This is the first in a series of Back to Basics that Bike Easy, and Staff will be sending out to reacquaint you with our team, our mission, and our programs.
Today, I will be telling you a little about myself, my history with Bike Easy, and my role in the organization.
5 years ago, I began my involvement with Bike Easy through our free Smart Biking Class. Afterwards, I became a Certified League Cycling Instructor and taught bike safety classes, and tabled at events with Bike Easy. In addition to teaching, I also volunteered at the Bike Valet, Bike Light Giveaways, and did Graphic Design work. In 2017, I received Bike Easy’s Volunteer of the Year Award, and continued to grow my commitment to the organization. A little over 2 years ago, I began working as the Program & Operations Manager. At the time I thought I had a pretty good grasp on Bike Easy’s programming, but to my surprise, I learned how much more they were doing for the community. My main role for the last couple years has been to support the programs and operations, and ensure everyone has what they need to meet their goals. That means a lot of back end work: processing invoices and checks, working with the Development Board, implementing processes to help run things more smoothly, prepping events, running staff retreats, updating and enforcing our brand guidelines, and so much more. It also means a very hands on approach with all the programs, which has given me a greater understanding of our impact.
Receiving the Bike Easy Volunteer of the Year Award – 2017
On October 1st, 2021 I was promoted to Deputy Director. Shortly after, I was asked to assume the role of Acting Executive Director. In this position, my role will be to guide the overall organizational strategy, oversee the implementation of all Bike Easy programs, bottom line our fundraising efforts, ensure sound administration of the organization, and serve as the public representative of the organization. All that is to say that I’m here to make sure we maintain the good work to make bicycling easy, safe and fun for everyone in Greater New Orleans, while we search for a permanent Executive Director.
As our organization grows and adapts through this transition, I’m confident our team will be able to pivot quickly, and respond to the needs of our community. We wouldn’t be able to do this without the support of so many individuals, and businesses that have chosen to partner with us. Whether you signed up for a Bike Easy Membership, sponsored one of our events, made monetary or in-kind donations to our organization, attended our events, or even shared one of our social media posts; your support has been invaluable for our growth. Thank you!
If you have any questions or ideas you would like to share about Bike Easy, please feel free to reach out to me. In the meantime, consider donating to Bike Easy to help us continue our mission to make bicycling easy, safe, and fun for everyone in Greater New Orleans! Stay tuned as we send more Back to Basics emails detailing our staff and programs in the next few weeks.
In gratitude,
Allene La Spina
Acting Executive Director
allene@bikeeasy.org