2018 CRCA Board Nominees and Personal Statements

Below is a list of the nominees for CRCA's 2018 Board and their personal statements:

PRESIDENT

Gabby Fisher

"This will be my second year running for CRCA President and the opportunity to continue to improve upon operational traction gained this past year.  Much of the Board's efforts in 2017 focused on looking under the hood at existing processes, an exercise which exposed gaps specifically around overall race procedures as well as alignment with external stakeholders.  

While we made strides in documentation and general approach to open + club racing, there is still room for improvement as evidenced by the main priorities from the 2017 CRCA member survey pain points: 

• Registration
• Scoring/results
• Marshaling
• CRCA site usability
• Improved alignment and collaboration with CPC + NYC Parks
• Increased engagement within the CRCA community

From a process perspective, my intention for 2018 is to bring the above to a scalable and sustainable fix so that future Board teams can continue to improve upon 2018 wins.

From a larger perspective, at the end of the day our goal is to deliver a product which will engage + encourage members in CRCA participation, CRCA community involvement, and continue provide excellent racing opportunities to our members.

If we can achieve our goals for 2018, I feel confident that we can build a solid platform which will allow us to scale overall delivery, product optimization, and continued iteration around what it means to be part of the CRCA."

VP OF RIDER DEVELOPMENT

Tara Parsons

"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.

As a veteran educator and cyclist, this is a role that I am well qualified for. I know what the coaching program entails, including the administrative work behind it. I hope to continue to improve our program to help keep our racers succeeding.

Over the last two years I have expanded the CRCA coaching staff, allowing a variety of diverse coaching viewpoints to help our membership. CRCA’s commitment to learning through its coaching program is an important one, and one that makes our club stand out from others. It is important to me that we uphold this tradition of having safe and skilled racers as well as strong racers."

VP OF RACING

Julius Quito

"Thrown in the fire in 2017. In 2018, now with less "learning" and will focus on more "doing". I want to continue streamlining the operations of the races and continue the CRCA's mission statement: to provide a safe and fun racing program in New York."

SECRETARY

Matt Vandivort

"Much to the chagrin of my wife I have decided to run for the CRCA Board again. What can I say, I love the CRCA."

TREASURER

Ken Edwards

[Personal statement to come.]

VP OF COMMUNICATIONS

Dan Goldberg

"Having served as the Communications Director in 2017, I've learned a lot about both the role and the club in general. There's certainly a learning curve when it comes to working effectively across the board and communicating with the community, and I'm now better equipped to handle these responsibilities going into 2018. But I've gained more than just experience this year. I've also heard feedback from the community regarding what does and doesn't work, and have begun planning ways to improve these areas. Some identified opportunities: weekly club activity emails that contain all upcoming events for that week so you're not left waiting until the day before a race or sorting through one off emails about individual topics; regular newsletters addressing larger topics in the community; better coordination with race directors to share race results as quickly as we can. Of course, there's always more we can do to improve our communication and I'm open to hearing from club members. I look forward to having the chance to be a part of the board again next year."

Jose Cortez

"As a proud member of the CRCA cycling community, I am your candidate for Communications Director, a role that intersects with my profession.  

I offer about 20 years of experience involving operations and communications, among other jurisdictions.  I am excited about taking a fresh look at CRCA's communications protocols and making sure that that members can easily obtain/digest relevant content pre-race and post-race.  In today's fast-moving world, communication is increasingly important, particularly to inspire existing members/teams and to motivate future members.

I am prepared to manage CRCA communications and will leverage my sub-team along the way, Fire Cycling Team.  My team has been riding together for about 10 years and we participate in local events where we have witnessed the need for clear and consistent communication."

PUBLIC RELATIONS DIRECTOR

Jeff Young

"After a great 2017, I'm excited for the opportunity to return to the board in 2018.  I plan to focus on continuing to develop relationships with our sponsors, donors, members and other stakeholders.  I look forward to continuing to preserve and further develop the club's reputation in 2018."

MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR

Randy Locklair

""Hey everyone!  My name is Randy Locklair, and I am the owner of hatchmap and Two Seconds Ahead (long live the Womens Development Series!) and your former membership director from 2015 and 2016.  Not only do I missing helping you all with everything membership related in our NYC racing community, but, there was a lot I wanted to improve on with the membership signin/check-in system back in '16 but being a new dad got in the way.  I'm ready to get back to work, and I hope you'll have me!  Lets have fun together in 2018, and also make signup, checkin, upgrades, and number pickup even easier."

MARSHAL DIRECTOR

Tony Pletcher

"I am a cat 2 road and cx racer and have been racing since 2009. Originally from Seattle, I moved to NYC in 2015 and have been a member of the CRCA since then. I hope to bring my love of Cycling into my running of my position on the board and strive to improve the working of the CRCA to enhance operations and make racing better for everyone in the club.

TEAMS

Lucia Deng

"Having served as Communications Director of CRCA for 3 years from 2013-2015, and as a board member of the New York State Bicycle Racing Association from 2014 to the present, as Women’s Rep and NYC rep, I bring a lot of relevant experience to the role of Director of Teams. I also have several years of experience, both as a member of a CRCA subteam, and as co-captain. Knowing what goes into running CRCA races and events, in combination with what goes into running a team, allows me to understand the obligations of both roles, and the pain points that both team managers and the CRCA board face with regard to team duties.

My primary objectives as Director of Teams will be to improve and streamline the team duty assignment process, focusing on the following:

1.       Redistribute the current points system to make it as fair as possible among all teams, while still ensuring that CRCA events have adequate staffing to run successfully to relieve pressure from race staff and the CRCA board.

2.       Improve transparency/communication with regard to the scope of what each team duty entails, and accurately disclose how much time/effort each task will require of a team, so that teams can plan ahead before committing to a task.

3.       Explore the option of assigning certain team duty obligations to members of CRCA who are not affiliated with a subteam in order to more evenly distribute the volunteer effort and participation/inclusiveness among the broader CRCA community, and relieve some of the burden from teams.

4.       Working with the entire CRCA board elect, especially the Directors of Open Racing and Club Racing, Director of Marshalls and Membership to coordinate the efforts described above in a way that makes sense and improves the club’s events overall and member satisfaction.

5.       Representing and serving as liaison with the team managers both in terms of communicating important information from CRCA BoD to the Teams and communicating feedback back from the Teams to CRCA leadership.

With my prior experience on CRCA and in the broader racing community, I am uniquely qualified to make improvements to the club through this role, as well as serve as a resource to the Board more generally. I look forward to being able to serve the Club and its members again in this new capacity as Director of Teams."

OPEN RACING DIRECTOR

Ted Teyber

"Ted Teyber was CRCA's 2016 & 2017 Director of Open Racing and is excited to return for another year to continue to improve CRCA's open races and the experience of members.  Ted's enthusiasm for cycling at all levels, as well as his experience as a land use and commercial real estate attorney provide an excellent tool-set for municipal and USAC permit applications, as well as promoting registration among regional racers.  Growing up in Southern California, Ted’s entree to cycling was mountain biking, and he was on the University of California Santa Barbara’s MTB team as an undergraduate.  Ted moved East for law school, and with the free time that became available upon graduating, became interested in road racing as an adrenaline substitute for the elevation and features of mountain biking the western states.  In addition to being a member of CRCA, Ted is a contributing member of IMBA, Transportation Alternatives, and Rails to Trails."

CRCA Board Meeting Minutes (2016/02/09)

CENTURY ROAD CLUB ASSOCIATIONMEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

February 9, 2016

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Century Road Club Association (the “CRCA”) held a duly noticed meeting on February 9, 2016 at the Donghia Gallery on the 3rd Floor of 25 East 13th Street, New York, New York.

The meeting was called to order by Alexis Kraft, President of the Board, at approximately 7:00 PM.

The following members of the Board, constituting a quorum of the Board, were present:

• Alexis Kraft – President
• Gabrielle Fisher – Vice President, Racing
• Tara Parsons – Vice President, Rider Development
• Fred David – Secretary
• Ken Edwards – Treasurer
• Randy Locklair – Membership Director
• David Wen Riccardi-Zhu – Communications Director
• Tomi Ketcham – Marshal Director
• Ted Teyber – Director of Open Racing

1. COMMUNICATIONS WITH MEMBERS

The Board discussed communications with the CRCA’s members, including the need to communicate that marshals at Grant’s Tomb and Orchard Beach will receive only one marshal credit this year (compared with the two credits received in past years) and potential replacements or improvements to the current system for e-mailing members.

2. GRANT’S TOMB

Ted Teyber provided an update on preparations for the Grant’s Tomb Criterium, which is scheduled for March 12, including the need to assign certain related tasks to subteams as part of their team duties. The Board also discussed finding one or two food trucks to come to the race to serve food and drinks to racers and spectators.

Mr. Teyber also reported that a title sponsor had not yet been secured for the race and the Board discussed potential options to secure a sponsor.

3. MEMBERSHIP

Randy Locklair provided an update regarding membership enrollment, which is currently trending flat relative to last year’s enrollment figures.

The Board determined that the new member referral program would not be renewed for 2016 as it was not clear the program had a significant impact on bringing in new members.

The Board also discussed the planned number pick-up social event, which is expected to be held at Veselka in the East Village, with the time and date to be finalized and communicated to members in the next couple of weeks.

4. COACHING

Tara Parsons provided an update on race clinics and information sessions, including timing. One race clinic is expected to be held in April with a second to follow in May or June on a race weekend after the New York Cycle Club’s SIG series has ended to allow SIG participants interested in joining the CRCA to participate.

The Board also determined that, in keeping with past practice, the CRCA would not reimburse new coaches for the cost of USAC coaching clinics, but would continue to reimburse coaches for the cost of their USAC coaching licenses.

5. CLUB RACING

Gabrielle Fisher provided an update on preparations for 2016 club races, including a review of all tasks required to be completed before the first club race on March 5. Topics discussed included updates on the status of the process of obtaining requisite permits from the New York City Parks Department and USA Cycling and race-day staff.

6. TREASURY / FINANCIAL

Ken Edwards provided an update on the status of the CRCA’s financial position. The update include a discussion of the CRCA’s available cash, the current revenue from membership enrollment (which is currently trending down compared to 2015) and Grant’s Tomb registration (which is currently trending at a level roughly equivalent to past races), the importance of finding additional donor members, and a discussion of ways to generate new members for the CRCA (including via recruiting members from other local bike clubs and teams).

Mr. Edwards also provided an update regarding the CRCA’s 2014 state and federal tax returns, including a continuing dispute with the IRS regarding the application of a 2013 overpayment to the CRCA’s 2014 tax obligation.

Mr. Edwards reported that the CRCA’s 2015 tax returns were in the process of being prepared and would be filed on time, and that the CRCA’s 2015 financial statements would be presented at the Board’s next meeting.

7. NYSBRA Grants and Applications

The Board determined that Fred David would work with 2015 CRCA president Liz Marcello to prepare the CRCA’s request for grants from the NYSBRA.

8. WEBSITE UPDATE

The Board determined that the “Forum” section of the CRCA’s website would be removed, as it was rarely used and generated a significant amount of spam.

The Board also discussed creating a “technology committee” to consider potential changes to the CRCA’s website and the backend admin system. No decision was reached on the topic and the Board will consider the matter at its next meeting.

9. SPRING SERIES

Alexis Kraft informed the Board that while a promoter had secured dates to host New York City Spring Series races in Central Park in 2016 (after the Spring Series was cancelled in 2015), the promoter decided not to host the Spring Series this year, and so the Spring Series would not be held in 2016.

10. OPEN RACING

Mr. Teyber informed the Board that a title sponsor had likely been secured for the Orchard Beach Criterium.

Mr. Teyber also informed the Board that due to a scheduling conflict on the part of the New York City Parks Department, the Orchard Beach Criterium would be held on May 15, not May 14 as previously planned.

11. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 9:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted, Fred David, Secretary

CRCA Board Meeting Minutes (2016/01/12)

CENTURY ROAD CLUB ASSOCIATIONMEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

January 12, 2016

The Board of Directors (the “Board”) of the Century Road Club Association (the “CRCA”) held a duly noticed meeting on January 12, 2016 at the Donghia Gallery on the 3rd Floor of 25 East 13th Street, New York, New York.

The meeting was called to order by Alexis Kraft, President of the Board, at approximately 7:00 PM.

The following members of the Board, constituting a quorum of the Board, were present:

• Alexis Kraft – President
• Gabrielle Fisher – Vice President, Racing
• Tara Parsons – Vice President, Rider Development
• Fred David – Secretary
• Ken Edwards – Treasurer
• Russ Bogin – Public Relations Director
• Randy Locklair – Membership Director
• David Wen Riccardi-Zhu – Communications Director
• Ted Teyber – Director of Open Racing
• Robert Rakowitz – Director of Teams

Also present were the following former members of the Board:

• Liz Marcello
• David Carr
• Lucia Deng
• Joe Grgic

1. WELCOME

Alexis Kraft welcomed the Board and thanked the outgoing Board members for their contributions to the CRCA.

2. MEMBERSHIP

Randy Locklair provided an update regarding the logistics for opening membership registration. The Board identified a target launch date of January 26.

The Board discussed continuing the new member referral program and potential changes to the program. Under the program, as in effect for the 2015 season, CRCA members who recruit a new member to the club received a $15 discount on the entry fee for a 2015 open race hosted by the CRCA. The Board discussed the need to better define the program’s requirements and to better publicize the program. The Board did not vote on the matter and will readdress the topic in a future meeting.

The Board also discussed the proposals for distributing race numbers, including a number pick-up social event, distribution to sub-team captains and mailings.

3. CLUB RACING

Gabrielle Fisher provided an update on preparations for 2016 club races, including updates on the status of the process of obtaining requisite permits from the New York City Parks Department and USA Cycling, staffing, and other related logistics.

4. GRANTS TOMB

Joe Grgic provided an update on preparations for the Grants Tomb Criterium, which is tentatively scheduled for March 12, including updates on the status of the process of obtaining requisite permits from the New York City Parks Department, USA Cycling, the New York Police Department and the New York City Fire Department and other related logistics.

5. OPEN RACING

Joe Grgic and Ted Teyber provided a brief update on preparations for the Orchard Beach Criterium and the Bear Mountain Classic.

TREASURY / FINANCIAL

Ken Edwards provided a brief update on the status of the CRCA’s financial position and concluded that there was no need to change the pricing model for membership and club races.

7. SPONSORSHIP OUTLOOK

Russ Bogin provided an update on the outlook for obtaining sponsorships for the CRCA and its races. The Board discussed the importance of locating additional sponsors.

8. SPRING SERIES

Liz Marcello informed the Board that the New York City Spring Series would be returning in 2016 after being cancelled in 2015 and that the CRCA would be lending equipment to the new promoter of the Spring Series.

9. COACHING

Tara Parsons provided an update on the 2016 coaching sessions and discussed adding Karl Rahn to the coaching program.

10. MARSHAL CREDIT FOR OUTGOING MEMBERS

Upon motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted that outgoing 2015 Board members would have a one-year relief of marshaling duty as a recognition of their contributions to the club as past board members.

11. ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at approximately 8:00 PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Fred David, Secretary