Aug. 16, 2019 (PORTLAND, Maine) – It is with a mix of sadness and appreciation that the Bicycle Coalition of Maine announces Executive Director John Williams’ retirement.
“We are grateful to John for making the Coalition a more inclusive organization, one that recognizes all types of cycling,” says BCM Board of Directors President Pamela Fischer. “John steered us toward a more expansive outreach program, which has been an important step in reaching a broader audience. We are also grateful for John’s work in assembling and empowering a staff that is uniquely skilled, high performing, and deeply committed to the mission.”
Over the next several months, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s Board of Directors will conduct a careful search for the next executive director. Moving forward, the BCM says the priority will be finding an individual who will continue to lead the organization with passion and enthusiasm.
In the meantime, President Fischer says the board of directors has “full confidence in our staff’s ability to maintain a stable and effective organization, and is grateful for the steadfast support of our members. Additionally, we’d like to formally thank John for his service to the BCM. His absence will be felt throughout the organization.”
Williams’ decision to step away from the executive director position comes after undergoing open heart surgery in April 2019.
“My recovery has been swift, and while I am fine physically, this event has left me thinking about time, my priorities, and what is right for the Bicycle Coalition of Maine,” Williams said. “I love working for the Bicycle Coalition and am proud of what we have done under my leadership.
However, with my ongoing cardiac rehab, it has become difficult to devote as much time as necessary to my work. I need to take some time to fully recover, and the Coalition needs an executive director who can be fully devoted to its mission.”
Williams will step down from his day-to-day responsibilities at the end of August, but will work with the board through the month of September to make the transition as smooth as possible, officially ending his tenure on September 30.
“It has been an honor and a lot of fun to head the Coalition over the past two years,” said Williams.