Team Leadership
Board of Directors
Colleen Cranshaw
Colleen was introduced to dragon boat racing by a very close friend. An avid adventurer, Colleen was always up to trying new experiences. From day one she was hooked. Colleen has been dragon boat racing since 2017 and has been with Century Dragon Boat Club since its inception in 2018.
Since day one, Colleen has led the charge with all operational aspects of the team. Colleen quickly ensured all legal compliance was adhered to so the team could qualify as a 501(c)3 organization, taking the lead on a Movie Screening fundraiser, setting up events for recruiting, reaching out to newspapers and TV for exposure, creating an Activities and Fundraising committee and ensuring all new members are greeted and fully welcomed. The camaraderie and team spirit is what keeps Colleen fully committed to Century every day.
Outside of dragon boating and work-life at Lifespan as a Senior Accountant, Colleen is a dedicated mom and wife who tries to stay physically active. You'll often see her participating in local 5k runs.
Gregg Cranshaw
Gregg's journey into the world of dragon boat paddling is a testament to the persistence and the love of his wife. In 2018, he embarked on a remarkable adventure that not only transformed his physical fitness routine but also led to his active involvement in the dragon boat community.
What truly captivated Gregg was the incredible sense of belonging within the dragon boat community. From the moment he dipped his paddle into the water, he felt embraced by a group of individuals who’s enthusiasm for the sport was infectious. This sense of camaraderie inspired him to contribute even more to the community's growth.
As an individual always willing to lend a helping hand, Gregg soon found himself involved in helping build and nurture a new dragon boat club. His dedication extended beyond the paddling itself; he took on roles of steering and coaching, sharing his knowledge and passion with newcomers to the sport.
In 2023, Gregg's commitment to the dragon boat community reached a new milestone when he officially joined the club's board. With his background in information technology and security, he brought a unique skill set to the table. His expertise allowed him to provide the team with a robust set of resources, elevating the club's operations to a level that could rival even enterprise-level businesses.
Beyond the dragon boat and IT worlds, Gregg is also a loving father of two daughters. He balances his busy life by spending time with his family, sharing his passion for physical fitness with them, and instilling in them the values of perseverance, community, and dedication.
Gina Alexander
Gina first found Century Dragon Boat Club in 2021 on Meetup. Initially, she was looking for a chance to meet people while doing some outdoor exercise. The fact that it was on the water was a bonus!
After the first few practices, she officially joined the team and soon found that it was so much more than just a great workout. The camaraderie and welcoming atmosphere at Century, along with the social outings, and competitive team spirit at the races have led to her remaining on the Team and ultimately joining the Board of Directors this year.
When Gina is not dragonboating or working in her job as an occupational therapist, you can usually find her traveling or enjoying nature by birdwatching, kayaking, hiking, or biking.
Dominic Brown
Having moved to Rhode Island in 2021 for work Dominic was looking to make new friend and keep active. Having no understanding of what Dragonboat was he turned up to his first practice, jumped in the boat and was instantly hooked.
Over the last two seasons Dominic has learnt to paddle, attended races across New England and a training camp in Florida and can even occasionally be found coaching and steering the boat.
Dominic loves all things on the water. He will often be found at the beach and is happiest whilst paddleboarding or kitesurfing.
Coaches
Lead Coach
Gregg Cranshaw
Assistant Coaches
Akhilesh Mannava
Christine Kelley
Dominic Brown
Kendra Kopecky