Meet Our Coaches

Bill Davies began his rowing career on the lightweight crew at Wesleyan University. After earning an MS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Illinois, he joined IBM's Semiconductor Division in Fishkill, NY, and retired after 33 years. He began rowing his single on the Hudson River shortly after moving to the Hudson Valley and competed at the master’s level for many years.

Bill is a US Rowing certified Level II Coach and an assistant coach for the Vassar College Crew. He started the MHRA sculling clinic in 2003 and continues to coach both sweeps and sculls. He coached at the Craftsbury Rowing Center in Vermont and is a past president of the Mid-Hudson Rowing Association (MHRA). In addition to rowing, Bill spends time biking and skiing and on woodworking projects for his 100-year-old craftsman house in Poughkeepsie.

After watching her three brothers and her husband row competitively, Candy Davies began her own rowing journey in a single shell at the Craftsbury Sculling Center in 1983. Almost-annual trips to Craftsbury became a family tradition. Candy is a USRowing certified Level II Coach. Shehas previous certifications as a fitness and personal trainer, and master’s degrees in business administration and social work. Now retired, she serves on the Board of the local United Way.

She is a past Board member and current President of Mid-Hudson Rowing Association (MHRA).

In 2000, Candy developed and formalized the Mid-Hudson Learn-To-Row program. Candy competed briefly in the double scull and in sweep boats, before injuries prevented regular race training. She continues to row recreationally. She has coached men’s and women’s eights for area sprint and head races, including the Poughkeepsie Regatta and the Head of the Charles Regatta.

Gail Lahm started rowing in 1994 and in 1997 was encouraged to begin racing. She started coxing in 1998. She continues to compete as a rower and coxswain in both sweep and sculling events. She began her coaching career in 1999 with Belleville High School, during her thirteen year tenure Gail coached Men’s Varsity/JV, Women’s Novice/JV/Varsity and served as Head Coach. Gail is a founding member of the Passaic River Rowing Association and had the opportunity to coach the Junior Program and the Adult/Youth Learn-To-Row. Gail’s last coaching position was with NYU, serving as Head Coach for the men and women for two years. She is a USRowing certified Level II Coach and a certified Concept 2 Indoor Rowing Instructor. After retiring and moving to the Hudson Valley, she became a USRowing Referee.

Jeff started rowing in 1996 and continues to compete in regattas. He is a US rowing certified level I and II coach and a licensed referee. Also, he is founding member of the Passaic River Rowing Association, having served as a board member, president and director of rowing programs. Jeff began his coaching career with a high school program in 2001 and continues to coach Learn-to-Row programs, masters and competitive athletes.

Linda learned to row with Mid Hudson Rowing in 2010 after seeing her daughter and many of her colleagues enjoying the sport. Taking advantage of MHRA’s many learning opportunities, in 2013 she became a coxswain and learned to scull. She is a past president of the club, and currently serves as the Learn to Row Coordinator. In 2023 she became a USRowing certified Level 1 Coach.

Anita Fina Kiewra has been coaching with MHRA since the community program was founded. She has held level 1 coaching certification since 1988, and has been rowing and sculling since 1987. She works in community development with Hudson River Housing out of the Community Printmaking Studio at the Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory. Remember that rowing is a lifetime sport! See you on the water.