Meet the Headwaters Team

Passionate. Dedicated. Committed. Every Day.

WELCOME, THANKS FOR GETTING TO KNOW US!

Here at Headwaters our staff make us who we are!  We are proud of the passionate hard working individuals, who love the outdoors and providing memorable experiences for others.

Headwaters Outfitters Staff:

Brett Meany

Fishing Guide

Brett Walker Meany was born and raised in Transylvania County and grew up along the French Broad. Brett has always had a passion for the outdoors, and is excited to put his skills to use. Formerly working with GIS systems goes seamlessly with his love for fly fishing, the outdoors, and wildlife.

Brett is available for full day and half day fly fishing wade trips for trout.

CONTACT BRETT

Chris Franzen

Head Guide

Chris Franzen found his passion for fly fishing at the age of three, while running through the isles of his dad’s fly shop. He started guiding at 16-years-old in the foothills of North Carolina. Upon graduating high school Chris moved to Colorado where he guided in Rocky Mountain National Park in Estes.

Over the past few years Chris has spent time guiding the rivers of the Bristol Bay region of Alaska and the Patagonia region of Chile. Chris is well versed in a wide variety of techniques and enjoys sharing his knowledge with clients.  Nothing makes Chris happier than seeing his clients grasp the same passion that he has for the sport.

CONTACT CHRIS

Danielle Ennis

Head Paddling Guide

Head Paddling Guide, Danielle Ennis was born and raised in the city of Fort Wayne, Indiana. She arrived to Western North Carolina the Summer of 2013 for an internship position through Student Conservation Association & Ameri-Corps in Pisgah National Forest as a lifeguard at Sliding Rock Recreation Area. Fall of 2013 she transferred into Brevard College to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in Wilderness Leadership and Experiential Education, where she developed her love for canoeing and being in the wilderness. While completing her senior year she focused her interest in Whitewater Canoeing and Swift Water Rescue. Danielle has spent over a decade living in Brevard, NC where she now calls home. She began working full time for Headwaters Outfitters in 2017 as our Head Paddling Guide and leading our Paddling Program activities. You’ll typically find her on the French Broad River paddling her Wenonah Canoe, hiking local trails with her husband Joey and 2 rescue beagles, or catching live local music at Brevard’s premier music venue 185 King Street.

Catherine Hughes

Shop Lead

Catherine was born and raised in Oregon but fell in love with North Carolina and decided to make it her home! A great passion and respect for the outdoors was instilled in her at an early age, and she feels happiest when she is out exploring in nature. With a background in the social-work world, Catherine loves meeting people and learning about their lives. She can’t wait to meet and greet you (and pet your dog too)!

Catherine loves hiking and exploring new places! Bonus points if it involves jumping in a river or lake for a swim, and camping out under the stars!

Coming to the Area?  Catherine recommends……

Smoke On and Gordingos both serve up some of my favorite quick eats! And Velvet Cup for a quick coffee boost before heading into the forest!

Greer Gunby

River Host

Growing up in Florida, Greer has spent a lot of time around the water paddling, surfing, and sailing. Like a lot of kids from Florida he first came to North Carolina to go to summer camp. His first experience on the French Broad River was during the 1970’s at summer camp here at YMCA Camp Greenville.

Now living here in Brevard since 2012, Greer paddles frequently on his favorite local rivers in the area including the French Broad, the Green, and the Nantahala. Many of his paddles also include working with local organizations like the French Broad Riverkeeper, lending a hand to keep the rivers clean, or the Hemlock Restoration Initiative fighting the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid. When he’s not out on the water he also enjoys hiking and camping in Pisgah National Forest, biking along the backroads of Transylvania County, and sampling beers at breweries in our area.

Greer loves to travel to Abacos, Bahamas. His local hot spots outside of Headwaters are Ecusta Brewing and the Hub. 

Jeremy Shurites

Fishing Guide

Fly Fishing Guide, Jeremy, a PA native, grew up in the Pocono Mountains. In high school he found the sport of fly fishing as something to do when the snow melted and snowboarding was no longer a viable option. Jeremy quickly dove head first into the sport dedicating all of his time to hunting down big fish and specific target species.

Out on the water, Jeremy values fun, learning, conservation, and helping to create memories that will last an angler a life time. In Jeremy’s spare time you can find him fly tying, hiking, and camping in his roof top tent with his dog, Captain.

CONTACT JEREMY

Jessica Whitmire

Director of Operations

Born and raised in Transylvania County, Jessica is proud to be the 2nd generation running Headwaters.  Her parents founded Headwaters in 1992 when she was 6 years old.  The business and the French Broad River is deeply ingrained in who she is.  Jessica runs the day to day behind the scenes here at the shop.  She loves fishing, being on the river and spending time with Chris and their wild child Waylon.  

Jessica’s favorite place here in WNC is Gorges State Park, and for date night she loves Vescovo In Brevard! 

Patrick Weaver

Fishing Guide

Fly Fishing Guide, Patrick Weaver is a former biology teacher and instructor for North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission. He brings a wealth of knowledge and fly fishing experience to our education program. Patrick guides and instructs all of the education classes for Headwaters Outfitters. He is an avid dry fly fisherman, fly tier and takes great pride in matching the hatch with his creations.

Patrick is our Education Coordinator and has designed a premier line-up of classes to help anglers advance their knowledge and skills. You will get a wealth of information to take with you when taking a class with Patrick.

CONTACT PATRICK

I like that they have all the things you need to be successful : high fly fishing IQ, great water, top gear, and just plain good people to fish with.

– Dave B.

Cora Sprinkle

Taproom Manager

Originally from a little bit of everywhere but with family roots firmly planted in WNC this is my chosen home. If I’m not slinging beers at the taproom I’m likely galivanting across the globe exploring new places and meeting new people. The combo of the two makes for a hectic schedule but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

Cora’s favorite outdoor activity? Hiking to a panoramic vista for sunrise or a secret swimming hole in the heat of the summer.

Where does Cora like to hangout? Brevard’s backyard – 185 King Street. Great music and atmosphere!

Debi Whitmire

Founder/Owner

Debi is the president and founding member of Headwaters Outfitters. She has transitioned to semi-retirement after 30 years of hands-on deck. Her husband David and daughter Jessica now handle the day-to-day operations, and she can be found wrangling Waylon! With over 40 years in the outdoor recreation industry, Debi has earned national recognition and awards, actively contributing to various outdoor recreation boards and committees.

Debi, the ultimate Aries adventurer, thrives outdoors, embracing paddling escapades with her fellow French Broad Sirens. When not conquering rivers, she’s a green-thumbed maestro, cultivating veggies galore and turning her bountiful harvest into tasty treasures!

What local recommendation does Debi have?

O.P. Taylor’s is Waylon’s, Debi’s sidekick & Grandson’s absolute favorite – an enchanting wonderland of joy and excitement! From Legos, classic board games to the latest interactive toys, it’s a treasure trove that sparks the imagination. With vibrant colors, playful displays, and friendly staff, it’s simply irresistible!

Gavin Griffin

Fishing Guide

Gavin Griffin is a full time guide since 2017 with Headwaters. Previously located and fishing between Colorado and Idaho, he’s fished over 200 rivers in the United States. He now brings his lifelong angling knowledge to his clients here on the French Broad River.

Gavin also leads and guides our Southern Musky Program here, while running expedition trips for Tarpon, Great Lake Steelhead & Salmon, Striped Bass, Spotted Bass, Large Mouth Bass, Small Mouth Bass.

Hire Gavin on your next trip for whatever WNC species you’re looking for!

CONTACT GAVIN

Hannah Myers Overgaard

Fly Shop Manager & Guide

Hannah Myers Overgaard was born and raised in Transylvania County.  As a local to Rosman, she grew up playing in the creeks and woods surrounding her home. From a young age she was sure that the outdoor industry would be a path she would take. Finding joy in clients that become like family while experiencing the outdoors every day makes her feel right at home on the river.

Hannah is available for guided trips on Tuesdays & Saturdays.

Hannah joined the team at Headwaters in 2016 and took on a leading role in the Retail Shop. When Hannah is not working in the shop or guiding clients, she is out on a back country stream with her fly rod, in a treestand with her bow, or just enjoying life with her husband, Andy, and 2 Goldendoodles named Boone & Bear!

Hannah is available for guided trips on Tuesdays & Saturdays.

 

CONTACT HANNAH

Whether it’s a guided trip with our three boys, or a guys or ladies fishing weekend, our family never misses an opportunity to fish with our friends at Headwaters Outfitters.  We love the entire organization and feel as though they are part of our family.

– The Hobbs Family

Mike Mihalas

Fishing Guide

Mike Mihalas grew up next to a New England brook trout stream and has been fly fishing and fly tying since his youth. He has traveled all over North America chasing trout and other species. Mike is a dedicated conservationist and longtime volunteer leader with Trout Unlimited and is currently serving as the National Leadership Council representative for North Carolina. Mike is also a Fly Fishers International Certified Casting Instructor.

Mike loves sharing his knowledge on all the diverse aspects of fly fishing, and feels privileged to do so in one of the most beautiful places in the world. He lives in Pisgah Forest with his patient wife Nicole, and Ghillie, his not-so-patient Boykin Spaniel. His three children are all avid fly fishers.

Lydia Dann

Fishing & Hiking Guide

In the summer of 2019, after 10 years as a service industry professional, Lydia accepted a hospitality position with Reel Action Fly Fishing in Quinhagak, Alaska. She enjoyed being fully submerged in the fly fishing industry and used that opportunity to hone her fly fishing skills by learning techniques from her coworkers, and using her free time to explore the Kanektok River for Pacific salmon, trout and Dolly Varden. Lydia is a jane of all trades here at Headwaters. You can find her pouring beers in the taproom, working in the shop, and helping out with the fly fishing program.

Leigh West

Beertender & Jewelery Maker

Leigh was born in Georgia and raised in South Carolina. She knew she would end up in the mountains at some point in her life having camped and hiked in NC since college. These mountains called to her and so in 2023 she packed up and moved to WNC.

She grew up boating and fishing in-shore and off-shore and spending summers tubing and skiing. Prior to moving to NC she spent 10 years volunteering for the SCDNR Sea Turtle Protection Team protecting and monitoring the Loggerhead Sea Turtle on the beaches of Hilton Head and is a SC Master Naturalist. 

You can find her outdoors every chance she has from paddling the local waters to hiking. She is down for any adventure that puts her out in nature. 

She crafts and makes jewelry so you will find her at our local festivals and farmers markets in the area selling her creations.

Outside of enjoying yummy craft beers in our own taproom she loves exploring breweries in our area……especially after a paddle on the Broad!

Ty Mooney

Fishing Guide

Captain Ty Mooney offers clients an array of largemouth bass lakes to choose from, including opportunities at smallmouth, striper bass and hybrids. Enjoy his luxurious bass boat as you charter the lakes and rivers of Western North Carolina and South Carolina.

You can Hire Ty for trout wade trips and lake bass for:

  • Small Tackle / Light Tackle Only
  • Children age 6+ are welcome aboard
  • Sorry, No Dogs Allowed
CONTACT TY

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