Here at the East Bay Bicycle Coalition we elect our board of directors each year at the last member meeting of the year. This Wednesday, November 16, we will meet as a membership to make this important election for our organization. The nominating committee of the board of directors has put together a slate to recommend to you, our members, for your vote at our member meeting. This slate was approved by the full board.
In selecting this slate the nominating committee has interviewed all candidates who applied this year, and considered what each would bring to our board. In particular the committee looked for candidates with skills such as fundraising, board governance, non-profit management, finance, grassroots organizing and more. In addition the committee sought to find candidates who would represent the diverse communities and cities of our East Bay.
Below are the candidates the board recommends for the coming year. Each candidate has provided a statement on what skills and abilities they will bring to our board. Incumbents are marked with a *.
- Bill Pinkham*
Global warming is not just an issue, it’s the only issue. I cannot think of anything more important to do than to advocate for means of transportation that have the minimal carbon footprint, and save walking, bicycling is the best way to do that Therefore, serving on the Board is very important to me. And, I love riding my bike, especially on streets and paths that the EBBC has helped to create and/or make safer and more convenient.
- Carrie Harvilla*
I’ve been a board member of for one year, and I was previously EBBC’s Outreach Coordinator. Currently I’m a Safe Routes to Schools Site coordinator, with a focus on the cities of Alameda, Union City and Fremont. I’m a commuter and recreational cyclist very dedicated to improving and increasing bicycling in the East Bay, and I bring outreach expertise to the Board. I’m interested in board development particularly as it pertains to fundraising.
- Eric Sloan
I am a lifelong recreational bicyclist, oftentimes bike commuter, and, most importantly, a bicycle partisan. I look forward to a time when bicycling is the most common, safest, and most fun way to travel. I have nearly 20 years experience working in the nonprofit world, most recently as a foundation executive. I am proud to say I served on the board of directors the San Francisco Bicycle Coalition from 2003-2009. I served on the fundraising committee, as the board secretary, and on the board development committee, where I lead development of board recruitment goals. My family moved to the East Bay in 2009 in search of more family-friendly and sustainable lifestyle. EBBC is at a crucial point of inflection, poised to expand its influence and increase its effectiveness. I hope that I am able to bring my skills and experience forward and contribute to that process.
- Fred Rodriquez*
Fred Rodriguez is a American professional road racing cyclist. His nickname is Fast Freddie due to his reputation as a sprint specialist. He is a three-time US national champion as winner of the US Pro Cycling Championship. Rodriguez won four stages of the Tour de Georgia between 2003-07 and has participated in all three Grand Tours: France, Italy and Spain. Rodriguez raced for the now-defunct Rock Racing team from 2008-2009 and currently races for Team Specialized. Fred Rodriguez is a big supporter of youth cycling through the Fast Freddie Foundation (FFF). The mission of FFF is to support young cyclists in achieving their goals in cycling and beyond.
- Heather Cunningham*
Heather Cunningham is a youth program director at the Downtown Berkeley YMCA. She has worked with youth and their families for 18 years and in the non-profit sector for more than 10 years. While she works hard juggling budgets, coordinating and managing a variety of programs, supervising staff/volunteers, and retaining members, a career working with kids often means lots of fun, energy and laughter. It also means lots of considerations for safety, asking people for donations, and collaborating with community agencies.
She has been successful increasing volunteers, retaining membership with high satisfaction rates, training and motivating campaigners, and creating an environment where diversity and innovation are valued.
In addition to serving on the board and volunteering with 1000 New Cyclists, Heather is a core member of the Albany Strollers & Rollers, the co-chair of Marin Elementary School’s Traffic Safety Committee and Safe Routes to School champion, and Vice Chair of Albany’s Park and Recreation Commission.
She finds time for rides in the East Bay hills but mostly commutes throughout Berkeley/Albany and Oakland.
- Ian Moore*
As a new Board member in 2011 I have seen an incredible expansion of EBBC activities, membership, enthusiasm and effectiveness. I wish to continue as a Board member in 2012 in order to continue my contributions to this organization and the East Bay. As professional transportation planner focusing on bicycling and walking I offer the organization experience and guidance on how to effectively identify, plan, design and implement the most important infrastructure, safety and education projects benefiting people who bicycle and walk in the East Bay. My family resides in North Berkeley and bicycles for daily commuting, recreation, health and togetherness. I am committed to serve the East Bay to spread awareness and enthusiasm for the convenience and community that regular bicycling has brought to my life and family.
- Jim Van Dyke*
I bring a proven ability to develop and implement strategies for improving advocacy on a local level. I also bring a unique understanding of how to work productively within the many East Bay suburban communities. while I have great appreciation for what EBBC has accomplished with the urban core, I bring the ability to help expand this to areas where everyday cycling is at an even lower proportional level.
- Jonas Jackel*
Jonas Jackel, Berkeley. Co-Founder of Huckleberry Bicycles
EBBC Board Member, 2011.
About Me: I love to ride, both as transportation and recreation. Besides commuting, I enjoy long road rides, randonneuring, and 24 hour mountain bike races. In 2007 I completed Paris-Brest-Paris. I’m married, I have a daughter and a pet cat and several bicycles. Living the dream.
My Work: I am a bicycle retailer. I just opened my own shop with some partners. This new endeavor was the next logical step for me after I managed a successful shop in Berkeley for several years. I love bikes, and I love helping people get into cycling.
Why Me?: I have contacts in the bike industry, and I have been successful in acquiring donations and grants to the EBBC from vendors. This last year I worked on putting together membership packets to be sold in local bike shops, and I served on the membership action team.
I feel fortunate to have been elected to the EBBC board of directors earlier this year. It has been extremely rewarding to play a small role in the great work the of the EBBC.
- Michael Kahn*
Retired from management positions in technology and finance. Since then I have spent much wonderful time bicycling, having the opportunity to ride in over 50 countries, as well bicycling on domestic tours and commuting. Served 5 years on the board of the EBSPCA as chairman of the Finance committee, as the endowment grew to over 10MM and we were able to implement many highly visible and successful programs serving the East Bay. An active member of both Grizzly Peak Cyclists and Marin Cyclists.
- Morgan Kanninen*
I hope to continue to be part of the East Bay Bicycle Coalition in order to help the organization better uncover and address the needs of the full spectrum of cyclists all around the East Bay.
- Nsomeka Gomes
I bring passion about urban landscaping and the notion that alternative modes of transportation are what make a city livable and vibrant. As a lesbian of color, I am drawn to the politics of inclusion, diversity, and transportation equity. I will bring this awareness to the table and align myself in a leadership role to help manifest it in the bike and pedestrian movement. I will also bring skills in working with local government. As a former legislative aide to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, I learned what it takes to move public projects forward, to collaborative with stakeholders and mobilize constituencies to ensure the adequate and timely implementation of public policy initiatives. But what I consider the most important element of what I can give is my diplomatic nature and my openness in working with teams of caring and strong-willed people who are dedicated to social justice.
- Rick Rickard*
Long time board member (since 2002?) and more recently Treasurer. Interested in continuing in that role and working with our staff to build on the momentum that’s built during 2011.
- Sandra Hamlat*
Sandra Hamlat is an environmental planner/project manager whose interests include protection of natural areas and revitalization of urban areas throughout California, especially in terms of adaptation planning for climate change and sea level rise (SLR). She is experienced in bicycle planning and transforming cities into world-class bicycle-friendly communities. Sandra is currently a board member of the East Bay Bicycle Coalition and has served on local League of Conservation Voters boards, for which she helps elect environmental candidates and fund-raise, over the past five years. She was a co-founder of CicLAvia, an open streets program in Los Angeles that has enjoyed wild success including participation of around 130,000 people for the first three events. Her educational background includes a Master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of California at Irvine and a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Economics and Policy from the University of California at Berkeley.
- Susan Nesbitt*
Susan Nesbitt is currently an independent consultant where she is combining her unique experience in technology and service for high impact, social good engagements. She is working with clients such as Water for People, All for Good, and Craig Newmark. Susan previously was deputy director at Craigslist Foundation, overseeing all program development and supported craigslist Charitable Fund and Craig Newmark’s philanthropic endeavors. Susan was an original team member at All for Good and has been deeply involved in all aspects of the organization throughout its lifecycle, including fundraising, marketing, partner outreach, and product development. She spent more than five years in product management roles at Yahoo! and spent several years in the digital music industry, most notably at Shawn Fanning’s SNOCAP and then at Songbird, the open source media player. Susan is a native of Chicago and got her BSBA at the University of Denver.
- Sylvia Paull*
I’d like to continue with fundraising efforts, such as the Bridge the Bay fundraiser that I helped to organize for the EBBC this past February at the Brower Center, as well as spread the word about our campaigns via the media.
- Tom Ayres*
I have been on the EBBC Board for about 4 years, serving as Secretary and now as Chair. I also work with AIDS Lifecycle each year, and represent EBBC on the BABC Board. As an experimental psychologist and a League-certified bicycle safety instructor, I am interested in the causes and prevention of cycling injuries. As interest in transportation alternatives grows, EBBC leads the way in making cycling convenient and fun throughout the East Bay, but we will have to work hard to stay strong and effective in this ailing economy.
Thank you to all who applied for our board this year, and to you, our membership, for coming our to our membership meeting to vote for your next board of directors.