There are two very important elections we hope you’ll vote in this fall: one takes place on November 3 and another takes place right here. First, though, we want you to meet the candidates running to serve on the League’s board.
Our board is comprised of volunteers who generously donate their time, skills, and other resources to guiding the League and ensuring we have the tools to realize our vision of a future where everyone has access to safe and connected places to ride. After we called for volunteers this year, the League Governance Committee reviewed applications and interviewed candidates. Below, you’ll meet the candidates approved by the committee and learn what’s behind their decision to run.
League members will recieve an email at the email address we have on record with further instructions about voting. Check your membership status online and if you aren’t yet a member, consider joining as an individual or with a family membership to have a say in the League’s leadership.
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Maria Boustead
I’m the Founder and CEO of Po Campo, an internationally distributed brand that makes bags that carry what you need on and off your bike with style and ease. Prior to founding Po Campo, I worked as an industrial designer and design strategist, solving problems for brands as varied as 3M, Pampers, and Yellowtail. I’m a reluctant office dweller, preferring to spend my time bicycling around town (especially with my new e-bike), traveling abroad, reading books and drinking coffee in cafes, all of which can now, thankfully, count as “work”.
Like many bike commuters hungry for more bike lanes, I dipped my toe into bike advocacy by joining my local bike advocacy organization, first the Active Transportation Alliance in Chicago and then Transportation Alternatives in NYC. Not long after, I started volunteering with WE Bike NYC, my favorite local bike club, organizing rides and managing their email communication.
I began attending the League’s National Bike Summit as a vendor in their Women’s Pop-Up market and before long, the Summit became a highlight of my year as a time to connect with fellow cyclists and be inspired by the thought leaders in the bicycle advocacy space.
Three years ago, I joined the Board of the League of American Bicyclists, bringing my bike industry relationships and entrepreneurial background to support and advise the League in their programs. I would be honored to continue to serve on the Board for a second term.
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Max Hepp-Buchanan
My name is Max Hepp-Buchanan and I have served on the Board of Directors for the League of American Bicyclists since 2017. I currently hold an officer position as the Secretary of the Board and am also the Chair of the Program Committee and of the Governance Committee. I am committed to bicycling for transportation whenever possible, whether that means riding my commuter bike to work or transporting my two little boys to school on our family’s electric cargo bike. I also enjoy a good solo bike tour, especially on trails like the Great Allegheny Passage and C&O Canal Trail.
Professionally, I have over a decade of experience in active transportation advocacy. I began my bicycle advocacy career at Cascade Bicycle Club in Seattle, WA before moving to Richmond, VA (RVA) in 2013 to direct the Bike Walk RVA program for Sports Backers, the region’s active living nonprofit organization. In 2019, I shifted careers slightly and became the Director of Riverfront and Downtown Placemaking for Venture Richmond, our downtown advocacy organization and business improvement district. While I still work to improve bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure in Richmond, much of my attention is now focused on creating inviting public outdoor places for everyone.
I hope you will consider voting for my reappointment to the League Board of Directors. Thank you.
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Kecia McCullough
Kecia L. McCullough, a lifelong Rochesterian, is passionate about bringing people together. In 2016 Kecia created the Rochester chapter of Black Girls Do Bike. The local group is part of an International initiative to create a comfortable space for new and seasoned female cyclists. Black Girls Do Bike Rochester has been instrumental in creating friendly, non-intimidating, relaxed cycling spaces for women-where women of all shades are embraced and welcomed into the fabric of cycling.
Being committed to encouraging and promoting community collaborative cycling: reaching across the lanes, Kecia frequently lead local bike rides, while joining with and supporting other bicycling activities in Rochester, and in other cities and states. Kecia organized the newly formed Unity Ride East; a weekly community bike riding group; lead three groups to New York City for the 40-miles Five Boros Bike Tour; volunteered and lead groups for Cycle Mass. And, in addition to partnering with other local female cyclists on the ‘Rochester Women’s Bike Festival’, Kecia coordinated, and lead the annual, local, and worldwide Ride of Silence, and the annual Ride for Recovery Bike Ride. Kecia served as a board member for Rochester Bicycle Club, a member of the advocacy group; Rochester Cycling Alliance, a steering committee member of the Health Impact Assessment Initiative
Kecia is the mother to three adult children, and Grandmother to one amazingly awesome granddaughter. A Licensed Masters of Social Work (LMSW), Credentialed by the State of New York as a Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC), an international traveler, lover of ice cream, red wine and all things purple.
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Chuck Smith
In 1994, my son Casey was hit by a motorist while riding his bicycle. I proposed pro-bicycling changes to our Vandalia ordinances which are now Vandalia law.
I was elected Chair of the Ohio Bicycle Federation (OBF) in 1995, and have served in that job since then. I joined the League of American Bicyclists as a Life Member at that time.
The National Committee on Uniform Traffic Laws and Ordinances (NCUTLO) was updating the Uniform Vehicle Code (UVC) in 1996. I joined NCUTLO representing OBF, and worked with Riley Geary of the League to improve the bicycling portions of the UVC. Our work was reflected in the UVC update published in 2000.
Our “OBF Better Ohio Bicycling Law of 2006” improved the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) for Ohio bicyclists and made the ORC closer to the Uniform Vehicle Code. Our “OBF Three Foot Passing Law” requires that Ohio motorists give bicyclists at least three feet of clearance when passing and permits bicyclists to proceed after stopping and yielding right of way at intersections.
We in the OBF continue to perform our mission of “Improving Ohio Bicycling Through Legislation, Education, and Shared Ideas.” This May, I testified to support a bill would would make Distracted Driving a primary offense in Ohio.
Local advocacy:
- Vandalia Bicycle Advisory Committee Chair
- Dayton Cycling Club Advocacy Director
- Bike Miami Valley Regional Action Committee.
- City of Dayton, Ohio Bike/Walk Committee
- Founded and organized Bike to Work Day at Wright Patterson AFB.
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Torrance Strong
Hello everyone, my term as a Board Member for the League of American Bicyclists has come to an end. During my time I was able to travel around the country, connect with like-minded individuals and learn from them about what was needed in their area. Also, what measures were being taken to ensure a favorable outcome to improve their infrastructure. The highlight has been meeting so many people from diverse backgrounds and listening to their needs about what needed to be corrected in their community.
For those that follow me on social media, you’ve seen the expansion of the role of the bicycle and the joy of getting more people on bikes. So, that we may continue this journey together, I’m once again soliciting your trust and asking for your vote.
My goals for the next term:
- To get more businesses and colleges to participate in our Bicycle Friendly Programs.
- To be more active in diverse spaces.
- To increase membership through community engagement.
Your vote for me is continued support as I work to highlight the numerous benefits of cycling and work to extend it to every community across America. The work I’ve done since taking this position has been effective, however more work needs to be done. My initial campaign goal was to raise the profile of cycling by getting more people on bikes and to help make motorists understand that we also have a right to use the road. If you haven’t done so already, please follow the link below to become a member of the League of American bicyclists and cast your vote.
Thanks for your support.
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