Thunderhead Alliance Seeks Executive Director to Strengthen and Broadcast Growing Local Voices…

In a recent press release, Thunderhead Alliance Seeks Executive Director to Strengthen and Broadcast Growing Local Voices for Better Biking and Walking to National Leaders.

The Board of Directors of the Thunderhead Alliance, the national coalition of state and local
bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations, announces that it is in search of an executive director to lead this growing and dynamic organization. Since 1997, the Thunderhead Alliance has worked to unite local advocates to break down the barriers to safe bicycling and walking. The organization started as a loose federation of the leaders of 25 bicycle and pedestrian advocacy groups across the U.S. and has grown to become a go-to resource for people looking to promote and improve walking and bicycling in their community.

The Board of Directors is moving the organization in a new direction that will boost its stature, and the stature of its member-advocates, and importance of biking and walking at the national level, while maintaining Thunderhead’s role as a resource for advocates. Now, with local advocacy organizations established throughout the U.S. and Canada, the Thunderhead Alliance will take its collective strength to the next level and broadcast the widespread support for non-motorized transport to national leaders, funders and decision makers. It will work with members and national partners to build strong coalitions that will fight for increased funding and stronger policies to increase walking and bicycling. Thunderhead will strive to expand its funding base and grow its networks and their connections. As the debate over reauthorization of the federal transportation bill has already begun, this effort is more important than ever. Thunderhead will continue to unite local advocates and conduct capacity building among nascent organizations and those who want to know how to get started, for this is the foundation for translating local interest into policy change at the local and national levels.

The Alliance Board is seeking an executive director to lead the organization who possesses a strong
commitment to Thunderhead’s mission and goals, will work with staff to empower local advocates, build coalitions and partnerships, employ diverse advocacy approaches and techniques, increase federal funding for biking and walking and raise significant funds to achieve these goals. The new director will work with the board and Thunderhead staff to carryout a transition plan to ensure strong continuity in the organization and amongst our members, funders and partners.

Since 2002, Sue Knaup has served as the executive director of the Thunderhead Alliance and has worked long and hard to grow the bicycling and walking movement on the local level in U.S. and Canada. The Board of Directors expresses its deep appreciation to Sue for her hard work, dedication and commitment in fulfilling the goals of the organization, for developing it into a strong, independent voice for local advocacy groups in North America and for fostering the work we all believe in. During her tenure, the organization expanded staff, funding sources and programs and helped form new local bike and pedestrian advocacy organizations around the country. We know so many members treasure Sue, and the board hopes that she will continue to play an important role in advancing the cause of bicycling and walking.

Please check the Thunderhead Alliance website for application information, http://www.thunderheadalliance.org). If you have any questions about the position or the transition, please contact:
Noah S. Budnick

Chair, Board of Directors

Thunderhead Alliance

c/o Transportation Alternatives

127 West 26th Street, Suite 1002

New York, NY 10001

646-873-6022

Sincerely,

The Board of Directors of the Thunderhead Alliance
To download a copy of the job announcement, please click here