Seemingly every week we receive a call or email from mountain bike organizations around the country asking for our advice or assistance. From these conversations it's clear that Evergreen is now the role model in the US for how to effectively organize and represent mountain bikers across a large state

 

And things just keep getting better.  Last month marked a breakout event for mountain bikers with the most supportive state budget ever and more than 60 miles of new trails funded for construction in the next 2 years.  

 

The future for mountain biking in Washington is fantastic and Evergreen is well positioned to deliver on its promise to Make Washington the Best Place to Ride.  

 

All of this made my decision more difficult, but I have chosen to step down as Executive Director of Evergreen effective September 1.  In making a decision like this, timing is everything.  I've worked passionately for Evergreen's mission and staff and I wouldn’t leave unless I was confident the organization was strong and ready to move on without me.  Now it is, and a new leader with new skills and a fresh perspective will help take the movement that is Evergreen to the next level.

 

I want to thank all of the great people who I have worked with and met during these last 5 years.  From dedicated land managers who took me under their wings and helped a newbie understand complex issues, to random riders who stopped for a moment on a trail to say thanks while enjoying the fruits of our labor.  

 

My greatest thanks are to the dedicated and skilled staff of Evergreen - past and present.  All of them are professionals who could make more money and work fewer hours elsewhere, but they’ve chosen Evergreen because they believe in our cause and know they'll have a real impact.  You've all helped me grow in this role and made it the best job I have ever had - and that's saying a lot.  

 

My last day will be August 31st, after which I'll begin the next challenge: taking a position with Washington's DNR to help the agency enhance statewide recreation for a broad range of users.    Between now and then I'm still working on Evergreen issues and you'll see me on the trails for years to come, so I hope you'll say hello.

 

                                                                                                                                       Sincerely,