Board Ballots Due January 31

If you’re a member of the Bicycle Alliance of Washington, be on the lookout for an email or postcard inviting you to vote for board members.

The Bicycle Alliance is served by a board of up to 24 volunteer directors who bring a variety of skills and perspectives from all corners of the state.  Board members serve 3-year terms which are staggered to maintain continuity.  Approximately one-third of the board positions are up for election each year.

Three new individuals are running for the board this year:

·         John Pope of Anacortes has served on our Legislative Committee for several years.  Manager of Engineering Specifications and Standards for Tesoro Refining and Marketing, John is interested in expanding his role with the Bicycle Alliance.  His community involvement is extensive and includes serving on the boards of Skagit Regional Transportation Planning Organization and the Anacortes Chamber of Commerce.

·         Seattle resident John Vona is an avid bicyclist and daily bike commuter.  John holds an MBA in Finance from the University of Georgia and is the Manager of Business & Analysis for Green Diamond Resource Company.  He is interested in serving on the Bicycle Alliance board because he wants to contribute to an effort that promotes safe, alternative transportation in Washington.  John has volunteered for the Phinney Ridge Community Center and with various homeless shelters and missions.

·         Marc Mims of Veradale dove head first into bicycle advocacy a couple of years ago when he successfully championed a grassroots effort to save a bike lane project in Spokane Valley.  This experience inspired Marc to join the Bicycle Alliance board so he can further advocate, defend and support bicycling as a transportation choice.  Marc managed a small software company for 15 years and now works freelance as a software developer.

In addition to the three new candidates, seven current board members are seeking re-election to their positions:

·         Mary Anderson, Bellingham

·         Brian Foley, Black Diamond

·         Julie Gregg, Seattle

·         Kirste Johnson, Seattle

·         Rod McDonald, Arlington

·         David McLean, Seattle

·         Ralph Wessels, Gig Harbor

Bios on current board members can be found here.  Voting closes on January 31.