(Portland, ME) August 20, 2024 – The Bicycle Coalition of Maine (BCM) announces the search for an executive director. As the only statewide organization dedicated to making Maine better and safer for biking and walking, the BCM seeks an energetic and strategic executive director to guide the organization. The full job posting and information on how to apply can be found at www.bikemaine.org/jobs
The search for a new executive director follows the announcement that, after five years at the helm of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, Jean Sideris will step down from the role later this year. She will leave Maine in October to provide caretaking for her parents in Colorado. The Coalition will miss her greatly, but appreciates the importance of taking time to be with and support family.
“I have greatly enjoyed my time at the BCM and it is a difficult decision to leave, but I feel compelled to take a break from my life in Maine to move out to Colorado and help my family,” said Sideris. “I am proud of the work we have done over the past five years, including reaching every county in Maine with our education programming and launching new education services. Our advocacy team has worked tirelessly to make biking and walking safer and more accessible by helping communities calm traffic in village centers, supporting traffic safety efforts like Vision Zero, and calling for greater investments in trails and active transportation.”
Sideris started at the Bicycle Coalition of Maine in late February 2020, just a few weeks before Covid-19 lockdowns shut down event after event and changed the way we engage with the world. At the same time, we saw the ‘bike boom’ inspiring new and returning cyclists from all walks of life. Since then, the Coalition has continued to see the demand for our education work grow, including new additions such as Urban Riding classes and Fix-a-Bike clinics.
Over the past several years, the Coalition has been integral in passing bills to ban handheld devices while driving, invest in trails, and establish an e-bike rebate program. We supported regional efforts in the Greater Portland, Bangor-area, and Kittery to lean into Vision Zero goals to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries. We have been involved with movements to convert unused rail corridors to trails and stop short-sighted highway expansion projects.
“The Bicycle Coalition of Maine has accomplished much in its 32-year history of improving biking and walking across the state,,” said Kierie Piccininni, Board President of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. “We will deeply miss Jean’s leadership. As we embark on this leadership transition, our mission remains vital to Maine. As always, our board, staff, volunteers, and members are what make our work possible.”
The full job posting and information on how to apply can be found at www.bikemaine.org/jobs
The Executive Director (ED) will be responsible for the overall management of the organization, including the Coalition’s brand and reputation, programs, finances, fundraising, human resources, and day-to-day management and operations. In partnership with the Board of Directors, the ED will provide oversight and steward the organization’s strategic direction. The Executive Director will ensure a highly skilled staff carry out the mission and vision of the organization.
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The Bicycle Coalition of Maine works to make Maine a better and safer place to bike, walk, and roll. Founded in 1992, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine has grown into the leading bicycle and pedestrian advocacy group in the state. The Coalition believes all Mainers should have access to bikes and bike education, and we envision a future where Maine’s roads, public ways, and trails are safe and accessible, resulting in cleaner travel options, improved health, and stronger economic benefits for Maine communities.