Why are you interested in joining the Bike Coalition Board?

I enjoy the bike community and especially riding. I have a passion for serving the community and adding value to organizations I get involved with.

What unique perspectives, skills, or experiences would you bring to the board?

I have a military background in Navy recruiting, planning and executing events. I am very involved in the BMX Cycling community.

Why do you believe the Bike Coalition is well-situated to make progress for bicycling in San Diego?

Because they listen and act on recommendations from the community.

Are you committed to supporting and advancing the mission of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition?

Yes, because they value cyclist and wanting to contribute to making a safer riding environment.

What ideas do you have to improve or strengthen the Bike Coalition’s work?

Getting more riders engaged in the movement, specifically BMX community. My ideas are to create rides for Veterans Day, Armed Forces Day, etc.

Do you have professional-level skills or expertise in any field that would be useful to the Bike Coalition’s Board?

Planning and leading short and long-distance rides. I’ve also served as the President of my command’s Chief Petty Officer Association for the past 12 months, where I worked with and led a team of 64 peers. In addition, I have 10 years of experience as a Career Recruiting Manager in the U.S. Navy, developing leadership, coordination, and communication skills that I bring to every project and team I’m part of.

Do you have experience serving in a leadership role within a nonprofit or business organization?

Yes, I’m the co-founder of the annual 3-Day Suicide Awareness Bike Ride from Santa Barbara to San Diego, now in its fifth year. Through this event, I’ve helped build a supportive community around healing, hope, and mental health awareness.

I’m also the founder of ENDURO BMX Battalion Rides, where I plan and coordinate monthly endurance rides across California, ranging from 100 to 200 miles. In addition, I’ve organized multiple community events, including two Armed Forces Day rides, two Veterans Day rides, and two kids’ rides.

These experiences have strengthened my skills in leadership, logistics, event planning, and community outreach. All while deepening my commitment to promoting wellness, connection, and the joy of cycling.

Why are you interested in joining the Bike Coalition Board?

Cycling has been a major part of my life and I want to give back.

What unique perspectives, skills, or experiences would you bring to the board?

I am a current board member and treasurer. I have ridden consistently since 1978, racing, commuting, touring and recreationally. At SDSU. I founded the collegiate cycling team, organized two races and coordinated the club training rides, schedule and expenses. Following graduation, I was a technical marketing rep for SunTour bicycle parts for 4 years working national and international races, working consumer and dealer trade shows. I managed and owned Adams Avenue Bicycles for 14 years until 2000. I became a teacher at a charter school where I served on the board, as well as on the budget and personnel committees. While there, I commuted by bike several times per week. Following my retirement I have continued riding with several groups, including tours in Europe. As a SDCBC board member, I have been involved with the advocacy committee and give the monthly budget reports to the executive and general board meeting.

Why do you believe the Bike Coalition is well-situated to make progress for bicycling in San Diego?

SDCBC is in a unique position to work with individuals, interested groups, city and regional governments involved with cycling. They have the resources and experience to work within the governmental structures and provide feedback from individual cyclists and clubs. The board is represented by a diverse group of riders of all abilities, ages and experience.

Are you committed to supporting and advancing the mission of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition?

As a lifelong rider, I believe in the goals of promoting safe roads and riding for riders of all abilities and to expand cycling infrastructure throughout San Diego county.

What ideas do you have to improve or strengthen the Bike Coalition’s work?

Continue to reach out to new cyclists, promote commuting by bike as a viable, safe, ecological means of transportation. Expand contacts with bike shops to increase membership and sponsors.

Do you have professional-level skills or expertise in any field that would be useful to the Bike Coalition’s Board?

Running my own business and on the board of the charter school helped me learn to build consensus to make decisions. My business experience and current position as Treasurer of SDCBC is different than many board members.

Do you have experience serving in a leadership role within a nonprofit or business organization?

Darnall Charter School board member for 6 years, school site committee, member of Adam's Avenue Business Association. SDCBC board member.

Why are you interested in joining the Bike Coalition Board?

I am deeply passionate about bike safety and actively work in the field of transportation design focused on promoting active and sustainable modes of travel. I’ve already coordinated an educational event in partnership with the Bike Coalition and would love to work more together in the future!

What unique perspectives, skills, or experiences would you bring to the board?

I bring experience in active transportation projects, bike-friendly design, and a dedicated interest in enhancing best practices within the industry. I am a lifelong biker who is always looking to convince friends, colleagues, and clients to get on a bike.

Why do you believe the Bike Coalition is well-situated to make progress for bicycling in San Diego?

The Bike Coalition has a remarkable track record of community engagement and outreach. I am eager to contribute to and build on these efforts. I would also like to build off of your relationships with cities in San Diego and potentially partner on future pursuits.

Are you committed to supporting and advancing the mission of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition?

Absolutely. I bike or take the bus to work daily and am committed to educating others about sustainable transportation options.

What ideas do you have to improve or strengthen the Bike Coalition’s work?

I am keen to learn more about the Coalition’s ongoing initiatives before proposing new strategies, ensuring that my suggestions are well-informed and aligned with current efforts.

Do you have professional-level skills or expertise in any field that would be useful to the Bike Coalition’s Board?

As an engineer specializing in safety, active transportation, Safe Routes to School, and Vision Zero, I have knowledge and expertise to contribute. With that said, I am very interested in learning from the other SDBC members!

Do you have experience serving in a leadership role within a nonprofit or business organization?

I have served as a board member of the Raleigh Engineers Club for two years, where I coordinated professional presentations. Additionally, I founded a book club with over 500 members.

Why are you interested in joining the Bike Coalition Board?

I am interested in joining the board to blend my professional expertise with my personal passion for cycling. As a frequent cyclist in the city, I have a firsthand understanding of the challenges and benefits of riding in San Diego.

My work gives me a unique perspective on urban planning and land use policy. I believe this dual insight would be a valuable asset in helping the Coalition's advocacy become even more strategic and effective, ensuring safe cycling is integrated into the very fabric of our communities.

What unique perspectives, skills, or experiences would you bring to the board?

I would bring a unique and critical perspective on the intersection of urban development, housing policy, and transportation to the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition board. As a real estate housing developer, I have firsthand experience navigating the city’s complex land use policies, community plan updates, and entitlement processes. My work requires a deep understanding of the policies that directly impact cycling efforts, such as the implementation and creation of walkable, bike-friendly communities.

I am uniquely positioned to advocate for the Coalition's goals from within the development sector. I can provide the board with an insider's view on how to effectively engage with developers, city planners, and decision-makers to ensure that new projects actively support and integrate a vision for a more bikeable San Diego. My professional network and understanding of the city's political and regulatory landscape would be valuable in pushing for policies that promote safer and more accessible cycling infrastructure.

Why do you believe the Bike Coalition is well-situated to make progress for bicycling in San Diego?

I believe the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition is uniquely well-situated to make progress because it has a powerful and credible voice at the decision-making table. By actively engaging with city planners, elected officials, and regional infrastructure planning authorities, the Coalition ensures that bike infrastructure is not an afterthought but is instead integrated into new communities from the very beginning.

The Coalition's strength also comes from its dedication to building a strong cycling community from the ground up. I particularly admire the philosophy that biking should be safe and approachable for everyone, from children to senior citizens, not just the most daring or experienced riders. Through the Bike Coalition's educational programs and community events, they are actively empowering people of all ages and abilities to ride safely and confidently, which creates a broad and powerful foundation of public support. This grassroots work gives their high-level advocacy a far greater impact.

Are you committed to supporting and advancing the mission of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition?

Yes, I am deeply committed to supporting and advancing the mission of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition. This mission resonates with me on both a personal and professional level.

On a personal level, I am a dedicated cyclist. I have been fortunate for the past few years to be able to commute to work via an ~almost~ connected network of bike lanes. But I also bike for recreation, which in some ways is harder for me because going longer distances means leaving the confines of the relatively safe Meade/30th Street Bikeways and braving network gaps. Through these experiences, I have a firsthand understanding of the challenges and rewards of biking in San Diego. I personally want to bike more and drive less. But the experience needs to be safer and with less friction to do that. This passion for making my own cycling experience better is a powerful motivator for me.

This personal perspective directly informs my professional work as a real estate housing developer. I believe that building a great community is not just about well-designed buildings; it's about creating a place where people can thrive. I know that integrating safe and accessible transportation, especially for cyclists, is a key driver of livability, sustainability, and economic vitality. The Coalition's mission to make biking safe and accessible for everyone—from children to seniors—is essential to creating the kind of vibrant, connected, and people-first communities I strive to build. Supporting this mission is a true blend of personal passion and professional commitment to creating a better San Diego.

What ideas do you have to improve or strengthen the Bike Coalition’s work?

The ideas I have would fall under the themes of 1. Missing links and highly frustrating cycling experiences, 2. ideas to reduce friction for the cyclist (a green wave coming up 5th?) 3. educational ideas (culturally we do not know how to ride in the "cold". Or maybe that was just me) 4. data analysis is something that fascinates me from both a narrative and advocacy perspective. If the Bike Coalition was to become a repository of open cycling data for the region I would be interested in working on that initiative.

Do you have professional-level skills or expertise in any field that would be useful to the Bike Coalition’s Board?

Yes, I have professional-level skills that would be useful to the board, particularly in urban planning, real estate development, and housing policy. As a housing developer, I have extensive experience navigating the city's land use policies and entitlement processes. This gives me a valuable insider's perspective on how to effectively advocate for the inclusion of bike-friendly infrastructure in new developments.

Do you have experience serving in a leadership role within a nonprofit or business organization?

I am currently a Director of Development at the Michaels Org.

Why are you interested in joining the Bike Coalition Board?

I am interested in joining the Bike Coalition Board because I believe our communities in San Diego County can be vibrant, safe, and people-first. Everyone should feel secure traveling on our streets, whether by bike or public transit, and I want to contribute my perspective as a lifelong transit rider and community advocate to help make this vision a reality.

What unique perspectives, skills, or experiences would you bring to the board?

I bring a perspective rooted in lived experience: as someone who has relied on public transit my whole life, I understand the challenges and opportunities of mobility in our communities. I am also a researcher, instructor, public health advocate, and certified Promotora (Community Health Worker), and these roles have strengthened my ability to identify gaps, uplift underrepresented voices, and collaborate with diverse stakeholders. My experience in civic and community engagement allows me to contribute insights that support equity, safe mobility, and stronger community connections.

Why do you believe the Bike Coalition is well-situated to make progress for bicycling in San Diego?

The Bike Coalition is well-situated to advance bicycling in San Diego because it bridges community engagement, advocacy, and education at a time when interest in green, active transportation is growing. Youth and other community members are eager for safe, equitable mobility options that connect people, strengthen communities, and encourage outdoor, shared experiences. The Bike Coalition’s focus on these priorities positions it to make meaningful progress in expanding cycling access and safety.

Are you committed to supporting and advancing the mission of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition?

Yes, I am committed to supporting the mission of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition. Promoting safe, equitable, and enjoyable cycling aligns with my broader commitment to public health, green equity, and community well-being. This mission resonates with me because it goes beyond protecting cyclists: it fosters a culture of active, communal, and sustainable transportation that benefits physical, mental, and social health.

What ideas do you have to improve or strengthen the Bike Coalition’s work?

It was actually challenging to identify areas for improvement because it is clear that the Bike Coalition is intentional about its work and understands its capacities. That said, one idea I see is strengthening community engagement by collaborating with other organizations for events or milestone celebrations, which could amplify outreach and participation. I also have additional ideas for advancing the Bike Coalition’s mission that I would be excited to share as a board member, once I understand ongoing priorities and needs. I am glad that this organization has the humility to seek honest feedback about how it can grow, this shows me that the Bike Coalition is willing to look internally and embrace opportunities for transformation.

Do you have professional-level skills or expertise in any field that would be useful to the Bike Coalition’s Board?

Yes, in my roles as a researcher, instructor, community leader, public health advocate, and Promotora, I have collaborated with nonprofits and community groups, navigated resource constraints, and built consensus among diverse stakeholders. I also see board service as an opportunity to strengthen inclusive leadership practices, ensuring that all voices are heard while advancing shared goals for safer, more connected communities.

Do you have experience serving in a leadership role within a nonprofit or business organization?

Yes, I am currently a member of the Transformative Climate Communities (TCC) Urban Collaborative Project (UCP) Community Advisory Board (CAB). This advisory board guides community-led planning, development, and implementation projects that advance environmental, health, and economic outcomes in San Diego’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods. One of the six pillars of our work focuses on clean mobility and active transportation, where the board as a whole contributes insights that lead to actionable outcomes, such as recommendations, programs, or initiatives. Observing and participating in this process has given me a strong understanding of how to turn ideas into tangible results, experience I can bring to help the Bike Coalition Board advance its mission. This experience equips me to bring perspective and collaborative leadership to the Bike Coalition Board.

Why are you interested in joining the Bike Coalition Board?

I am a current Board Member and have cultivated strong relationships with municipal partners through my service as Advocacy Committee Chair and as the Coalition’s Representative to the County Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC). I look forward to continued, close collaboration with the Board and staff to prioritize a robust, county-wide cycling network, ensuring accessible and equitable infrastructure that encourages everyone to choose the bicycle as a safe, viable, and essential mode of transportation.

What unique perspectives, skills, or experiences would you bring to the board?

While my direct experience in cycling advocacy is relatively limited, my background as an education advocate provides expertise in developing impactful community programs and securing broad buy-in—skills critical for the success of infrastructure and safety campaigns. Furthermore, my former career as a professional cyclist gives me a deep, technical understanding of cycling performance and infrastructure quality, ensuring our advocacy demands are grounded in real-world feasibility. Most importantly, I feel, transitioning to an e-bike commuter for short-distance utilitarian trips has fundamentally shifted and expanded my perspective from purely recreational cycling to one focused on practical, accessible, and inclusive transportation.

Why do you believe the Bike Coalition is well-situated to make progress for bicycling in San Diego?

The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition is absolutely ready to make a huge impact on regional policy and infrastructure. This is thanks to the way we've grown: more office staff gives us the muscle for bigger projects, and our growing social media presence means we're reaching more San Diegans. We've broadened our work by building great partnerships with groups across the community. Crucially, the new Ambassador Program is taking our focus county-wide—not just the city—supported by clear policy documents that keep our advocacy sharp and on track. We're stronger and better connected than ever, which means we're perfectly set up to deliver real change.

Are you committed to supporting and advancing the mission of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition?

Of course I support the mission of the bike coalition! In fact the mission resonates more with me now than when I originally joined the board a year and a half ago. Though I did not realize it when I started with the board, my perspective was limited to that of a middle aged male recreational cyclist. The subsequent work has broadened that perspective for the better. If we advocate for and protect the rights for everyone who wants to ride their bike for fun or transportation and be able to navigate our county safely we must look at things from multiple perspectives.

What ideas do you have to improve or strengthen the Bike Coalition’s work?

Looking ahead, I feel like the coalition should focus on two core areas: expanding our community footprint and refining our public narrative. First, we must sustain our current momentum by continuing to build and expand the Ambassador Program and strengthening our coalitions and partnerships with allied organizations. This expanded network will support the development of neighborhood-based campaigns aimed at normalizing and promoting cycling as safe and mainstream transportation. Second, we must actively shape the public conversation by prioritizing positive messaging to foster constructive relations between all road users—cyclists and motorists alike. Simultaneously, this requires a significant effort to expand and modernize our educational programs, including rethinking our most basic classes and outreach to meet the needs of a diverse, growing cycling community.

Do you have professional-level skills or expertise in any field that would be useful to the Bike Coalition’s Board?

My history of leading and managing 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations ensures I bring proven expertise in governance and operational management. I am confident facilitating effective decision-making through my direct experience running board and committee meetings and my familiarity with Robert's Rules of Order as a former parliamentarian. Furthermore, I have worked professionally to develop governing materials, having successfully authored position papers, policy statements, and toolkits for various organizations. Most recently, my work as a substitute teacher has gained me valuable experience in managing large groups of passionate people.

Do you have experience serving in a leadership role within a nonprofit or business organization?

For 17 years, I volunteered with the Parent Teacher Association. In that time I held a number of leadership roles including President of the 9th district PTA which supported over 350 School units with 70,000 members. Additional roles included serving as the federal advocate and vice president of health and community concerns for the California State PTA.

Why are you interested in joining the Bike Coalition Board?

I am currently an active member of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition (SDCBC) Board of Directors and I have been a member of the SDCBC Council of Clubs Committee for five years. For the last year I have been Chairperson of the SDCBC Education Committee. I would like to continue my involvement in the Coalition’s work to make San Diego a safer place for more people to enjoy bicycling in.

What unique perspectives, skills, or experiences would you bring to the board?

My past two years on the SDCBC Board of Directors has given me an understanding of how the Board operates. I have successfully completed the Smart Cycling Course and the Cycling Savvy Course. I was a member of the five person coordinating team that presented the Trek Century Training Program as well as being a Ride Guide for the program. This program had 75 - 125 cyclists participating every week during both of its yearly 14 - 15 week century training programs. For more than 30 years I have spent at least a month every year bicycling in North America, Europe, Asia and Africa. I have seen the best and worst of bicycling infrastructure. After riding hundreds of thousands of miles I have gained the knowledge and skills that are important to improve bicycling in San Diego. During the last two years as a member of the SDCBC Board of Directors I have relied on my knowledge and skills to improve the SDCBC and bicycling infrastructure in San Diego. It has been proven all over the world that safe interconnected cycling options increases the number of people who chose to bicycle. Having been a bicycle commuter, it is obvious to me that one of the largest weaknesses in San Diego’s bicycling infrastructure is its lack of continuity. You don’t build a bridge and not have both sides connected than why would you build bicycle routes that are not connected.

Why do you believe the Bike Coalition is well-situated to make progress for bicycling in San Diego?

The San Diego Bicycle Coalition is the premier organization for improving bicycling safety in San Diego. This organization has the history, the education and the knowledge that is necessary to improve bicycling in San Diego. The association the Coalition has with regional, state and national organizations and municipalities allow it to be in the forefront of increasing and improving bicycling infrastructure. Having members of the organization invited to and attending planning meetings held by multiple municipalities and organizations allow the SDCBC to have early input into the design of roads and bicycling infrastructure.

Are you committed to supporting and advancing the mission of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition?

Yes, I am committed to supporting and advancing the mission of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition. I have exhibited this commitment by my present participation on the SDCBC Board of Directors. I have donated hundreds of dollars and dozens of volunteer hours to promote the SDCBC mission. I have been a cyclist in San Diego for forty years. During this time I have witnessed the changes in bicycling infrastructure in San Diego. I have watched the improvements that are a result of SDCBC’s input. The SDCBC has worked endlessly to improve the safety and popularity of bicycling in San Diego. Cyclists all over San Diego County have the SDCBC to thank for making their bicycling safer and more enjoyable. There needs to be an organization like the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition to help municipal planners design safe bicycling infrastructure. Yes, cost is an issue, however, so is quality of life. More people using bicycles to meet their everyday needs means less air pollution and fewer green house gas emissions. Cycling in Europe, North America, Africa, Australia and Asia for the past 30 years has given me an insight into what safe cycling infrastructure should look like. These past 30 years have taught me that cycling increases when there is safe cycling infrastructure. I support safe cycling infrastructure for experienced as well as novice riders. When cyclists feel safe they cycle more.

What ideas do you have to improve or strengthen the Bike Coalition’s work?

The two areas that would strengthen the Bike Coalition’s work are funding and membership. An increase in both of these would greatly enhance the work of the SDCBC. Some suggestions I have for increasing membership are setting up information tables at Farmers Markets, colleges and universities and using social media more effectively. A tie-in that would increase membership and fund raising is that SDCBC solicit discounts to SDCBC members from local bike shops. In return SDCBC could feature a link to the bike shop on its website. This would act as an incentive for people to join the SDCBC and an increase in membership would mean an increase in donations. Another idea is to offer a free Smart Cycling class to ride leaders from local bike clubs. When this individual returns to the club and explains all of the things he/she learned it would interest other club members to take the class. This could be extended to include businesses, by offering group discounts for their employees to Smart Cycling classes. Safe cycling techniques are more important now than previously due to the increase in the number of electric bike riders. I would recommend that SDCBC make a major effort to increase the number of classes to focus on both adult and teen age electric bike riders. I would be happy to be part of this effort.

Do you have professional-level skills or expertise in any field that would be useful to the Bike Coalition’s Board?

I having training and experience in facilitation skills for groups. I have education and experience in reading and understanding financial statements. I served on the Ocean Beach People’s Food Cooperative Board of Directors for more than 30 years. During that time I have received dozens of hours of training in reading and understanding financial statements and Board Governance.

Do you have experience serving in a leadership role within a nonprofit or business organization?

I have served on the SDCBC Board of Directors for the past two years and I have been Chairperson of the SDCBC Education Committee for the past year. I am presently and have been a member of the Ocean Beach People’s Organic Food Co-op Board of Directors for more than 30 years. During this time I have occupied several executive positions including, President for ten years, Treasurer for 5 years and Vice President for the past 3 years. As treasurer I was responsible for reading and explaining annual reviews and audits, balance sheets, cash flow statements, quarter vs prior year statements, quarter vs budget statements and etc. I also served on that BOD’s Outreach and Education Committee, Executive Comm., Finance Comm., Nominating Comm., General Manager Search Comm. and Bylaws Comm. Attendance at several cooperative retreats, Consumer Cooperative Management Association annual conferences and National Cooperative Grocers’ seminars and workshops has honed my skills and knowledge in the areas of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Board participation, Human Resources, marketing, community outreach and executive recruitment. In addition to the many professional skills I have acquired being on the People’s BOD I have received Diversity, Equity and Inclusion training in my capacity as a volunteer usher (for 20 years) at the Old Globe and La Jolla Playhouse theaters. I was employed by San Diego Unified School District for more than 30 years as an educator. During this employment besides the academic classes I taught, I participated in parent education workshops, text book adoption committees, staff interview/hiring committees and I taught a bicycle repair and maintenance advisory class which included a section on safe cycling.

Why are you interested in joining the Bike Coalition Board?

I enjoy riding my bike! It's mainly for commuting about seven miles to work, and in general I’m a big cheerleader for alternative forms of transportation. I’d love to take my personal enthusiasm into a more formal role and be part of a local system that advocates for bike-safe streets and connected communities throughout San Diego.

Additionally, I’ve been wanting to contribute my time and energy as a board member for a local nonprofit that reflects my values — especially environmentalism, sustainability, and creating safe, healthy communities. I've been waiting for the right opportunity for awhile. The San Diego County Bicycle Coalition aligns extremely well with these passions.

Although I’m new to learning about the Coalition’s work, I’m deeply impressed by its advocacy, education, and impact across the region. I would be honored to volunteer my time as a board member, to learn from others, and to help advance its mission in any way I can.

What unique perspectives, skills, or experiences would you bring to the board?

In full transparency, I would be a first-time board member — but joining a board has been both a personal and professional goal of mine for several years. I’ve simply been waiting for the right opportunity and the right cause, and this one truly aligns with my values.

I consider myself a 'regular' bike person. I don’t have clip-in shoes or a carbon-fiber bike, and my pedal-assist e-bike is my main commuter ride. I know many people in San Diego who see biking as something for “serious cyclists” in full spandex doing century rides on weekends. I like to think I represent a different kind of rider — the practical commuter who chooses biking because it’s convenient, healthy, and fun.

Professionally, I’ve worked at UC San Diego for nearly 13 years, hold an MBA from the UCSD Rady School of Management, and am a graduate of the San Diego Chamber of Commerce’s LEAD Advance program (https://sdchamber.org/lead/advance-2/). I like to think that my background could offer an unexpected business approach to biking!

For example:

- Marketing & Growth: Getting more people to ride is similar to growing market share: Just like increasing customer acquisition or subscriptions, can we apply marketing funnel logic — awareness, consideration, conversion — to get more people on bikes?

- Customer Insights → Rider Insights: Market segmentation and user personas can help understand different types of potential riders — commuters, parents, recreational cyclists, etc.

- Behavioral Change & Product Adoption: Encouraging bike use is a form of behavioral change marketing.

- Data-Driven Decision Making: Using analytics to measure ROI and optimize strategies.

In short, I bring a blend of practical rider perspective and professional business experience.

I’d be excited to help the organization expand its reach and make everyday biking a realistic, joyful choice for more people in our community.

Why do you believe the Bike Coalition is well-situated to make progress for bicycling in San Diego?

San Diego has all the right conditions for progress in bicycling — beautiful weather that allows year-round riding, worsening traffic that encourages people to look for alternatives, and a city government increasingly investing in road improvements and bike infrastructure (like the new bike lane on Clairemont Drive).

The Bike Coalition is well-situated to turn these opportunities into real, lasting change. It already has strong community credibility, a clear advocacy voice, and established relationships. By combining education, outreach, and policy engagement, the Coalition can continue to help ensure that new infrastructure is used, maintained, and equitably distributed — making biking safer, more visible, and more integrated into everyday life across San Diego County.

Are you committed to supporting and advancing the mission of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition?

Yes! I grew up in a small Midwestern town where biking and walking were easy and natural parts of everyday life. Moving to San Diego 14 years ago was a big adjustment — alternative transportation here can be much more challenging than the ease of choosing single-occupant driving. For the first three to four years I lived in San Diego, I didn’t own a car. I got around by walking, biking, using car-sharing programs like Car2Go, and taking public transit — in the days before Uber and Lyft!

I love riding my bike, which I do primarily to commute to work. I want to be able to ride safely — both as a cyclist sharing the road with cars and as a woman biking alone in the early mornings and afternoons. I also recognize that I’m a privileged rider: I live near a designated bike path, within a reasonable distance from my workplace, and I can afford a safe, reliable bike. I'm committed to bringing the freedom of biking to underserved communities.

My personal motto has always been “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” I would love to see more cyclists on our roads and trails — and less traffic overall. My colleagues often say it’s amazing that I bike to work, but honestly, I wish it weren’t seen as amazing at all but just regular. I’d love to help make everyday cycling normal, safe, and accessible for everyone in San Diego.

What ideas do you have to improve or strengthen the Bike Coalition’s work?

As someone new to the Bike Coalition, these are ideas I bring from what I’ve observed and learned — and I’d be eager to co-develop them with the staff, board, and community.

A few things come to mind about perceptions I've personally heard of cycling in San Diego:

• That it’s only for people on fancy bikes in spandex.

• That it’s not safe — due to traffic, potholes, or interactions along routes used by unhoused neighbors.

I’d love to help show that biking is for everyone — regular people wearing regular clothes, riding to work or school.

Below are a few ideas I’d love to help lead or explore further as a board member.

- Connecting community service: I volunteer with I Love a Clean San Diego and would love to extend that enthusiasm and partnership to coordinated litter-pick events on bike paths (like Rose Creek trail, where I ride weekly). Cleaner, well-maintained routes enhance safety and dignity for cyclists and improve perceptions of biking — especially on routes shared with members of our unhoused community.

- Visibility and awareness: Despite living in San Diego for 14 years, I only recently discovered the Bike Coalition. Could SDBC add signage or QR-coded markers along trails and bike lanes to help more riders learn about its work and get involved? For example, SportRX has a sign facing riders on the Rose Creek bikeway that raises awareness.

- Data and impact: I’m curious about how SDBC measures which programs and initiatives “move the needle.” I’d be excited to explore opportunities in this area.

- Storytelling and leadership engagement: I LOVE the Blog on the SDBC website, but I don’t see any personal stories of riders – can SDBC create some ‘San Diego Rider Profiles’ - short written or video stories that showcase who’s biking around San Diego and why? Short video stories (mini “rider profiles” or “before/after” infrastructure stories) that humanize the impact of bike lanes and safety measures. These personal stories could complement advocacy and fundraising efforts and help frame biking as accessible, inclusive, and fun.

Finally, I’d love to see decision-makers — city planners, councilmembers, and even Mayor Todd Gloria — join guided rides to experience bike routes firsthand. It could be a powerful way to build empathy, relationships, and support for cycling infrastructure.

I recognize that some of these ideas may build on work already underway, and as a new member, I’m eager to learn from those efforts while contributing fresh energy and perspective. I’d be grateful for the opportunity to support and strengthen the Coalition's work.

Do you have professional-level skills or expertise in any field that would be useful to the Bike Coalition’s Board?

I’m not a “knowledgeable” biker — I don’t know how to change a tire or fix a broken chain (embarrassing, but true!). I think that actually reflects my perspective as a regular cyclist — someone who rides for commuting and enjoyment.

Professionally, I work in higher education, not as an educator but in recruitment, admissions, and business development roles. I like to think my business background and connections to UC San Diego could offer a fresh perspective and new relationships for the Coalition.

For example, LinkedIn is a strategic tool I use daily in my work, and I noticed that SDCBC’s presence there could be much stronger. This seems like a great opportunity to promote the organization, its impact by highlighting rider profiles of working professionals (high profile and regular folks), advocacy work, and philanthropic opportunities, while expanding visibility within the business and university communities. I’d be happy to help lead or support that effort.

I’m also comfortable with public speaking and hosting webinars. While I’m not a biking expert, I’d be glad to facilitate or support Coalition webinars and events to help make cycling education and advocacy more accessible to a broad audience.

Do you have experience serving in a leadership role within a nonprofit or business organization?

Yes! While I haven’t yet served on a nonprofit board, I’m eager to begin building that experience. In my professional role at UC San Diego, I serve as a Senior Director, managing a team of six full-time career staff (five Associate Directors and one Administrative Coordinator). I’m part of the business school’s Senior Leadership Team and report directly to an Assistant Dean.

I oversee strategy, recruitment, and admissions for three self-supporting graduate business programs that together contribute roughly $29 million in annual net revenue to our department. My work requires balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders — including faculty, university leadership, industry partners, students, and admissions staff — while aligning decisions with long-term strategic goals.

I also hold an MBA from UC San Diego, which has a curricular emphasis on data-driven, innovative, and iterative decision-making. I believe these skills — strategic planning, leadership, and fiscal stewardship — would translate well to a board environment

Why are you interested in joining the Bike Coalition Board?

I am an advocate for sustainable development, equitable housing, and reducing green house gas emissions. I am an enjoyer of bicycle culture and infrastructure.

What unique perspectives, skills, or experiences would you bring to the board?

I am a co-author of the SDSU/City of San Diego 30th Street Cycle Track analysis. I have a planning background. I worked for SANDAG under the sustainable communities team. I know how to review building plans and improvement plans. I have presented items to elected officials, in a City Council setting, and to the Board of Director. I have written speeches for elected officials and written resolutions. I know how to research and navigate and interpret state legislations. I know how to research project under CEQAnet and I understand the structures of power and interplay between the different government bodies and decision makers in our County.

Why do you believe the Bike Coalition is well-situated to make progress for bicycling in San Diego?

I believe that there are avenues that we as the Coalition may leverage to have a presence in our local government body's. I believe we may target specific plans, city hall meetings, Conditional Use Permit meetings, and writing letters to elected officials and to City Managers try and advocate for our causes.

Are you committed to supporting and advancing the mission of the San Diego County Bicycle Coalition?

I believe that the advancement of bicycle use and bicycle infrastructure will have multifaceted improvements for our society. I believe that bicycling is a much more equitable for of transportation for low income families and communities of concern. Bicycling is beneficial to our physical and mental health, and the health of our environment. Good bicycle infrastructure also means saving lives. Also biking is fun and should be available to everyone.

What ideas do you have to improve or strengthen the Bike Coalition’s work?

I believe that we could make alliance with local CBOs and local council members who want to advocate for bike infrastructure. I believe we can organize a grassroots movement to advocate for better infrastructure and get people on bike. We also need to fight back against misinformation about biking and transportation.

Do you have professional-level skills or expertise in any field that would be useful to the Bike Coalition’s Board?

I have background in city planning. I have worked at SANDAG as a regional planner, I worked for the Mayoral Office of Sotelo-Solis in National City.

Do you have experience serving in a leadership role within a nonprofit or business organization?

I have worked in leadership positions through working for the City of San Diego.