CRCA Board elections for the 2025 board will open tomorrow, November 26th, at 7:30am! All members should have an email from Election Buddy that will direct you to the voting system. We have no contested positions this year. Below are the candidate statements:
CRCA BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATE STATEMENTS
President
Stephanie Luff:
A bit about me:
I’m a scientist, cat mom, and type 2 fun enthusiast. I started racing bikes in 2021 and I’m proud to now represent Dave Jordan Racing. I served on the board as Membership Director in 2023, but took a year off to allow myself space to do more thinking than acting, and to have the time and capacity to speak with those in the community about what they want from our club.
My motivation for running:
Over the last year, I’ve come to realize there is an abundance of great ideas on how to support and grow both the club and broader racing community within New York City, but not the right infrastructure to funnel the energy into action. I am running for President in hopes that I can change that. I sincerely believe that CRCA is the most important part of our racing scene. The club serves cyclists at every stage of their racing journey: it’s a launchpad for new racers to join a community and learn new skills, a comfortable environment for developing riders to hone their race craft, and a playground for advanced racers to practice carefully crafted plans before going to bigger events. I believe we can work together to keep the club thriving, and I know a lot of you are as invested in the club’s future as I am.
Why I think I’m a good fit for President:
I listen first, then act. I view situations from the perspective of all parties involved. I welcome feedback and analyze it without taking offense. I surround myself with people who know more than I do, because one person can’t have all the answers. Lastly, as road racing continues to evolve and compete for the attention of other disciplines and related activities, the club needs to adapt to survive. I have the time, energy, and desire to work towards that.
Vice President of Rider Development
Tara Parsons (incumbent):
I have been a CRCA member since 1997 and a CRCA coach since 2011. I was an active racer between 1995-2005, and a few years later I began coaching. I love bike racing, and I love helping others to love bike racing.
During my time as a rider and later as a coach, I’ve had the opportunity to work with other amazing coaches—they’ve made the CRCA coaching program what it is today: one of the best club-level coaching programs there is. These coaches have been a true inspiration to me, and I enjoy helping CRCA continue its legacy of developing strong and skilled riders that have included racers who have gone on to become professionals and even Olympians.
As a board member for CRCA for nine years, as well as a veteran educator and cyclist, VP of Rider Development is a role that I know well. I am familiar with the scheduling and admin work with USA Cycling and I also know what’s needed to improve our program to keep our racers succeeding, including strengthening the opportunities in our Development race fields.
I am looking forward to the continued challenge and the opportunity of serving the CRCA community in the position of VP of Rider Development.
Vice President of Racing
Maria-Cristina Gallagher:
I began riding in 2020, mostly as a way to get outside during the pandemic. A year later, I joined NYCC Racing’s nascent women’s team and completed my first race in Central Park. After four years of racing and heading the women’s team, I would like to dedicate my time in a more formal capacity to the broader cycling community. For many riders, the CRCA series is their introduction to racing. For others, it is the core of their season, as it is for me. Regardless of where riders are in their trajectory, we all deserve a welcoming, responsive, and fair racing community. As VP of Club Racing, I would be committed to fostering such an environment and welcoming new riders.
Secretary
Leslie Burnett:
Hi, I’m Les! Cycling and racing enrich my life with so much joy, and I love finding opportunities to pay that feeling forward through acts of service in our community.
CRCA is a known changemaker in cycling – standing for diversity, equity, and inclusion in our sport – and upon completing my first racing season, I’m eager to support us all by joining the Board in 2025! I’m proudly bringing my energy and passion to stand as your new Secretary, in a much more expanded and diverse capability beyond what’s listed in the usual job description.
Since June, I’ve hosted 18+ WTF community rides in Prospect Park. This weekly event boasts an upbeat, popular following, offering new and returning athletes a relaxed, inclusive space promoting goals that align with CRCA’s philosophy. We enjoy a consistent social workout, make friends, find riding partners, share goals, discuss development opportunities, and mutually bolster each other’s growth and learning. As unaffiliated and novice riders express interest to join teams and begin racing, we extend ideas and insights to guide their pursuits. We’re helping break down the mental and social barriers endemic to most organized sports – that sports are only for a particular type of person.
This summer, I launched a pay-what-you-wish online platform for circulating new and used gear to other riders at accessible pricing. To help cyclists save time and money plus build confidence, I advertise that I’ll teach people basic mechanical skills for maintaining their own bikes. I provide graphic design and branding services to small, queer, and WTFNB-owned businesses in the local bike community in trade for their services. As well, I’ve recently begun volunteering as a Rapha Women’s Ride Leader.
My interest in being an advocate for the safe and fair participation of WTFNB athletes has increased as I witness negative behaviors and commentary occurring in the broader racing scene. There’s a direct correlation between this issue and registration, effectively lowering attendance and discouraging cyclists from gaining unique race exposure. Thankfully, this problem does not occur within CRCA communications or events, allowing us to focus on bettering ourselves in the sport. Alongside CRCA’s equitable pricing structure and an unwavering commitment to consistently provide a Women’s Development field, we maintain a very well-respected legacy for all members feeling welcome and protected.
For me, success in this role is not just about scheduling meetings, keeping records, and publishing agendas. I will directly support and positively impact all members of the Board, in a multitude of ways that genuinely benefit from every single transferrable skill that I possess. Whether it’s Communications, Content, Bookkeeping, or Membership, I have everything to offer in terms of interest to grow and tenacity to find solutions. The true, lasting measure of how I plan to expand my value in CRCA this year will ultimately be proven in how my presence is seen as indispensable to our members, as well as my enthusiastic continuation to elevate my contribution through various leadership titles over multiple seasons of service.
My organization skills and diplomacy combined with already being well-connected throughout our environment reinforce me as the best candidate. I’ll personally continue to invite a diverse constituency into the club and seek out current members’ voices to aid in community support. I’ll increase visibility for the incredible free training resources and benefits that come with club membership, and I’ll collaboratively develop more such offerings with all Board members that reflect our racers’ needs. Importantly, I’ll continue to personally seek to inspire and support more women, trans, and non-binary individuals to take up racing with us, because a more diverse membership enriches our community and sets an example for future athletes to see themselves represented in the peloton.
Serving this Board in all possible ways will be an immense privilege for me, as I’m committed to investing in this organization and its members for growth both within and beyond the sport. LET’S GO!
With gratitude, Les
Treasurer
Michael Thompson:
My name is Michael Thompson. I've been a CRCA member for two years, affiliated with NYCC Racing. I love racing in Central Park and am eager to volunteer my time to help CRCA continue to thrive. Professionally, I work in corporate finance with expertise in budgeting, financial reporting, board meetings, insurance, and other corporate matters. I believe these skills will translate well to fulfilling the duties of Treasurer. Thank you for your consideration!
Public Relations Director
Sarah Chubb-Sauvayre (incumbent):
I would like to be considered once again for the role of Club Director of Public Relations for the 2025 season.
In 2023 I joined the CRCA Board for the first time. I've been a CRCA racing member for many years, but I've learned a lot about the club, especially how much it takes to keep all of the elements of a member-driven organization running smoothly. I am hoping to bring in more sponsors, with more benefits for members, in 2024.
Please let me know if you have any questions, and thank you for your consideration.
Membership Director
Carlos Petricioli:
I have been actively involved in the bike racing community for the past ten years, during which time I have developed a deep connection to the sport and its people. Since my first club race five years ago, I have not only grown as a competitor but also engaged with various aspects of the community, always aiming to foster a welcoming and enthusiastic atmosphere.
My motivation for running for the Membership Director role comes from a genuine desire to give back to the community that, for many of us, has become a second family. I believe I am a good fit for this position. I am especially committed to supporting a more diverse membership base, helping the club continue to grow while maintaining that sense of belonging and connection we all value.
Communications Director
Jennifer Poirier (Incumbent):
Hello CRCA friends! I would like to self-nominate again for the position of Communications Director for 2025. After serving as Communications Director for the past year, I have decided I would like to continue to volunteer for this great organization.
For those of you who don’t know me, I have been racing with CRCA since 2013 (most recently with Rockstar Games) and you may have also heard my GCN-worthy commentary over the past few years at Grant’s Tomb Criterium. I truly appreciate the sense of community and friendship that CRCA has given to me, and I would like the opportunity to give back to the organization by volunteering for this role. For qualifications, I am excited to offer my day job skills (which unfortunately is not bike racing) to improve our communication strategies in a way that is both professional and engaging. I believe that with clear and informative communication we can keep our members up-to-date and involved, which will lead to a better CRCA experience for all. I am excited about the possibility of making a positive impact on the club and I hope you will consider me. Thank you!
Marshal Director
Arihant Kalidindi:
Hey everyone! With me being pretty new to the NYC cycling scene, you might not know me very well. I moved here in 2022 for med school and instantly fell in love with the racing out here - as an outsider, I had no idea NYC had this much! That being said, I’ve been a strong supporter of CRCA since my first season here and would love to start to give back to the community by working in a leadership position.
As much as there is to love about racing in the city, there’s a lot that can and needs to be improved. Every year, another race series is threatened with stricter regulations from parks, rising costs, diminished interest, and more. Citi bikers and other park users getting caught up in the sprint finishes of our park races is something that should never happen, but it seems to happen every week now. I myself attended to an ex-CRCA racer, now leisurely park rider, when he was clipped in the joggers lane in a sprint and went down, injuring his back. I would like to employ better marshal training for prevention by collaborating with the parks department to create very clear guidelines for what marshals should do in specific circumstances regarding regular park users; as it stands, it’s often unclear. Sharing parks during a race will always be tricky, but we need to make it happen for the safety of ourselves and other park users.
Whether it be me, or anyone else who ends up in this position helping bring about this change, I hope for a safer, more assured future for CRCA racing.
Director of Open Racing
No Nominations
Director of Teams
Sarah Sanborn:
Hi. My name is Sarah Sanborn and I was your friendly neighborhood Teams Director in 2024 and would like to nominate myself for the role again in 2025. I've been a member of CRCA since 2021 and a member of All.Ways Racing since 2020. Before that I was a runner, but let's not talk about those dark days. As Teams Director I've loved getting to know the many faces and teams of CRCA as we worked together to put on a race season. If elected, I look forward to working with the community to create a fun and successful 2025.
Director of Advocacy
Mitchell Napolitano:
Vote for Mitchell Napolitano for Director of Advocacy! As a board member since 2019 (Treasurer) and a member since 2016, I have the experience to lead CRCA effectively as Director of Advocacy. I am dedicated to expanding access to cycling for all members, advocating for safer riding conditions in Central Park, and fostering a welcoming and inclusive club environment. My passion for cycling and deep understanding of the CRCA make me the ideal candidate to represent your interests and ensure the club thrives. With your support, I will work tirelessly to make CRCA the best cycling club in New York City.
