Board of Directors

Kerry Brown, President

Kerry Brown, Transformation Evangelist at Celonis, is a thought leader who helps companies achieve organizational excellence. She is an international speaker and expert adviser on the future of work, change management, learning, and workforce adoption, working with diverse global industries and occupational cultures, including many Fortune 500 companies.

Kerry previously served on the Board of the Atlanta Rowing Club, where she introduced club-wide coaching programs, broadened development opportunities, and enriched club spirit and community. Kerry joined the FOTH Board in 2023, focusing on sustainability and event experience.

Originally from Vancouver, she studied Sports Marketing at the University of British Columbia, where she was a four-year member of the Women's Varsity Crew and Manager of the Men's Varsity Crew. Kerry actively trains and competes in rowing both locally and internationally. She has competed in the Head of the Hooch for over two decades, earning as many gold medals, and continues to encourage the growth and prominence of the regatta through the participation of the broader rowing community.

Jason Beagle, Director

Jason Beagle began rowing in 2007 and went on to win three first-place medals in para-rowing events at the Head of the Charles Regatta, including two course records. His first taste of international competition came at the 2009 World Out Games in Copenhagen, Denmark, where he earned a bronze medal in the men's 8+ event. A member of Team USA in 2012, Jason was the alternate for the PR3 4+ event at the London Paralympic Games.

Jason began para-rowing coaching as a resident athlete at the Oklahoma City National High-Performance Center in 2013. After relocating to Atlanta, he has served as the Para-rowing Coordinator at the Atlanta Rowing Club since 2015. In 2022, he also assumed the role of Learn to Row Program Coordinator.

Seth Faler, Director

Seth Faler is a board member and former President of Lookout Rowing Club (LRC) in Chattanooga, a position he has held since 2010. LRC and the Atlanta Rowing Club (ARC) are the co-organizers of the Head of the Hooch. Seth has been an active rower for 35 years and was a member of the varsity lightweight crew at Harvard College from 1986 to 1990. He has served on the FOTH Board since 2025.

Peterson Hostetler, Director

After graduating from Rollins College in 2006, Peterson moved to Martha's Vineyard, where he began working with Walter Cronkite's Maritime Foundation. He also founded his own marine consulting business and earned his USCG Captain's license. Following his time with the foundation, he worked as a Strategic Business Consultant in the distribution industry, advising FedEx and UPS on their operational needs.

Peterson entered the financial services industry in 2011, joining Morgan Stanley and specializing in Fixed Income and Cash Management. In 2017, after six successful years with Morgan Stanley, he was recruited to UBS.

Peterson is generous with his time and actively serves the community through various non-profit boards. He currently serves on the boards of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank and the Boys and Girls Club, acts as Treasurer of the Downtown Chattanooga Rotary, and sits on the McCallie School Alumni Council. In 2016, he was named one of Chattanooga's Top 20 Under 40.

A lifelong rowing enthusiast, Peterson competed in his first Head of the Hooch at age 15 and has raced in over 20 HOTH regattas. He rowed for McCallie School in high school, placing second in the nation in 2002, and competed at the Henley Royal Regatta, securing McCallie's first international victory in the pair. He went on to row at Rollins College and has since coached several youth and high school teams in Florida and Tennessee.

Chris Thomas, Director

Chris Thomas brings a wealth of knowledge about charitable organizations to the team. He is well acquainted with the Head of the Hooch® regatta through his leadership of the Chattanooga Market, which enables local vendors and artisans to share a taste of Chattanooga with athletes, volunteers, and spectators. He also brings a decade of 501(c)(3) non-profit administration, accounting, and compliance experience to the board.

Chris is the Executive Director of Public Markets, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that organizes and operates public markets and community events, including the City of Collegedale July 4th Freedom Celebration, seasonal programming for the Tennessee Aquarium Plaza, and other local partnerships. Chris also serves as Executive Director of the Finley Stadium Complex, where his leadership and creative thinking have restored the facility to sustainable profitability.

William Esterhuizen, Director

William Esterhuizen, a native of South Africa, has been involved in rowing since 1972, when he began the sport at age 14. A former South African national team rower, he emigrated to the United States in 1985 and enjoyed a long, successful career with Dun & Bradstreet and Equifax before retiring early. William has volunteered with the Hooch every year since moving to Atlanta with his family in 1994. You'll likely find him at the launch and recovery docks, working alongside his team of volunteers. William attended the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Christine Zurawski, Director

Chris Zurawski is the Chief Executive Officer of the Atlanta Infectious Disease Group and serves as the Medical Director of Antibiotic Stewardship and Infection Prevention at Piedmont Healthcare. She brings to the board a depth of professional experience in both business leadership and community service.

Chris volunteered for five years on the board of the Atlanta Rowing Club, where she wore many hats, overseeing club communications, facilities and equipment, and coached programs.

Chris’ passion for rowing began in college at the University of Michigan. She reignited her love of the sport in 2013 when she joined the Competitive Women's team at ARC. Today, she competes at the regional, national, and international levels, with notable medals from the Head of the Charles, US Rowing Masters Nationals, and the Head of the Hooch® regatta.