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Steve Schulz Takes the Baton as Executive Director of Cycle Oregon

Cycle Oregon will kick off its 2016 events—starting with this month’s inaugural women’s ride—under the leadership of a new Executive Director. Steve Schulz, who most recently held the position of Deputy Director, will take the leadership baton from Alison Graves, effective June 3.

“I’ll miss being with the great staff, dedicated volunteers, and inspiring board on a regular basis, but I accomplished what I set out to do—the team has it from here,” says Graves, who will wrap up a special project for Cycle Oregon through the summer and then become a board member emeritus, acting as liaison to Oregon’s Scenic Bikeway program.

IMG_1863Graves has been Executive Director of Cycle Oregon since February 2014, when she was hired to help the organization envision its next 25 years and strengthen internal systems to support its next stage of growth.

“As an organization, we’re more aligned as a result of Alison’s contribution,” says Schulz. “I’m excited to build on that work and strengthen Cycle Oregon as not only a leader in events but also a strong contributor to the vitality of this great state.”

Schulz has been with Cycle Oregon since 2008. He has long demonstrated his leadership capacity, but never more notably than during the 2015 Week Ride, where he masterfully orchestrated an event re-route in the face of a wildfire.

image 6Under his leadership, the Cycle Oregon staff and board will work closely to ensure that the organization’s events remain the best in the business and their impact continues to help where it matters most. Among other things, Schulz and team will focus on advancing the Salmonberry Trail, exploring additional events, collaborating with partners to support rural communities, and growing the Cycle Oregon Fund.

Schulz will usher Cycle Oregon into its 30th-anniversary year in 2017, strongly committed to advancing the organization’s mission of transforming lives and communities through bicycling.

“Growing up in rural Wyoming, I can relate to some of the challenges faced by the small communities of Oregon,” says Schulz. “I’m inspired by the opportunity for Cycle Oregon to provide economic support and help facilitate constructive,
COWE16p37 long-lasting change in these areas. We have an unbelievably committed staff, board, and group of volunteers, and I look forward to working with them to expand our impact through new offerings and stronger strategic partnerships.”

Graves will join her husband Jay Graves, former owner of the Bike Gallery, in managing their farm in rural Washington County, helping their family operate the Dayville Mercantile, and supporting the continuation of the Wallowa Lake Lodge.

“It has been an incredible honor to work with Cycle Oregon,” she says. “I look forward to supporting the team and the organization for many more miles in my new capacity.”


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6 Comments

  1. Sandy Little says:

    Congratulations Steve!

    Sandy

  2. Peter Koonce says:

    This is big news! Thanks to Alison for your leadership. Oregon is lucky to have people that care as much about their customers/participants/followers as they do about the communities that they (we) travel through. As an Oregonian, I am proud participant and look forward to the years to come.

  3. Steven Zlotowski says:

    Congratulations to both Steve and Alison

    Thanks for everything you do.

  4. lawrence winans says:

    I did my first Cycle Oregon ride in Sept 1994. Little did I know that it would be almost a yearly event for me for the next 25 years. I did miss a couple times along the way, but I made few summer rides to catch up, and get my sones and grand kids involved. Through the years CO became a fitness goal for me. Now that I am 80, I have slowed down a bit, but still in the saddle. wah hooo ! Thank you !

    A lot of credit goes to the mechanics at Bike Gallery, especially at the Beaverton store, who helped me wear out two Trek bikes and are keeping my third one going..

    Through the years one person seemed to stand out: Ingrid.Ingrid held things together quietly and without praise.

    I have joined the Biking Bunch for “senior” riders, Maybe you could do something with them like you have done for the women and wine ride this year.

    WELL DONE, and thank you Jonathon.
    Lar Winans

  5. Joy Beldin says:

    Alison, you are a champion all around. It has been such an honor to have been associated with you through CCC & CO, and, of course, riding and knowing Jay through years of Bike Gallery. I wish you both much happiness among the trees. I shall look forward to checking out Dayville Mercantile.

  6. Scott Pratt says:

    So I’m way behind but it’s never too late to congratulate Steve. He has certainly earned the leadership of this fine organization. He was my trainer for several years and I was sad when he was gone but my loss was many other’s gain. I know he is very busy right now so I hope that this little bit of encouragement will help him through these intense times.
    Have great rides.