With the recent rebranding, Ride Illinois set out to position itself for significant organizational growth. To facilitate this growth, and expand our advocacy and programmatic capacity, a reorganization of management roles has been established.

Under the direction of our 14-member governance board, a new leadership structure went into effect at the start of 2016. Ed Barsotti, Executive Director since 2001, was appointed Chief Programs Officer. In this role, Ed will continue to oversee advocacy, education, and bike planning efforts, as well as the Illinois Bike Summit and Grand Illinois Trail and Parks Bike Tour.

Tania Sebastian was appointed Chief Operations Officer, heading Ride Illinois. She will oversee membership and development, marketing and communications, budgeting, and personnel. Tania will also collaborate closely with Ed on education and event programming.

Tania, who has over ten years of experience in the nonprofit sector, started with Ride Illinois as Marketing Director in early 2014. In her two year tenure as Marketing Director, Tania led the organization through the rebranding project, increased membership and corporate sponsorship, and expanded the organization’s marketing and communications efforts.

“I’m excited and honored to take on this new role for Ride Illinois and have the opportunity to build on the current momentum and long history of the organization,” said Tania. “Ed has done an incredible job over the past 15 years of advancing our mission and helping many communities around the state become bike-friendly. I look forward to working with Ed in this new structure to further expand these efforts, build our membership and support, and grow our organization so that we can influence better bicycling conditions throughout the state.”

“This is a very positive change for the future growth of Ride Illinois, and I have full confidence in Tania and our staff,” said Ed. “The opportunity to dedicate my focus on planning, programs, and advocacy makes me both personally happy and has inspired my vision for a better, more bike-friendly state.”