Bike SLO County’s Board of Directors has selected Mike Bennett to take over Executive Director responsibilities from Interim Executive Director and Board of Directors Treasurer Tyler Wertenbruch.
“I am grateful that the Bike SLO County Board has given me the opportunity to lead the exceptional Bike SLO County team. Our staff, members, and volunteers have, for 15 years, been making significant contributions to the quality of life within San Luis Obispo County. I hope to help them continue to grow the organization and to make the local transportation environment safer and more enjoyable for cyclists and non-cyclists alike,” said Bennett.
“Mike’s extensive leadership experience along with his passion and knowledge of cycling are the perfect match for Bike SLO County” said Chris McBride, Bike SLO County Board President. “Under his guidance we look forward to expanding our advocacy and educational programs that support community members and bicycles.”
Bennett, a Templeton resident, graduated from Cal Poly in 1989, having been an active member of the Cal Poly Wheelmen and Velo Club San Luis throughout the four years he spent in SLO. He subsequently spent 24 years as an officer and aviator in the United States Marine Corps and several years as a professional bike mechanic. While in the Marine Corps, Mike earned a MA in National Defense and Strategic Studies at the United States Naval War College in Newport Rhode Island and completed multiple overseas combat deployments. He is looking forward to employing his leadership and cycling experience while representing the interests of the County cycling community.
Mike will be in Bike SLO County’s Bike Kitchen (860 Pacific St, Suite 105, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401) from Noon – 1:30 p.m. on Saturday January 28 for a meet & greet with anyone who wants to stop in. There will be coffee, donuts and other refreshments. The public is invited stop in, say hi and get to know the new Executive Director. Bring your bike and Mike will even clean your chain!
Bike SLO County is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life in SLO County through bicycle advocacy, education and inspiration. For more information about the work of Bike SLO County, please visit bikeslocounty.org or Facebook at facebook.com/BikeSLOCounty.