Community Cycling Center thanks outgoing, welcomes incoming Executive Director
Susan Remmers announced to staff this morning that, after four years as Executive Director of the Community Cycling Center, she is stepping down.
While on a recent medical leave of absence, Remmers noted, “I had the opportunity to reflect on what I have accomplished in the past four years and I realized that I reached all of my goals. The organization is fiscally stable, with a clear mission and vision and with strong leadership in place to take it forward.”
She’s right. When she started in the spring of 2006, the Community Cycling Center was in a challenging stage of its organizational growth. While programs were successful, organizational infrastructure and key elements were missing. Remmers remembers, “I was looking for the mission statement and I found six versions of it.” She set to work immediately, igniting board and staff alike to gain clarity and focus.
Her efforts have paid off. Board Chair, Holly Van Fleet, has high praise, “while I will miss Remmers insightful analysis and creative partnership, I am excited about the Community Cycling Center’s future. We have the pieces in place to take bold steps forward to fulfill our mission and continue the strong legacy that so many have created, most notably, Susan Remmers.”
A quick recap of accomplishments since 2006:
- Grew organization from $900,000 organization to $1.5M;
- Implemented living wage compensations and health benefits for full-time staff;
- Oversaw creation of vision statement, updated mission statement and designed strategic plan shifting organization from individual service delivery focus to a community change model;
- Led strategic program approach, focusing on north and northeast Portland;
- Created successful bike shop plan, resulting in a thriving, profitable enterprise.
The board unanimously supported promoting Alison Graves to Executive Director, effective March 10th, 2010. Graves has worked at the Community Cycling Center since 2006 and has overseen program development, fundraising, and communications and will now oversee day-to-day operations. “It is such an exciting time to be devoting my energies to the mission of the Community Cycling Center,” said Graves. “I deeply believe in broadening access to bicycling and its benefits and look forward to continuing to help people become healthier and our community to be stronger.”