Changing of the guard at Bike Michiana Coalition

There have been three changes in the Board of Directors. Jeff Nixa who has been president since the coalition was formed in 2008 is resigning due to personal reasons, not the least of which is his mother’s health. Many area cycling advocates still fondly recall a snowy January evening at Nixa’s home where he brought together a group which eventually became the Bike Michiana Coalition.

Moving up from vice president to president is Judy Lee. Lee has been vice president since the coalition was formed, and has concentrated her advocacy on education and bike lanes, but has been active I all facets of Michiana advocacy.

Replacing Lee as vice president is Rob Shellhamer, who has been Communications Director since September of 2009. Shellhamer has concentrated his energies on Bike to Work week and Bike Michiana for Hospice.

In addition to the board changes, two new committees and chairs have been confirmed.

Sarah Colan is Membership Chair, and Mark Dollinger is Grant Writing Chair.

Colan is an avid cyclist and a recent graduate of Indiana University. She brings a host of new ideas to the coalition. Dollinger is an experienced Grant Writer and has had success in obtaining grants of non profit organizations in the area.