FROM DEB SALLS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

I am writing to tell you about a new adventure I am going to embark on and upcoming transitions at Bike Works. I have accepted the Executive Director position at Social Venture Partners MN. After nearly 10 years at Bike Works, I will return to Minneapolis where my family is, to work with community-minded philanthropists providing grants and support to youth-serving organizations to build capacity and impact.

I feel so blessed to have been here at Bike Works for all these years working with amazing staff, board, supporters, volunteers, and community partners. We have accomplished so much together. This was simultaneously a difficult and easy decision for me. It is difficult because it is hard to leave such a great organization, with social justice-driven staff, engaged board members, and supporters that are dedicated to doing great work in the community. It is easy because I know Bike Works is poised to do even more wonderful things in the future. We have passed our racial equity-focused strategic plan for 2021 – 2025, which we will share with our community soon. And despite the challenges of this year, Bike Works has thrived in 2020, which is an accomplishment we can all be proud of. I have learned a lot in my time in this role. I have immense gratitude for being given a chance to grow as a leader, and to help expand the capacity of our organization.

FROM MARCOS FRANCO, BOARD CHAIR

I want to wholeheartedly congratulate Deb for 10 years of dedication, service, and leadership to Bike Works as well as the South Seattle community. There is no doubt that the work she has done has had an impact on countless lives and furthered the Bike Works vision. Certainly, SVP Minnesota has acquired an asset—her knowledge, leadership, and warmth will be missed.

Deb, we wish you the best of luck! It gives me great pleasure, on behalf of the entire Executive Committee, to appoint Ed Ewing as the Interim Executive Director of Bike Works as Deb departs. Ed’s commitment to social justice, strategic thinking, and passion for the organization have shined through his work as Deputy Director. He has shown he holds himself to the highest standards through his work on the Bike Works Racial Equity Commitment Statement and the 2021-2015 Strategic Plan over the last three months.

I am confident with Ed at the helm, a brilliant staff behind him, a dedicated board, and a passionate network of supporters, we are heading in the right direction. Deb’s last day will be January 5th, and we will finalize Ed’s transition from Interim Executive Director to Executive Director by the end of that month. I am looking forward to all the great work we’ll do together in the coming year.

FROM ED EWING, DEPUTY DIRECTOR

I am very excited and honored to be appointed Interim Executive Director of Bike Works! I want to thank Deb Salls, the Bike Works staff, the Board of Directors, and our committed supporters and community members for your confidence in my leadership and abilities. My career, my work in diverse communities, and my tenure in the cycling community, has prepared me for this role. It is an extreme pleasure to be working for an organization so deeply committed to racial equity, and with a talented staff who share a passion for building resilient communities. I will meet challenges with an innovative, authentic, visionary, and collaborative approach to inspire team members and community partners. I believe in strong community partnerships, building positive, authentic relationships, and leading with a collective voice. I feel blessed to be working for such an amazing organization.

Looking forward to 2021 and beyond,

Deb Salls
Marcos Franco
Ed Ewing

Now there’s Patch it Forward!

Not having access to the tools or knowledge to fix a flat is a significant barrier to your neighbors who rely on their bikes. You can be the difference between a neighbor getting where they need to go or being stranded with a flat.

#PatchitForward Means

Giving Self-Reliance & Confidence

#PatchitForward means celebrating the power learning to fix a flat. This is one of the first things taught in our classrooms because it builds confidence. It shows that you are capable of biking to wherever your legs can take you with the assurance that you can make it home again.

Promoting Sustainability

#PatchitForward keeps otherwise usable parts on the road and out of the trash. Rather than a one way path from department store to landfill, a patching a tube keeps useful things working as long as possible.

Being a part of something

#PatchitForward shows the importance of community. Help prevent someone from getting stranded by giving the tools and knowledge to fix their flat. It’s not about how much you give, it’s about being a part of something bigger than yourself.

“At Bike Works, one of the first skills we teach in any class is how to fix a flat tire. It may sound simple, but knowing how to patch a tube and replace a tire goes a long way towards feeling empowered and confident on the road.”

Shawna Williams

Make a gift in support of Bike Works programs & keep your neighbors rolling!

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