John C. Davis

Having grown up in the Rocky Mountain West, John did not find rowing until his enlistment in the summer Learn-to-Row program at the age of 54 in 2006. Hooked from the get-go, he has experienced the ecstasy and the agony of advancement from Masters Novice, to Intermediate and Master B’s, and was invited to join the Men’s Advanced Team in March 2008, 4 days and two practices before rowing at the San Diego Crew Classic for the first time. Although his personal rowing achievements pale next to many teammates and clubmates, John has had the privilege of learning from great coaches and racing with many storied Marin Master alums, gentlemen whose names now reside on Eights, and many who still are mainstays of Marin Master Men.

John is an architect and Principal of a 40 person firm in San Francisco. His firm has designed and seen built commercial and civic projects in over 50 California communities as well as in a number of other States and International locations. His firm has won design awards for Academic buildings, rehabilitation of Historic Landmarks, and top hotel and resort destinations. Prior to joining the Board, he has assisted in Club construction projects, planning and feasibility initiatives, and community relations activities. 

As a late bloomer I found my rowing experiences expand first from the epiphanies of individual learning and then blending with a crew and a boat, to coming to love the greater community of rowing – our role in education, in healthful living, and civic responsibility – the bonds of our amazing members and staff that we pass to our young women and men athletes.

The consistency and excellence of MRA is evident each year not just the regatta results but in the positive lifelong character and habits that follow youth into adulthood and keep our Masters rowers healthy and youthful! As a Board member I hope to add to Marin Rowing’s sustaining excellence, improvement in rowing prowess and respected role in our community.