IMBA’s executive director resigns after 12 years

Press Release from IMBA:

The board of the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) announced [August 30] that it has accepted the resignation of Mike Van Abel as the Executive Director of IMBA, effective September 2, 2016. IMBA’s board is working to select a permanent replacement for the position.

“Mike has been an outstanding steward for IMBA and its initiatives throughout his 12-year tenure,” said Robert Winston, Chairman of the IMBA Board of Directors. “Under Mike’s leadership, programs such as the IMBA Chapter Program and the Regional Director Program are great successes, and have significantly strengthened IMBA’s membership. On behalf of myself and the entire board of directors, I wish Mike every success in his future endeavors.”

“When I was hired, IMBA’s board asked me to focus on three things: growing membership, growing industry support and helping IMBA become more professional,” said Van Abel. “I am proud to say we have done all three. I am most proud of the restructuring done that has led to what IMBA is today—a much more cohesive association of local chapters ready to be led into the next phase of growth and development by someone new.”

Dan Brillon, IMBA’s Vice President of Finance, Administration and Programs, will act as Interim Executive Director.

“We are well poised to continue Mike’s great work transforming IMBA into a strong chapter-based association,” said Brillon. “Continued year-over-year membership growth speaks to the success of our local chapters. Those local advocates and experts are more relevant than ever in an increasingly complex world of competing interests for the use of public lands.”

IMBA will be announcing new chapter support initiatives as part of its World Summit being held in Bentonville, Arkansas this November, based on its 2020 strategic plan. IMBA will be raising funds to fast-track work on more than 200 new trail projects identified by chapters that are stalled only by the investment needed to get started.