AROA Board & Staff

Phillip Schoenhoff

Secretary & Board Member

Phillip Schoenhoff grew up immersed in the whitewater world, learning to guide from a young age alongside his dad, Norm Schoenhoff, founder of Whitewater Excitement. Today, as owner of Whitewater Excitement, he continues leading rafting trips on the American River, working with family, and creating fun, memorable adventures for guests of all skill levels every season.

On the AROA Board, Phillip serves as Secretary, bringing practical leadership and deep industry roots to help keep the association organized and moving forward. His ongoing guiding and outfitting experience keeps the board grounded in the day-to-day realities outfitters face on the water, while he supports efforts to protect recreational flows, strengthen relationships, and ensure the long-term sustainability of commercial rafting on the American River system.

Jess Wallstrom

Treasurer & Board Member

Jess Wallstrom is a passionate river advocate and active whitewater guide with nearly 25 years of hands-on experience on California’s premier rivers. Growing up on the Kern River, she developed a deep love for whitewater, which has fueled her ongoing career leading guided trips, prioritizing safety, and sharing the river’s excitement with guests every season.

As Treasurer and Board Member of AROA, Jess plays a supportive, behind-the-scenes role, bringing strong organizational skills and leadership to help keep the organization running smoothly. Her current guiding experience keeps the board connected to the day-to-day realities outfitters face on the water.

Jess is dedicated to supporting the team’s efforts so AROA can continue protecting flows, relationships, and the future of commercial outfitting on the American River for generations to come.

Chad Richards

Vice President & Board Member 

Chad Richards has spent over 30 years in California’s whitewater industry, starting with a memorable family trip down the Stanislaus at age 8 that ignited his lifelong passion for rivers. Today he continues guiding, training new guides, and delivering meaningful river experiences as owner/operator of WET River Trips.

Serving on the AROA Board, Chad offers practical leadership and industry insight to support the organization’s work. His guiding background ensures the board stays connected to on-the-water challenges, while he helps protect recreational flows, promote sustainable practices, and secure the future of commercial outfitting on the American River system.

Chad is dedicated to preserving genuine river adventures and strong industry relationships for the next generation of guides and outfitters.

Nate Rangel

Staff / Community and Government Affairs Director

Nate Rangel brings over 40 years of deep experience in California's whitewater industry to his role as the dedicated staff lead and primary advocate for the American River Outfitters Association (AROA). Starting as a guide in 1981 and founding his own outfitting business in 1984, he has built a career centered on guiding, river operations, and championing the interests of commercial outfitters.

In his AROA capacity, Nate focuses on forging and maintaining strong connections across the industry—chairing the Coloma-Lotus Advisory Committee (CLAC) to represent outfitters in key local discussions, serving on the California Hydro Reform Coalition Steering Committee, and cultivating ongoing relationships with agencies (State Parks, SMUD, PCWA), allied organizations (Friends of the River, American Whitewater, CSPA), and stakeholders. These longstanding ties give AROA a powerful, unified voice in protecting recreational flows, sustainable practices, and the long-term viability of commercial rafting on the American River system.

His advocacy and network ensure outfitters have reliable representation and influence, safeguarding the rivers we all depend on for generations to come.