, VA, Andrew worked for the Friends of the Rappahannock as their Volunteer Coordinator through the AmeriCorps program. During the fall of 2009, Andrew worked part time on both the annual Instructor Audit and in the Membership Department. He joined the SEI Department full time in January 2010 to assist with the administration of the national instructor program, and event outreach. In addition, he will serve as a direct link for ACA Paddle America Clubs to coordinate events and programs with the National Office.
Financial Coordinator
Joining the staff in June of 2010, Michelle brings her financial and business knowledge to the ACA. She has her MBA and is also a CPA.
Administrative Assistant
A recent graduate of the University of Mary Washington, Rachel has been a summer intern with the ACA for several years. She joins the staff in August of 2010 as the administrative assistant for the office and divides her time between the ACA's three main departments: Membership, SEI and Stewardship.
