Bringing Youth and Masters Rowing Programs to the Charlotte Area
A Message From the Belmont Rowing Center Board of Directors President, Dan Hartley:
I am honored to serve as your Board President. My journey from a novice rower to helping with site planning has given me a deep appreciation for the effort it takes to keep our club afloat—both literally and figuratively.
Looking ahead to 2026, my focus is twofold:
- Empowering our Youth: We are committed to building a robust youth program that fosters teamwork, resilience, and a love for the water. On a personal note, I have two granddaughters I hope to see in BRC colors in a few years, and I want to ensure the program they inherit is world-class.
- Strengthening our Masters: Whether you are a competitive sweep rower or a dedicated sculler, we will continue to invest in the equipment and coaching necessary to help our adult members reach their personal bests.
- Our new site planning remains a priority as we build a sustainable home for rowing in Belmont. This club is more than just a collection of boats; it is a community built on the water, stroke by stroke.
I look forward to seeing you all at the boathouse and on the river.
Smooth Water,
Dan Hartley
Dan Hartley
President
he/him
As a Charlotte native who called Belmont home starting in 2013, Dan has watched our town grow and change. But it wasn’t until he and his wife stepped into a shell during a 2017 “Learn to Row” session that he truly connected with the beauty of the Catawba. That experience changed their lives, leading them into the Masters program and eventually through the “COVID reset” that introduced many of us to the focus and discipline of sculling. Dan has been married for 46 years to his high school sweetheart, Jenny. He has two sons and two granddaughters. A native of Charlotte, Dan currently resides in Belmont. He is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s College of Architecture and has served on the Lake Wylie Marine Commission and the Belmont Zoning board.
Debbie Brown
Vice President
she/her
Debbie began rowing in 1981 with Navy Women’s Crew at the United States Naval Academy. She also has rowed with the Yarmouth Rowing Club in Yarmouth, Maine. Debbie lives in Cramerton. After moving to the Charlotte area in September of 2020, she quickly found BRC and joined in the fun of rowing (both sweep and sculling) with a great group of people. When not rowing, cycling, running, or playing golf, Debbie works as in-house counsel for a national engineering company, and is also registered in Maine as a professional engineer. Her education and experience give her the background needed to help with the planning and implementation of developing and building BRC’s new site, which will provide BRC with a dock and, eventually, a boat house.
David Yagnesak
Senior Vice President
he/him
Dave began sculling in the sometimes-frigid tidal waters of the Long Island Sound. There he developed the basic skills and a deep love for rowing. After a move to Charlotte, he sought out BRC and joined the Masters Program where he trains and competes. His role with BRC is to develop and execute our Strategic Plan and help the club continuously improve by listening to our members, soliciting ideas and working with the rest of the Board to implement.
Jessica Jacks-Turkas
Secretary
she/her
After years of always wondering what it would be like to learn, Jessica finally got the guts to take private lessons from BRC in 2021. Since then, she has been rowing continuously with the BRC Masters. Jessica has her level one coaching certification and, if there was one, she would also have her certification in planning club socials. Someone needs to make sure this club plays as hard as it works. Off the water, Jessica is a master of balance. She is a trained artist and a practice manager for a law firm—because everyone needs a little right-brain/left-brain equilibrium!
Elizabeth Ryan
Treasurer
she/her
Elizabeth learned to row in the summer of 2024 at BRC continuing her love for all activities outdoors. She is always outside whether it be rowing, hiking with her 2 dogs or working and herding sheep with her Border Collie Brie. By day, Elizabeth is a Senior Finance Director with the YMCA of Greater Charlotte.
Glen Danziger
Board Member at Large
Glen began rowing on the water at the Belmont Rowing Center in 2024, inspired by time spent training on a Hydrow erg during the COVID years. A lifelong water-sports enthusiast, enjoying sailing, fishing, water skiing, and swimming, Glen was naturally drawn to rowing as a way to combine fitness, community, and time on the water. As a member of the Board, Glen’s goal is to help build awareness of our club and strengthen its connection to the broader community. He sees his role much like the skeg on a shell—helping provide stability, direction, and forward momentum as we continue to grow. Glen has lived in the Charlotte area for over 25 years and works for one of the region’s major financial institutions. He is married with two grown children, and at home he is happily outnumbered by a mix of dogs, cats, and chickens.