Ruthie Thompson's job description at Outdoor Chattanooga doesn't include "cheerleader," but the energetic events and marketing director has become one of the Scenic City's most vocal ambassadors.
Outdoor Chattanooga was established to promote recreational use, education and stewardship of the region's natural areas, according to outdoorchattanooga.com.
Ms. Thompson -- an athlete who paddles, bikes, hikes and more -- said she loves to share her love of job and her adopted city with visitors to the area.
"There's nothing more rewarding than to take somebody kayaking for the first time, for example," she said.
Q: Who can participate in programs offered by Outdoor Chattanooga?
A: "Everyone from first graders through adulthood. We've got something for everyone, including special programs for senior citizens."
Q: What does our city have to offer to outdoor enthusiasts?
A: "We have incredible accessibility to outdoors. Other cities my have higher mountains, swifter rivers or more spectacular cliffs. But I can sit in my office in downtown Chattanooga and look at a wilderness trail head. I can walk out of my office and put a kayak on the river and paddle the river gorge for three days.
Q: There's a big push in the area to make Chattanooga more bicycle friendly. Is Outdoor Chattanooga involved in this?
A: "Yes. The most significant thing about biking in Chattanooga is the number of people who are now cycling back and forth to work and school. I recently saw two ladies wearing business suits wearing helmets riding bikes one morning on Market Street. I was thrilled.
Q: If you had to choose one of your favorite programs, what would it be?
A: "It would be the Downtown Kayaking Tour. We started it last summer and it was a huge success. It's a very easy ride. It's a two-hour tour of downtown Chattanooga from the river. We take 10 people at a time for about $35 per person and the cost includes all gear, basic instructions and a tour guide."
ABOUT HER
* Name: Ruthie Thompson.
* Age: 52.
* Occupation: Outdoor Chattanooga events and marketing coordinator.
* Family: Husband Art Thompson.
* Education: Graduate of Maryville College in Maryville, Tenn.
* Hometown: Maryville, Tenn.
* Favorite movie: "The Thomas Crown Affair"
* Favorite Book: "Anything by Nevada Barr"
* What is the last music you listened to? "The Best of Abba"
* What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? "I like to drive race cars for fun."