Lindsay Shoop (2008 Olympic Gold medalist W8+) and Dan Walsh (2008 Olympic Bronze medalist M8+) were selected from an exceptional applicant group of eleven current athletes.
The Frank Shields Fellowships were created in 2003 by the National Rowing Foundation, in honor of the late Frank Shields, to enlist two active National Team rowers to assist the NRF staff in contacting current and alumni team members; developing and maintaining a data base for donors and potential contributors in addition to information; hosting the annual Head of the Charles Regatta US Team alumni reception and gatherings at major regattas throughout the country; creating newsletters, the annual report, and materials for fundraising, maintaining the NRF website, and developing as the National Rowing Hall of Fame at Mystic Seaport.
Ali Cox and Anna Mickelson Cummins were the initial Shields Fellows. Ali retired after the Athens Olympic Games, and Anna increased her duties and continued through the Beijing Games. Both Ali and Anna are current members of the NRF Board of Directors.