Board of Directors
Think you might be interested in serving on the Bike Walk CT Board of Directors? We're always on the lookout for strong board candidates who want to help take our professional advocacy organization to the next level. Please read about board expectations for membership, governance and fundraising, and submit your online application for consideration. Thank you!
Co-Chair: Alan Puzarne
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Co-Chair: Ric Barry
Ric Barry works for the Department of Revenue Services,State of Connecticut in the Business Office. He has been a long time year round bike commuter and rides recreationally though New England. As a cyclist and walker he wants safer trails with greater accessibility for all. Treasurer: Mary Cockram
Mary Cockram has lived in Hartford for 25 years. She enjoys biking to work and for errands and serves on the Hartford Advisory Commission on Food Policy and other boards. She has her own consulting company where she writes grants and conducts program evaluations and assessments; clients include historic house museums, craft sector agencies, and community development organizations, among others. For 14 years, she was Program Director at Aid to Artisans, where she focused on program evaluation and wrote or co-wrote seven case studies evaluating the long-term impact of Aid to Artisans’ work to improve the lives and livelihoods of crafters. She has lived and worked in Bolivia, Brazil, Haiti, and Russia. Cockram has a Masters degree in international agriculture and rural development and a BS in communication, both from Cornell University. |
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Secretary: Joseph Collazo
Joseph grew up in Glastonbury, CT where he developed a love for riding at a young age. As a kid, biking was his means of transportation to countless adventures outdoors. It was a connection to friends and community where he learned every part of the neighborhood through biking. A car accident in 2018 sparked his love for biking once again. After being hospitalized he was in a weakened state and cycling brought him back to feeling physically and mentally healthy again. He currently lives in the West End of Hartford and loves the neighborhood because of its walkability and proximity to local restaurants and downtown. He is currently completing a Business Administration degree from Central Connecticut State University and has worked in the aerospace engineering field for most of his professional career. He has recently moved into a position as a technical recruiter for a business he his helping grow, and currently starting a business with father. Joseph is excited for the chance to share his love for cycling and to be able to advocate for cycling and pedestrian safety. In his free time you can find him riding the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail, riding around town, or swinging in a hammock and reading at Elizabeth Park. |
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Director: Elizabeth French
Elizabeth works as a data engineer at Travelers, where she either takes the bus or bikes to work. She enjoys being active by biking recreationally, hiking, running, and walking with her dogs. She earned both her bachelors degree and her MBA from Central CT State University. Elizabeth was born in northwestern CT and has lived in Hartford for many years. |
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Director: Steve Mitchell
Steven is truly “Multimodal” He is the V.P. Of Mitchell Auto Group. Even though he was born into an automotive family business, bicycling & running has been part of his lifestyle his entire life. In 1969 his parents surprised him with the coolest bicycle ever made, the Raleigh Chopper! A couple years latter he purchased a 10 speed Panasonic touring bike that he rode from Simsbury to Fairfield, and then to Cape Cod (at 14 years old). He has riding a bicycle across the United States (1977), and recently he was part of the East Coast Greenway WAY tour from the Canadian border (Calais, ME) to Key West Florida. Mitchell was Captain of the Northeastern University Ski Team, where he graduated with a Marketing Degree (1981). He is a instrument rated pilot, a League Cycling Instructor, and a PSIA ski instructor. Steven currently Resides in Avon, with his wife, Susan Mitchell. They have 5 children, and 4 grandsons. |
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Director: Ernie Adamo
Ernie lives in the New Haven area and has been an avid cyclist for over 20 years and enjoys riding with friends and also as part of his cycling team, New England Brewing Team Craft Beer. Ernie has worked in tax policy on the state level for over 30 years and is active in state and local politics. Ernie has a BA in Economics from the University of Connecticut and a Masters in Public Policy from Trinity College. |
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Director: R. Bruce Donald
Bruce leads greenway advocacy efforts in Connecticut, Rhode Island and Central Massachusetts since 2016. Previously he served as president of the nonprofit Farmington Valley Trails Council for 14 years. In 2014, Bruce was appointed Chairman of the Governor’s Connecticut Greenways Council, which coordinates all state stakeholders in planning, implementing, and funding the greenway system. He serves on a number of other boards and was recognized by the Connecticut General Assembly in a 2016 Official Citation as a regional force in bicycle and pedestrian advocacy. In 2018, he received the Peoples’ Choice Award from Bike/Walk Connecticut and the Golden Spike Award from the Mass Central Rail Trail Coalition. Bruce graduated from Middlebury College with a BA in political science and from Trinity College with an MA in history. He is the author of many financial, investment, and historical articles and a book, Manhood and Patriotic Awakening in the American Civil War. Before turning to greenways advocacy, he worked for 17 years in investment brokerage, management, and banking with international companies in Boston, Hartford, New York, and Beijing. He is a lifelong bicyclist and alpine skier. |
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Director: Yalanda Squirewell
Yalanda was raised in Bloomfield and has just about lived there all of her life, now residing in Windsor for almost 10 years. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Yalanda is part of the Octagon Cycling Club in Bloomfield. She loves riding and encouraging others to get more involved in cycling if they also enjoy riding. She is also involved in charitable functions. |
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Board Alumni
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Kerri Provost
Kerri Ana Provost is a tireless advocate. No, really. She doesn't own a car. But she strongly believes that safe, effective, and affordable personal and public transportation is a human right, and one of the truest definitions of freedom. |
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Jim Jinks
Jim is the founder and executive director of Bike Cheshire, a non-profit aiming to make Cheshire bike-friendly. Jim also has nearly twenty years of experience in management at several Connecticut-based advertising services companies. He's currently a Vice President at Mediabids, a leading firm in direct response, national advertising. He is also active in politics, having served on the Cheshire Planning & Zoning Commission and previously served as the Vice Chair of the Cheshire Democratic Town Committee. Jim has a bachelor's degree from UCONN and a Master's in Public Policy from Trinity College, where he concentrated on urban planning and economic development. Jim is from Plainfield, CT but has lived in Baltimore, MD, Richmond, VA and Washington D.C. before settling back in Connecticut in 2002. He lives with his wife, Marie and four kids in Cheshire, CT.
Jim is the founder and executive director of Bike Cheshire, a non-profit aiming to make Cheshire bike-friendly. Jim also has nearly twenty years of experience in management at several Connecticut-based advertising services companies. He's currently a Vice President at Mediabids, a leading firm in direct response, national advertising. He is also active in politics, having served on the Cheshire Planning & Zoning Commission and previously served as the Vice Chair of the Cheshire Democratic Town Committee. Jim has a bachelor's degree from UCONN and a Master's in Public Policy from Trinity College, where he concentrated on urban planning and economic development. Jim is from Plainfield, CT but has lived in Baltimore, MD, Richmond, VA and Washington D.C. before settling back in Connecticut in 2002. He lives with his wife, Marie and four kids in Cheshire, CT.
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Matt Tyksinski
Matt has bike commuted his way across the country, stopping in Seattle, Austin and Chicago along the way. He works as a Town Planner in East Windsor. He received an undergraduate degree from Holy Cross and a graduate degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago in urban planning and policy. Matt is interested in how municipalities can make alternative forms of transportation like biking more attractive, prevalent and accessible for all people. Matt currently resides in Hartford with his wife Emily. |
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Sean Malone Alexander, past Secretary
Sean Malone Alexander resides in Clinton and grew up on the shoreline of Daytona Beach, Florida. He initially developed his love of cycling when he was a preteen, as he would ride his bicycle from the mainland to the beach carrying a surfboard everyday in order to ride the waves. He is a graduate of Stetson University where he studied Marketing. Sean is currently an avid triathlete and father of two furry labs and a tuxedo cat. Sean's wife endured a traumatic cycling trauma forcing him to make critical decisions about her life while she was in a coma, and then while enduring years of surgeries. He has seen first hand what happens when drivers are careless on the roadways, and has made it his passion to educate cyclists and motorists alike about mutual respect and safety. Sean has become a speaker, personal trainer, and writer about nutrition, health, and exercise and the importance of taking care of oneself in order to care for others. In addition to triathlons, Sean enjoys hiking, making people laugh, and working to make a positive impact in this world.
Sean Malone Alexander resides in Clinton and grew up on the shoreline of Daytona Beach, Florida. He initially developed his love of cycling when he was a preteen, as he would ride his bicycle from the mainland to the beach carrying a surfboard everyday in order to ride the waves. He is a graduate of Stetson University where he studied Marketing. Sean is currently an avid triathlete and father of two furry labs and a tuxedo cat. Sean's wife endured a traumatic cycling trauma forcing him to make critical decisions about her life while she was in a coma, and then while enduring years of surgeries. He has seen first hand what happens when drivers are careless on the roadways, and has made it his passion to educate cyclists and motorists alike about mutual respect and safety. Sean has become a speaker, personal trainer, and writer about nutrition, health, and exercise and the importance of taking care of oneself in order to care for others. In addition to triathlons, Sean enjoys hiking, making people laugh, and working to make a positive impact in this world.
Bill Young, past President
Bill Young serves as Chief Strategy Officer at Intercommunity, Inc., a nonprofit provider of mental health, addiction, and primary medical care services in the Hartford area. Bill has been a cyclist for many years, mostly recreational and day-to-day transportation. He is also regularly involved in bicycle touring and has done many trips in both North America and Europe. Originally from Chicago, Bill and his wife, Martha Page, live in Hartford and have adult children and six grandchildren.
Bill Young serves as Chief Strategy Officer at Intercommunity, Inc., a nonprofit provider of mental health, addiction, and primary medical care services in the Hartford area. Bill has been a cyclist for many years, mostly recreational and day-to-day transportation. He is also regularly involved in bicycle touring and has done many trips in both North America and Europe. Originally from Chicago, Bill and his wife, Martha Page, live in Hartford and have adult children and six grandchildren.
Scott Gamester, past Treasurer
Scott Gamester hails from a small island off the coast of New Hampshire with fond memories of bicycling into the nearby "big" city of Portsmouth. A daily bike commuter, Scott enjoys riding in inclement weather and he can be seen riding with a smile on those cold and rainy (or snowy) days. Scott received his undergraduate degree from Keene State College and his MBA from Northeastern University. He works in Hartford for Optum where he satisfies his passion for data and analytics. He lives in West Hartford with his wife and their three daughters.
Scott Gamester hails from a small island off the coast of New Hampshire with fond memories of bicycling into the nearby "big" city of Portsmouth. A daily bike commuter, Scott enjoys riding in inclement weather and he can be seen riding with a smile on those cold and rainy (or snowy) days. Scott received his undergraduate degree from Keene State College and his MBA from Northeastern University. He works in Hartford for Optum where he satisfies his passion for data and analytics. He lives in West Hartford with his wife and their three daughters.
Laura Baum
Laura works at Wesleyan University as Project Manager for the Wesleyan Media Project. She has a Masters degree in urban planning from the University of Minnesota. She worked and volunteered in biking/walking advocacy in Oregon, Minnesota and Pennsylvania prior to moving to Connecticut. She lives in Middletown with her husband, and two kids.
Laura works at Wesleyan University as Project Manager for the Wesleyan Media Project. She has a Masters degree in urban planning from the University of Minnesota. She worked and volunteered in biking/walking advocacy in Oregon, Minnesota and Pennsylvania prior to moving to Connecticut. She lives in Middletown with her husband, and two kids.
Kevin Vicha
Kevin is an aerospace professional and has held engineering and management roles leading businesses with over 1000 employees. Kevin has served in board leadership positions in Singapore, China, Taiwan, Ireland and within the USA. Kevin is a strong advocate for increased bike ridership. While living in New York he established educational "Green Spokes" mountain bike rides for new riders, and in West Hartford he initiated "Bike To Town Thursday" rides while supporting the West Hartford Bicycle Advisory Committee. He has completed two of the world's toughest mountain bike races. At the TransRockies Challenge, Kevin rode as part of the Cannondale Chain Gang team, and for the TransAlp Challenge, Kevin raised funds to provide bicycles and helmets for the Thea Bowman House, a home for at-risk children. Kevin has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, an MBA from Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées in Paris, France, and he completed the Executive Program for Management Development at Harvard Business School. Kevin lives in West Hartford, where he enjoys riding the cargo bike to town with his wife and their four kids.
Kevin is an aerospace professional and has held engineering and management roles leading businesses with over 1000 employees. Kevin has served in board leadership positions in Singapore, China, Taiwan, Ireland and within the USA. Kevin is a strong advocate for increased bike ridership. While living in New York he established educational "Green Spokes" mountain bike rides for new riders, and in West Hartford he initiated "Bike To Town Thursday" rides while supporting the West Hartford Bicycle Advisory Committee. He has completed two of the world's toughest mountain bike races. At the TransRockies Challenge, Kevin rode as part of the Cannondale Chain Gang team, and for the TransAlp Challenge, Kevin raised funds to provide bicycles and helmets for the Thea Bowman House, a home for at-risk children. Kevin has a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, an MBA from Ecole Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées in Paris, France, and he completed the Executive Program for Management Development at Harvard Business School. Kevin lives in West Hartford, where he enjoys riding the cargo bike to town with his wife and their four kids.
Brendan Harris, past Secretary
Brendan was born and raised in Manchester, CT and is in the process of relocating to Hartford. A graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University, Brendan currently works as a Project Manager at a high end architectural millwork shop, Parkerville Wood Products. He is also in pursuit of his masters degree in education. In addition to cycling, Brendan enjoys spending his time traveling, watching and playing sports, reading and woodworking.
Brendan was born and raised in Manchester, CT and is in the process of relocating to Hartford. A graduate of Eastern Connecticut State University, Brendan currently works as a Project Manager at a high end architectural millwork shop, Parkerville Wood Products. He is also in pursuit of his masters degree in education. In addition to cycling, Brendan enjoys spending his time traveling, watching and playing sports, reading and woodworking.
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Abigail Martin
Non-voting Member through the Yale’s Nonprofit Board Fellows Program As a dual MBA and Master of Environmental Management student, Abby serveed BWCT through Yale's Nonprofit Board Fellows program. Prior to Yale, she conducted research & development for urban parks at The Trust for Public Land. A longtime transportation cyclist, Abby served as a DC Bicycle Ambassador and in other volunteer capacities for the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. |
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Susan Smith
Following a fulfilling career in the aerospace industry, Sue now follows her passion for bicycle-based adventures. Building on her Bachelors degree in Education from UConn, she attained a MBA and then a second Masters in Quality Systems (Business Efficiency). From 2010 to 2013, she was a Board member for a non-profit health care organization. In 2009, Sue co-founded an informal bike group with 21 members from the northeast. Since then, she also volunteers at and participates in various week-long bike tours in NY, Michigan and Virginia. Group reunion weekends and a few century rides culminated in a self-supported, carry-all-your-gear 2000+ mile bike tour from Canada to Mexico with her husband in the fall of 2014. The trip included camping and hosteling along the spectacularly scenic west coast.
Sue is a member of the Bicycle Tour Network (BTN), formerly the National Bicycle Tour Directors Association, and she looks forward to pursuing and organizing a multi-day bike tour to promote and encourage cycling in Connecticut.
Following a fulfilling career in the aerospace industry, Sue now follows her passion for bicycle-based adventures. Building on her Bachelors degree in Education from UConn, she attained a MBA and then a second Masters in Quality Systems (Business Efficiency). From 2010 to 2013, she was a Board member for a non-profit health care organization. In 2009, Sue co-founded an informal bike group with 21 members from the northeast. Since then, she also volunteers at and participates in various week-long bike tours in NY, Michigan and Virginia. Group reunion weekends and a few century rides culminated in a self-supported, carry-all-your-gear 2000+ mile bike tour from Canada to Mexico with her husband in the fall of 2014. The trip included camping and hosteling along the spectacularly scenic west coast.
Sue is a member of the Bicycle Tour Network (BTN), formerly the National Bicycle Tour Directors Association, and she looks forward to pursuing and organizing a multi-day bike tour to promote and encourage cycling in Connecticut.
Craig Mergins
A lifelong outdoors enthusiast and cyclist, Craig chairs the Hartford Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. In his professional life, he developed an extensive mountain bike trail system in Riverside Park in collaboration with Hartford Summer Youth Employment with Our Piece of the Pie. He started Cyclo Cross Racing in Hartford's Riverside Park in 1995 and hosted the US Cyclocross Championship in Hartford in 2017.
A lifelong outdoors enthusiast and cyclist, Craig chairs the Hartford Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission. In his professional life, he developed an extensive mountain bike trail system in Riverside Park in collaboration with Hartford Summer Youth Employment with Our Piece of the Pie. He started Cyclo Cross Racing in Hartford's Riverside Park in 1995 and hosted the US Cyclocross Championship in Hartford in 2017.
James Harrington
The son of a bike shop owner and avid cyclists, James was being pulled in a bike trailer before he could walk. Not long after he was on his own bike and has been pedaling ever since. Today he is an avid triathlete competing in iron-distance triathlons around the country.
A resident of Clinton, James is an attorney at Polito and Associates in Waterford. He is a graduate of Boston College and Western New England University Law School. As a trial attorney he has represented cyclists and pedestrians who have been injured due to the carelessness of drivers and seen first-hand the traumatic impact such actions can have. Given his personal and professional experiences, James hopes to be an advocate for making Connecticut’s streets a safer place for cyclists and pedestrians.
The son of a bike shop owner and avid cyclists, James was being pulled in a bike trailer before he could walk. Not long after he was on his own bike and has been pedaling ever since. Today he is an avid triathlete competing in iron-distance triathlons around the country.
A resident of Clinton, James is an attorney at Polito and Associates in Waterford. He is a graduate of Boston College and Western New England University Law School. As a trial attorney he has represented cyclists and pedestrians who have been injured due to the carelessness of drivers and seen first-hand the traumatic impact such actions can have. Given his personal and professional experiences, James hopes to be an advocate for making Connecticut’s streets a safer place for cyclists and pedestrians.
Colleen Kelly Alexander
Colleen Kelly Alexander is a lifelong athlete and motivational speaker who inspires positive change, contribution, determination and actionable gratitude. A survivor of brain surgery, multiple autoimmune disorders and a near fatal bicycle accident in 2011, Colleen has battled back from over a month in a coma, thirty surgeries and two flatlines. Continuing to defy diagnoses, dire predictions and death, she has since stunned doctors and successfully run more than 50 races and completed over 20 triathlons, including four Half Ironman since her trauma.
A spokesperson for the American Red Cross blood services, featured in numerous national media and having worked alongside Nobel Peace laureates, Colleen ignites action through her philosophy of personal empowerment and spiritual generosity. She is uniquely qualified to speak to the miraculous power of body, mind, spirit and the phenomenal potential every human being has to make a positive impact. With her indomitable approach and incredible story of survival, Colleen teaches others how to aim higher, be stronger and use adversity as a catalyst to make the world a better, brighter place. Currently, Colleen lives with her husband, two labs, Jamis and Coda (named after her favorite steel frame road bike), and cat, Luna. Colleen believes cycling is part of her DNA as she grew up as the daughter of a bike shop owner and safe street initiatives is a passion of hers. She believes that she has a responsibility to be a voice for fallen cyclists that can no longer advocate and educate.
Colleen Kelly Alexander is a lifelong athlete and motivational speaker who inspires positive change, contribution, determination and actionable gratitude. A survivor of brain surgery, multiple autoimmune disorders and a near fatal bicycle accident in 2011, Colleen has battled back from over a month in a coma, thirty surgeries and two flatlines. Continuing to defy diagnoses, dire predictions and death, she has since stunned doctors and successfully run more than 50 races and completed over 20 triathlons, including four Half Ironman since her trauma.
A spokesperson for the American Red Cross blood services, featured in numerous national media and having worked alongside Nobel Peace laureates, Colleen ignites action through her philosophy of personal empowerment and spiritual generosity. She is uniquely qualified to speak to the miraculous power of body, mind, spirit and the phenomenal potential every human being has to make a positive impact. With her indomitable approach and incredible story of survival, Colleen teaches others how to aim higher, be stronger and use adversity as a catalyst to make the world a better, brighter place. Currently, Colleen lives with her husband, two labs, Jamis and Coda (named after her favorite steel frame road bike), and cat, Luna. Colleen believes cycling is part of her DNA as she grew up as the daughter of a bike shop owner and safe street initiatives is a passion of hers. She believes that she has a responsibility to be a voice for fallen cyclists that can no longer advocate and educate.
Anna Stokes
Anna is a personal and professional advocate for multi-modal transportation. Although she grew up in Upstate New York, she considers North Carolina to be "home." She fell in love with bicycling while studying abroad in Copenhagen during college, and is a proud alumni of Bike & Build which brought her on a nearly 4,000 mile bicycling tour from Florida to California in the name of affordable housing. Overall, she is happiest when she's deeply ingrained in her community and working towards creating a built environment that supports bicycling and walking.
Anna is a personal and professional advocate for multi-modal transportation. Although she grew up in Upstate New York, she considers North Carolina to be "home." She fell in love with bicycling while studying abroad in Copenhagen during college, and is a proud alumni of Bike & Build which brought her on a nearly 4,000 mile bicycling tour from Florida to California in the name of affordable housing. Overall, she is happiest when she's deeply ingrained in her community and working towards creating a built environment that supports bicycling and walking.
Victor Cervantes
Non-voting Member through the Yale’s Nonprofit Board Fellows Program
At Yale, he was part of the Nonprofit Board Fellows Program. He is originally from Mexico City, one of the biggest and most congested cities in the world. His transportation experience improved dramatically when he started walking and biking to work. After this, he became interested in advocating for active transportation.
Non-voting Member through the Yale’s Nonprofit Board Fellows Program
At Yale, he was part of the Nonprofit Board Fellows Program. He is originally from Mexico City, one of the biggest and most congested cities in the world. His transportation experience improved dramatically when he started walking and biking to work. After this, he became interested in advocating for active transportation.
Coby Zeifman
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Coby has been a commuter cyclist for over a decade. He has biked in over 20 US cities and eight countries. During his time in CT, Coby led and organized New Haven Bike Party, a nighttime, community-rooted, mobile party and celebration of neighborhoods and bicycling in New Haven. In 2016, Coby organized the New Haven Tour De Brew, a ride series featuring rides to seven local breweries, and included discounts and prizes. He also served on the formation team of goNewHavengo's September Car Free Challenge. Coby is a baseball fan, likes camping, and speaks Korean.
Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Coby has been a commuter cyclist for over a decade. He has biked in over 20 US cities and eight countries. During his time in CT, Coby led and organized New Haven Bike Party, a nighttime, community-rooted, mobile party and celebration of neighborhoods and bicycling in New Haven. In 2016, Coby organized the New Haven Tour De Brew, a ride series featuring rides to seven local breweries, and included discounts and prizes. He also served on the formation team of goNewHavengo's September Car Free Challenge. Coby is a baseball fan, likes camping, and speaks Korean.
Chris Brown, past Vice-President
Chris is a full-time transportation cyclist, League Cycling Instructor (LCI) and bike business owner based in Hartford. He is a familiar sight to many in the Connecticut cycling community. He contributes to the Beat Bike Blog where a group of local riders chronicle bicycling in the greater Hartford area and beyond. He also serves on the Frog Hollow Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Committee and works for the Department of Fine Arts at Trinity College. A longtime tinkerer, he can often be found working on bike-related projects. Following several years of four-season bike commuting, Chris sold his car in October of 2012 and fully adopted a cargo bike as his primary mode of year-round transportation. Chris believes that everyone benefits from increased bike use and bike-supportive infrastructure.
Chris is a full-time transportation cyclist, League Cycling Instructor (LCI) and bike business owner based in Hartford. He is a familiar sight to many in the Connecticut cycling community. He contributes to the Beat Bike Blog where a group of local riders chronicle bicycling in the greater Hartford area and beyond. He also serves on the Frog Hollow Neighborhood Revitalization Zone Committee and works for the Department of Fine Arts at Trinity College. A longtime tinkerer, he can often be found working on bike-related projects. Following several years of four-season bike commuting, Chris sold his car in October of 2012 and fully adopted a cargo bike as his primary mode of year-round transportation. Chris believes that everyone benefits from increased bike use and bike-supportive infrastructure.
Dave Head
Dave Head is an avid cyclist, runner and tri-athlete who gets to apply his appreciation for active living in his professional life. As a senior planner for the Connecticut Department of Transportation, Dave's vision for a more balanced transportation network helped DOT more fully embrace bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements.
Dave Head is an avid cyclist, runner and tri-athlete who gets to apply his appreciation for active living in his professional life. As a senior planner for the Connecticut Department of Transportation, Dave's vision for a more balanced transportation network helped DOT more fully embrace bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure improvements.
Christine Skelly
Bicycling is a new found passion for Chris Skelly. She is very interested in getting others involved as well. She is also concerned with bicycle safety, especially when traveling on roads where the bicycling culture is not widespread. Chris is involved in several other nonprofits, including Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford; board president of Hopeworks, a nonprofit that focuses on behavioral health counseling; and trustee board member of the Wheeler Clinic. Her previous professional work experience includes senior executive positions in the healthcare and group insurance industry.
Bicycling is a new found passion for Chris Skelly. She is very interested in getting others involved as well. She is also concerned with bicycle safety, especially when traveling on roads where the bicycling culture is not widespread. Chris is involved in several other nonprofits, including Literacy Volunteers of Greater Hartford; board president of Hopeworks, a nonprofit that focuses on behavioral health counseling; and trustee board member of the Wheeler Clinic. Her previous professional work experience includes senior executive positions in the healthcare and group insurance industry.
Ray Willis
Ray Willis has bicycling in his blood. His grandfather was the proprietor of Ray Willis Toys and Bikes in Westerly, RI and his father owned Ray Willis Bicycles in Hamden, Conn. in the early 1980s. Ray works for the City of New Haven in the Transportation, Traffic, and Parking Department, striving to bring the same advances in bicycle friendly streets to New Haven with “Street Smarts and Complete Streets” initiatives. An everyday all-season bicycle commuter in New Haven, Ray believes that bicycling is the only way to travel and that nothing else compares with the freedom and joy that being on a bicycle provides.
Ray Willis has bicycling in his blood. His grandfather was the proprietor of Ray Willis Toys and Bikes in Westerly, RI and his father owned Ray Willis Bicycles in Hamden, Conn. in the early 1980s. Ray works for the City of New Haven in the Transportation, Traffic, and Parking Department, striving to bring the same advances in bicycle friendly streets to New Haven with “Street Smarts and Complete Streets” initiatives. An everyday all-season bicycle commuter in New Haven, Ray believes that bicycling is the only way to travel and that nothing else compares with the freedom and joy that being on a bicycle provides.
Emily Wolfe, past Secretary
As Deputy Director of Sheldon Oak Central, Emily serves as project manager and administers federal, state, local and private funds community development projects and programs. Emily holds a BA in Political Science from Barnard College and an MSW in Gerontology from Southern Connecticut State University.
As Deputy Director of Sheldon Oak Central, Emily serves as project manager and administers federal, state, local and private funds community development projects and programs. Emily holds a BA in Political Science from Barnard College and an MSW in Gerontology from Southern Connecticut State University.
Kelly Rago
Kelly Rago is a graduate of the University of Connecticut’s Master of Public Health program and is currently the program associate for the Connecticut Health Foundation, providing administrative, evaluation and research support for the program department. She loves mountain biking for fun, stress relief, and health. She also loves taking trips to various mountain biking destinations with her husband to places like Moab, UT and Kingdom Trails in East Burke, VT, and ventures out on the road bike for transportation and fun. Kelly believes you are safer on the bike than on the sofa, and that biking and walking can change and improve individual lives as well as our society.
Kelly Rago is a graduate of the University of Connecticut’s Master of Public Health program and is currently the program associate for the Connecticut Health Foundation, providing administrative, evaluation and research support for the program department. She loves mountain biking for fun, stress relief, and health. She also loves taking trips to various mountain biking destinations with her husband to places like Moab, UT and Kingdom Trails in East Burke, VT, and ventures out on the road bike for transportation and fun. Kelly believes you are safer on the bike than on the sofa, and that biking and walking can change and improve individual lives as well as our society.
Richard Durishin
Richard is the creator of the U.S. Open of Cycling (formerly, the US. Open Cycling Championships) and a strategic marketer and product trainer/educator. He has led teams in settings ranging from five-person start-ups to world headquarters of billion dollar companies to small non-profits and enjoys the challenge of learning and innovating to accelerate their growth. Richard lives in Stonington, CT.
Richard is the creator of the U.S. Open of Cycling (formerly, the US. Open Cycling Championships) and a strategic marketer and product trainer/educator. He has led teams in settings ranging from five-person start-ups to world headquarters of billion dollar companies to small non-profits and enjoys the challenge of learning and innovating to accelerate their growth. Richard lives in Stonington, CT.
Gary Griffin
Gary Griffin is a passionate and committed cyclist and runner. Gary is interested in increasing bicycle safety, making it more accessible and communicating the benefits of bicycling and walking to more Connecticut residents. He has worked with the Connecticut Safe Routes to School program, and helped launch WalkitBikeit to school, a statewide program aimed at getting more children to bike and walk to school. Gary currently works as the Director of Communications at Travelers.
Gary Griffin is a passionate and committed cyclist and runner. Gary is interested in increasing bicycle safety, making it more accessible and communicating the benefits of bicycling and walking to more Connecticut residents. He has worked with the Connecticut Safe Routes to School program, and helped launch WalkitBikeit to school, a statewide program aimed at getting more children to bike and walk to school. Gary currently works as the Director of Communications at Travelers.
Ken Livingston, past Treasurer
As a principal planner for Fitzgerald & Halliday Planning Consultants in Hartford, Ken Livingston concentrates much of his professional energy bicycle and pedestrian planning, including policy and program evaluations, network development and physical route planning. He is currently managing the update to Connecticut's Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan for the Connecticut Department of Transportation. He has been involved with the development of regional bicycle plans and conducted numerous bicycle and pedestrian demand analysis studies for regional plans and corridor studies. He has also worked in bicycle routing feasibility studies for on- and off-road bicycle networks. His work has focused on community development issues and the linkage between transportation and "livable communities". Mr. Livingston holds a B.S. and M.S. in Environmental Science from SUNY, and a B.S. in Political Science from the University of New Hampshire.
As a principal planner for Fitzgerald & Halliday Planning Consultants in Hartford, Ken Livingston concentrates much of his professional energy bicycle and pedestrian planning, including policy and program evaluations, network development and physical route planning. He is currently managing the update to Connecticut's Statewide Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan for the Connecticut Department of Transportation. He has been involved with the development of regional bicycle plans and conducted numerous bicycle and pedestrian demand analysis studies for regional plans and corridor studies. He has also worked in bicycle routing feasibility studies for on- and off-road bicycle networks. His work has focused on community development issues and the linkage between transportation and "livable communities". Mr. Livingston holds a B.S. and M.S. in Environmental Science from SUNY, and a B.S. in Political Science from the University of New Hampshire.
MaryEllen Thibodeau, past President
MaryEllen Thibodeau, a former lawyer, has been cycling for transportation, fun and fitness for her entire life. About 20 years ago, she began training inearnest for cycling in charity fundraisers, and in 2006 she and her husband rode 3,850 miles cross country to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary and raise money for the American Cancer Society. She joined the board of Bike Walk Connecticut in January 2008 to advocate for the rights of cyclists and for funding for bike friendly projects. In October 2008, she became a League of American Bicyclists League Cycling Instructor through a course organized by Bike Walk Connecticut. She became Bike Walk Connecticut's first staff person in October 2009.
MaryEllen Thibodeau, a former lawyer, has been cycling for transportation, fun and fitness for her entire life. About 20 years ago, she began training inearnest for cycling in charity fundraisers, and in 2006 she and her husband rode 3,850 miles cross country to celebrate their 35th wedding anniversary and raise money for the American Cancer Society. She joined the board of Bike Walk Connecticut in January 2008 to advocate for the rights of cyclists and for funding for bike friendly projects. In October 2008, she became a League of American Bicyclists League Cycling Instructor through a course organized by Bike Walk Connecticut. She became Bike Walk Connecticut's first staff person in October 2009.
Beverly Hughes, past Secretary
Mrs. Hughes has been a recreational cyclist since 1968. In the 1990s she started riding more seriously and changed career directions, moving to fundraising for a new Boys and Girls Club in Hartford. This life changing experience led her to want to share her knowledge of fund-raising with other worthy groups like Bike Walk Connecticut. Recently retired, Mrs. Hughes and her husband have biked through many parts of this country as well as Canada and Europe. It is important to her to spread the advantages and delights of green transportation to as many people as possible.
Mrs. Hughes has been a recreational cyclist since 1968. In the 1990s she started riding more seriously and changed career directions, moving to fundraising for a new Boys and Girls Club in Hartford. This life changing experience led her to want to share her knowledge of fund-raising with other worthy groups like Bike Walk Connecticut. Recently retired, Mrs. Hughes and her husband have biked through many parts of this country as well as Canada and Europe. It is important to her to spread the advantages and delights of green transportation to as many people as possible.
Stuart Popper
Stuart is a recreational cyclist and a League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructor. He is a professional planner with over 20 years of planning experience on the municipal and regional levels and in the private sector. Stuart's areas of expertise are community and land use planning, transportation and land use connections and public involvement. He has worked on a variety of planning projects and has always been an advocate of bicycle and pedestrian access.
Stuart is a recreational cyclist and a League of American Bicyclists Certified Instructor. He is a professional planner with over 20 years of planning experience on the municipal and regional levels and in the private sector. Stuart's areas of expertise are community and land use planning, transportation and land use connections and public involvement. He has worked on a variety of planning projects and has always been an advocate of bicycle and pedestrian access.
Sandy Fry
As the Principal Transportation Planner responsible for bicycle, pedestrian and transit planning for the Capitol Region Council of Governments, Ms. Fry organized Hartford’s monthly Bike to Work events. As the effort grew in scope, Ms. Fry organized Bike Walk Connecticut’s previous incarnation (Central Connecticut Bike Association) to take over the event. Her job as Transportation Planner is made easier by Bike Walk Connecticut’s strong advocacy for alternative travel education and encouragement.
As the Principal Transportation Planner responsible for bicycle, pedestrian and transit planning for the Capitol Region Council of Governments, Ms. Fry organized Hartford’s monthly Bike to Work events. As the effort grew in scope, Ms. Fry organized Bike Walk Connecticut’s previous incarnation (Central Connecticut Bike Association) to take over the event. Her job as Transportation Planner is made easier by Bike Walk Connecticut’s strong advocacy for alternative travel education and encouragement.
Anne Hayes, past President
Ms. Hayes is the Director of Parking & Mass Transit for The Travelers Companies Inc. where she oversees parking and mass transit programs in Hartford, St. Paul, and Travelers field offices nationwide. Through corporate programs, she encourages Travelers employees to bike, walk, take the bus, vanpool, and other low-impact forms of transportation. Under Ms. Hayes, more Travelers employees have consistently participated Hartford’s monthly Bike to Work events than any other company in the city. Travelers provides on-site showers and bike racks to riders, and regularly posts information about Bike to Work on the company intranet, as well as sponsoring the monthly events for the past three years by providing breakfast and employee volunteers to run the day’s events. Ms. Hayes has taken Traffic Skills 101 and encourages all board members to do the same!
Ms. Hayes is the Director of Parking & Mass Transit for The Travelers Companies Inc. where she oversees parking and mass transit programs in Hartford, St. Paul, and Travelers field offices nationwide. Through corporate programs, she encourages Travelers employees to bike, walk, take the bus, vanpool, and other low-impact forms of transportation. Under Ms. Hayes, more Travelers employees have consistently participated Hartford’s monthly Bike to Work events than any other company in the city. Travelers provides on-site showers and bike racks to riders, and regularly posts information about Bike to Work on the company intranet, as well as sponsoring the monthly events for the past three years by providing breakfast and employee volunteers to run the day’s events. Ms. Hayes has taken Traffic Skills 101 and encourages all board members to do the same!
Tom O'Brien
Tom O'Brien is a freelance journalist and carpenter who's committed to making Western Connecticut more amenable to walking and biking. His major accomplishment is the establishment of the New Milford River Trail, a greenway that will follow the Housatonic River the entire length of town. He's looking forward to the day when he and his son will no longer be recognized throughout the community as "the bike riders."
Tom O'Brien is a freelance journalist and carpenter who's committed to making Western Connecticut more amenable to walking and biking. His major accomplishment is the establishment of the New Milford River Trail, a greenway that will follow the Housatonic River the entire length of town. He's looking forward to the day when he and his son will no longer be recognized throughout the community as "the bike riders."
Martha Page
Martha Page is the Executive Director of the Hartford Food System, a nonprofit organization in Hartford dedicated to food security. Previously, she was the Environmental Health Manager for the City of Hartford Department of Health and Human Services. Martha is a certified Public Health professional who walks and bicycles often and wants others to do so as well, for the health and fun of it! She particularly enjoys bike touring and has taken several trips with her bicycle, both here and abroad. For Martha, cycling and walking are wonderful ways to be outdoors with friends and family, to see things in a way that you can't when you're stuck in a car, and to allow you to eat more than you otherwise could.
Martha Page is the Executive Director of the Hartford Food System, a nonprofit organization in Hartford dedicated to food security. Previously, she was the Environmental Health Manager for the City of Hartford Department of Health and Human Services. Martha is a certified Public Health professional who walks and bicycles often and wants others to do so as well, for the health and fun of it! She particularly enjoys bike touring and has taken several trips with her bicycle, both here and abroad. For Martha, cycling and walking are wonderful ways to be outdoors with friends and family, to see things in a way that you can't when you're stuck in a car, and to allow you to eat more than you otherwise could.
Gary LaFleur
Mr. Lafleur is a musician and Corrections Counselor with the CT DOC who enjoys mountain bike racing and street cycling. While he currently bikes mostly for recreation/health/fitness/sanity, he is working toward making biking his primary form of transportation. He believes that bicycling has the power to change the world.
Mr. Lafleur is a musician and Corrections Counselor with the CT DOC who enjoys mountain bike racing and street cycling. While he currently bikes mostly for recreation/health/fitness/sanity, he is working toward making biking his primary form of transportation. He believes that bicycling has the power to change the world.
Jeff McGuane
Formerly President of CSG International, McGuane was appointed President of CSG North America in March 2009 and is charged with driving the CSG business in North American from its Bethel, Connecticut global headquarters. For the past 15 years McGuane has held positions with Cannondale and CSG in the United States, Japan and Europe. He was appointed President of Cannondale Europe in 2004 and named President of CSG International in August 2008. Under McGuane's leadership, Cannondale Europe experienced a truly exceptional rate of growth and success. McGuane sits on the Board of Directors for Bikes Belong and is a member of the International Mountain Biking Association.
Improving the safety of our streets and the availability of places to ride in Connecticut is a goal McGuane has set for CSG. Advocating for bicyclists by working in conjunction with groups like Bike Walk Connecticut, local bicycle dealers and cyclists will help to create positive change in our state. McGuane is an avid cyclist and enjoys riding for recreation, commuting and with his family.
Formerly President of CSG International, McGuane was appointed President of CSG North America in March 2009 and is charged with driving the CSG business in North American from its Bethel, Connecticut global headquarters. For the past 15 years McGuane has held positions with Cannondale and CSG in the United States, Japan and Europe. He was appointed President of Cannondale Europe in 2004 and named President of CSG International in August 2008. Under McGuane's leadership, Cannondale Europe experienced a truly exceptional rate of growth and success. McGuane sits on the Board of Directors for Bikes Belong and is a member of the International Mountain Biking Association.
Improving the safety of our streets and the availability of places to ride in Connecticut is a goal McGuane has set for CSG. Advocating for bicyclists by working in conjunction with groups like Bike Walk Connecticut, local bicycle dealers and cyclists will help to create positive change in our state. McGuane is an avid cyclist and enjoys riding for recreation, commuting and with his family.
Mark Paquette, past Vice President
Mark Paquette is the Executive Director of the Windham Region Council of Governments (WINCOG). Mark serves on the Governors CT Greenways Council as it’s acting chairman. Mark is a member of the EastCoast Greenway (ECG) Trails Committee and chairs the CT section of the ECG. He also serves on the CT Advisory Commission for Intergovernmental Relations (ACIR). The commission is a 24-member agency of the State of Connecticut to study system issues between the state and local governments and to recommend solutions as appropriate. Mr. Paquette also is chairman of the CT Association of Regional Planning Organizations. Mark also chairs the Eastern CT Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Consortium.
Mark is an avid cyclist, runner, golfer and skier. He has been a certified soccer referee for both high school and college soccer for the past 24 years, and serves on the Board of Directors of the New England Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association and serves as Treasurer/Secretary for the Eastern CT Soccer Officials Board. Mark resides in Mansfield with his wife Chris.
Mark Paquette is the Executive Director of the Windham Region Council of Governments (WINCOG). Mark serves on the Governors CT Greenways Council as it’s acting chairman. Mark is a member of the EastCoast Greenway (ECG) Trails Committee and chairs the CT section of the ECG. He also serves on the CT Advisory Commission for Intergovernmental Relations (ACIR). The commission is a 24-member agency of the State of Connecticut to study system issues between the state and local governments and to recommend solutions as appropriate. Mr. Paquette also is chairman of the CT Association of Regional Planning Organizations. Mark also chairs the Eastern CT Sustainable Communities Regional Planning Consortium.
Mark is an avid cyclist, runner, golfer and skier. He has been a certified soccer referee for both high school and college soccer for the past 24 years, and serves on the Board of Directors of the New England Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association and serves as Treasurer/Secretary for the Eastern CT Soccer Officials Board. Mark resides in Mansfield with his wife Chris.
Luis Rivera
Luis Rivera grew up in Hartford and has worked with the Hartford Community for almost 10 years. Luis Rivera has worked with the North End of Hartford at Jumoke Academy, and also in the Frog Hallow area at MI Casa Community Center. Luis is currently working as the Program Coordinator for the Injury Free Coalition for Kids of Hartford a program of the Injury Prevention Center at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Luis directs community outreach activities, teaching the Hartford Community to be safe, while they enjoy wonderful activities like bicycling and walking. Through his work at Connecticut Children’s he has properly fitted helmets on thousands of kids during health fairs, bike rodeo and helmet safety classes. He has also donated several bicycles to youth in the community. Luis strives to promote wellness by encouraging kids to be active, to walk and ride bikes, but to do so in a safe manner.
Luis Rivera grew up in Hartford and has worked with the Hartford Community for almost 10 years. Luis Rivera has worked with the North End of Hartford at Jumoke Academy, and also in the Frog Hallow area at MI Casa Community Center. Luis is currently working as the Program Coordinator for the Injury Free Coalition for Kids of Hartford a program of the Injury Prevention Center at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. Luis directs community outreach activities, teaching the Hartford Community to be safe, while they enjoy wonderful activities like bicycling and walking. Through his work at Connecticut Children’s he has properly fitted helmets on thousands of kids during health fairs, bike rodeo and helmet safety classes. He has also donated several bicycles to youth in the community. Luis strives to promote wellness by encouraging kids to be active, to walk and ride bikes, but to do so in a safe manner.
