COA Staff
Michael Marbach, CEO
Michael Marbach is a lifelong educator and coach. Prior to founding the Christian Outdoor Alliance, he served as Dean of Students and varsity baseball coach at St. Mary’s Hall in San Antonio. His experiences range from teaching, an award-winning journalist, to being an accomplished outdoorsman. He currently writes a column under the pen name “Old Tex” in every issue of Texas Trophy Hunter Magazine. Michael’s hunting experience began as a small boy who grew up hunting and fishing with his father and grandfather in the Texas Hill Country and South Texas. He has transitioned to an accomplished guide sharing his knowledge of the outdoors to youth and adults alike, through many COA-sponsored hunts and outings. However, his most important accomplishment, aside from his family, is the founding of Christian Outdoor Alliance in 2002. His lifelong goal is to establish an organization that introduces young people to the outdoors and to shares his strong faith of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Mike has a B.A. in Journalism from Tarlton State University and an M.A. in Communications from West Texas A & M University. Michael and his wife Amy married in 1995 and they have two sons Michael Dean and Wesley.
Amy Marbach, RN
Amy Marbach is the COA Camp Nurse, Camp Director, and COA Administrative Assistant. Graduated with her BSN from West Texas A&M University in 1996 and has spent most of her nursing career in ICU and School Nursing. Amy grew up in Lubbock living for Christian Summer Camps and is so glad to share many years of youth ministry, Young Life, and camp experience with COA. Married to Michael, the CEO, since 1995, it’s been a blessing (and adventure) to be able to raise their two boys and experience the incredible things God is doing through COA. Her goal is to love and serve God and others and meet them wherever they are in need…. especially with hugs and chocolate chip cookies!
Lifetime Native Texan
50+, Years Hunting-Fishing Out of Doors Man
Hunting Experiences include~ TEXAS 68 counties ~ U.S.~11 States – Namibia Africa
Dennis “D” Herd
Josh Bowers is an avid outdoorsman and has been fortunate enough to experience many hunting/fishing trips along the way. He is a Crandall, Tx native and went on to gain my bachelor’s in agriculture at Texas State University. He started with COA when he was nine years old as a camper and it led him to a lifelong friendship with the organization. He is now guiding full-time for COA.
Josh Bowers
Ethan Garrett , also known as “EG,” has been around animals since he was young. From growing up on an exotic animal ranch to working cattle with his family, EG has always loved the outdoors. It’s no coincidence he was fortunate enough to stumble on to COA’s doorstep and now guides full time. Even though Ethan may be the youngest member of the COA team, his commitment to excellence and satisfaction of his clients is second to none.
