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For more information, contact: Former Congressional Aide Named Bicycle Coalition of Maine Director Augusta - Allison Vogt, a former aide to Congressman Tom Allen who now directs a conservation organization in the Southeastern U.S., has been named as the new executive director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. "An outstanding field of more than 30 candidates applied for the position, and we are thrilled that Allison has accepted," said John Balicki, president of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine's board of directors. "She brings management experience, fresh ideas and enthusiasm." Vogt (pronounced VOTE) noted that the Bicycle Coalition of Maine (BCM) draws people with a wide range of interests, including bike commuters, leisure riders, racers, club members, teachers who promote bicycle safety and those who ride for exercise and health. "Working together as a diverse coalition," she said, "we can build on the organization's remarkable success and continue to effectively and creatively pursue BCM's mission of bicycle safety, education and access in Maine." Vogt, 30, has a bachelor of science degree in biology from the University of Notre Dame and a master's in ecology from the University of Georgia. She served as a legislative assistant to Rep. Allen (D-Maine) in his Washington, D.C. office in 2005-2006. "I served as staff for Congressman Allen on environmental issues, particularly those affecting Maine's coast and fisheries," said Vogt. She traveled throughout Maine's first congressional district and worked closely with the state's conservation organizations. Since 2006, Vogt has been the executive coordinator of the East Gulf Coastal Plain Joint Venture based in Auburn, Alabama. She coordinates the efforts of state and federal partners in six Southeastern states to further conservation of bird species and habitats. She helped lead the organization through a period of formative growth, developed and implemented fundraising strategies and lobbied at the federal level. Vogt will start work at the Bicycle Coalition of Maine in July. She will participate in the Maine Bike Rally and League of American Bicyclists' National Rally on July 11-13 in Fryeburg. She and her husband, Dan Thornhill, plan to live in the Brunswick area and he will work at Bowdoin College. Jeffrey Miller, BCM's executive director for 12 years, left the organization in April to take a new position as president and chief executive officer of the Thunderhead Alliance, the North American coalition of state and regional bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organizations. Vogt said she's eager to explore Maine by bike. "Building on the core values that have defined BCM since 1992, I am eager to lead this organization in new and creative ways for the long-term benefit of Maine's biking community," she said. Formed in 1992, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine is working to make Maine accessible and safe for all residents and visitors so they may comfortably and responsibly bicycle. The BCM also promotes bicycling for transportation, health, recreation and fun to enhance our communities, environment and economy. # # #
Better Bicycling in Maine Since 1992 |