Allison Vogt Hired As Bicycle Coalition of Maine's Director

Allison Vogt, a former aide to Congressman Tom Allen who now directs a conservation organization in the Southeastern U.S., has been chosen as the new executive director of the Bicycle Coalition of Maine. Vogt (pronounced VOTE) will start work in July.

"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 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 and her husband, Dan Thornhill, wanted to move to Maine because of its natural beauty and many opportunities for outdoor recreation. He will teach biology at Bowdoin College and conduct research in marine ecology at the Coastal Studies Center on Orr's Island. They plan to live in the Brunswick area.

Vogt said she's eager to explore Maine by bike. "I love to hop on my bike to get a gallon of milk and to run errands," she said. "I look forward to meeting and hearing from BCM members about ways that the staff and I can continue to serve their needs. 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."

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