On behalf of the Board of Cycling BC and the entire organization I’m writing to you today with some exciting news.
Over the past 10 weeks, the Board of Directors for Cycling BC has been diligently working on a succession plan that should shape the sport in our province for the next several years. What started out as honest self-reflection by current and outgoing Executive Director Richard Wooles has turned into a tremendous opportunity for us as a sport.
Richard had always planned to concentrate more on developing riders and working on the pathway from schools to cycling groups. Richard decided that in order to remain true to himself and to remain connected to his passions that he would need to cede some responsibility within Cycling BC in order to see the sport, the organization and himself grow. Working with Richard, we as a board took the news and began the definition and executive search process locally, provincially and nationally for our next Executive Director. Through this process we identified Jim Richards, whom I’m pleased to state has agreed to become our next leader.
Jim will be taking over responsibilities from Richard who will be transitioning to that sport dedicated role. Jim comes to us with an extensive background in large scale event management and has been leading high performing teams and managing successful projects around the world for the past 20 years. Most recently as the Senior Director of three highly visible pan-Canadian events, Jim delivered stakeholder relations, marketing partnerships, and resource management programs to obtain remarkable results for Vancouver 2010, The Rick Hansen Foundation, and Bell Let’s Talk.
Jim comes to us practising the philosophy of ‘sport for life’. He hikes, runs and rides the north shore trails and has competed in multiple fondos, triathlons, and recently completed his first cross race, so understands the joy of competition and the importance of personal goal setting. He also believes we have the ability to change the mental and physical health of our society through sport, but it requires leadership, champions and alignment. We are pleased that Jim will be leading this charge for Cycling BC.
It is my belief that this combination of Jim and Richard along with your continued support will provide us great opportunities for success.
Please join me in welcoming Jim to the organization. As always should you have any comments, questions or feedback I’m available at your convenience.
Respectfully,
