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EBC Officer and Board of Director's



On Tuesday, December 10, 2019, CANDIDATES for our 2020 Board of Directors will be nominated. 


Nominations will be accepted right up until the election is held.  If interested, please contact admin@evergladesbc.com.


Elections will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at the EBC Monthly Membership Meeting at Coral Gables Congregational Church, 3010 DeSoto Blvd (right in front of the Biltmore Hotel).  We will be in the "Chapel".  Doors open at 6:30 and the meeting starts at 7:00.


IT'S ELECTION TIME!


HELD MONTH OF DECEMBER/JANUARY: December's general membership meeting is focused on our club's immediate future as we nominate new candidates for the positions of President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer and At-Large Board Members. 


Do you want to be more involved with your bike club?  Do you have leadership qualities?  Do you have a vision for the club?  Do you have a knack for organizing, managing, promoting, producing?  You may be a perfect candidate for the Board of Directors.  Here's how it works: you can have a friend nominate you, you can nominate yourself, or someone else may possibly nominate you because they know you can do the job.  You must be at the meeting or available by phone to accept the nomination. If you have already accepted a nomination for At-Large Board Member, but later would like to run for a Board Officer position instead, you may also make that change during the meeting.


The nominating commitee will contact each nominee within a week after the meeting to collect your self-authored bio, and then distribute it to the membership.  This is your opportunity to let us all know of your excellent credentials, experience, reasons to elect you, type of bike you ride, or any other information you want to give about yourself.

The election will be held Tuesday, January 14.  You will have the opportunity to introduce yourself to the membership with a brief monologue.  Anybody who wants to vote must be an active member and be present at the meeting.






CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT:

Nick Athanassiadis


              

Born and raised in Greece on and around commercial boats. Spent the first half of my career running ship owning companies before the computer bug hit me in the 1980’s and I started working with Information Technology. I spent time working in Greece, Norway, Canada, Czech Republic and USA with both private and public companies.

 

Criss crossed the USA from Miami to Upstate NY, to Los Angeles and back to Miami. Since 2014, after ditching my Corp life I went back to my roots working in the Yachting industry selling something that everyone wants, nobody needs, and very few can afford.

 

I have been cycling since I was a kid, but it was not until 2004 that I got a bicycle in the US. I tore my ACL snow skiing and I had an operation in 2010. I tried going back with straight handlebars in 2012 but I just could not do it. A call from my doctor in 2018 changed everything. I had to lose weight and start exercising. I started slowly, came across EBC and my goal was to train to join the 14-16 Group. In October of 2018, I bought my drop bike and started pushing. I recall one day hearing “ON YOUR LEFT” as I was pedaling South on 62nd avenue and the 14-16 EBC Group zoomed by.

 

My first Group ride was to Deering Estates with Amy leading. It was all kind of blurry and I recall I tried to stay close to Amy the whole way. Thank you, Amy and EBC!

 

Fast forward to today some of my favorite moments over the past 1.5 years include getting certified as a Ride Marshall and Group Leader, joining the DCC team, and helping others embrace cycling. My proud moments have been supporting charity events like Patches and Tour de Force and above all participating with the Special Compass at Escape to Miami pulling with my bicycle a chariot with a differently abled athlete.

 

I love cooking, photography, reading, and cycling. I am a computer nerd, tech savvy, immature for my mature age, and like joking all the time. It brings up smiles. I am married, have 2 sons, a Granddaughter, an 18-year-old Yorkie and I live in the Grove.


 

CANDIDATE FOR VICE PRESIDENT   

Dr. Deirdre Marshall


                   

 Dr. Deirdre Marshall is a Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon who has been in practice in Miami, Florida for twenty-seven years. Dr. Marshall was born and raised in West Virginia, the daughter of two physician parents. Her parents were both immigrants from Belfast, Northern Ireland. Her parents came to America to teach at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Her parents were later recruited as founding faculty members of West Virginia University Medical School. Dr. Marshall decided at the age of nine to become a physician, following in the footsteps of her parents. Her undergraduate studies were at carried out Yale University. There she received a B.A. with honors in French Literature and studied extensively in France. She thereafter attended medical school at Stanford University, in Stanford, California. Dr. Marshall completed an integrated residency training program in general surgery and plastic surgery at Stanford University. She completed her fellowship training in hand surgery, microsurgery, and cosmetic surgery. During her training, and in her plastic surgery practice Dr. Marshall participated in many charitable plastic surgery missions in countries such as Viet Nam, Peru, Brazil, Mexico, Malaysia, Honduras and Ecuador.

Dr. Marshall has practiced a wide range of plastic surgery, including pediatric plastic surgery, cleft lip and palate repair, microsurgery, cancer-related plastic surgery focusing on breast reconstruction, and cosmetic surgery. She has received numerous awards and recognitions in her field. Dr. Marshall is a Plastic Surgery board examiner, and she most recently served as the president of the Miami Society of Plastic Surgeons (MSPS). Dr. Marshall is proud to have been the first female elected officer and president of the MSPS. Dr. Marshall has written numerous publications in her specialty and has presented many educational plastic surgery talks and courses. She has been involved with community organizations and breast cancer support groups such as the annual Day of Caring for breast cancer survivors and their families. 

Dr. Marshall upholds a philosophy of hard work, caring, compassion, and physical and spiritual fitness. She has been involved in athletic endeavors since her youth. She competed in varsity swimming, diving, field hockey, track & field, cross country, and downhill skiing. In Miami Dr. Marshall has been a member of, and a sponsor of women’s cycling groups and local triathlon teams. She has competed in numerous triathlons, marathons, and charitable community running events. She completed the full Ironman Florida competition in 2011.

Dr. Marshall believes strongly in family values and family support. She is the mother of six children ranging in age between 14 and 25. Her eldest child, a daughter, is a medical student at the University of Miami, carrying on the family tradition for a third generation. Dr. Marshall and her daughter recently co-authored a book chapter on breast reconstruction for “Experts in Pink:Your Guide to Breast Health”.

 

 

 

CANDIDATE FOR TREASURER

Frank Wimer


Frank Wimer spent 4 years in the US Army Engineers attaining the rank of captain.  He spent the rest of his career as VP Finance at JPMorgan Chase and Prudential Financial, primarily in the New York area, but with a few years in Hong Kong.   Not knowing any better, he tried bike riding on some of the busy, narrow, two lane roads on Hong Kong island.  Having survived that, he later retired with his wife Lourdes to Key Biscayne, Florida in late 2016 where he promptly joined EBC.  He was a member of the Bicycle Touring Club of North Jersey (BTCNJ) for 25 years and Treasurer of that club for 2 years.  He has been Treasurer of EBC for the last two years.  He is running for Treasurer again because he has benefited from the work done by others over the years who set up innumerable bike rides, tours, training, and safety programs.

Frank likes both road and trail rides.  Two of his favorite bike adventures were riding the Great Allegheny Passage from Pittsburgh to Cumberland Maryland and a two week bike tour of Dordogne, France, organized by BTCNJ.

If re-elected, he would like to help increase the numbers and types of rides provided by the club.  To that end, he will implement the “Velonteer” program started in November. Hopefully this program will encourage more members to step up and help design and lead rides and otherwise add to the services provided by the club.

By the way, Frank is an MBA, not a CPA, and will have to work with CPA’s on the clubs tax returns.

 

 

 

 

CANDIDATE FOR SECRETARY

Eugene Flinn        

 

Lifelong cyclist from tricycle, to various Schwinns including the Fastback and Stingray through the Jr Varsity and then Varity 10 speeds. More recently a Schwinn Seirra Mountain Bike (still own this one). Now mix time between my Trek DS and Cannondale Road bikes. Licensed Florida attorney since 1987 primarily in Miami-Dade, Monroe and Broward County Venues. Occasion appearances in the locales of St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Palm Beach, Lee and Collier Counties. COMMUNITY SERVICE Mayor, Village of Palmetto Bay, founding mayor 2002-2010, 2014-2018 Board of Directors, Florida League of Mayors, 2015-2018 Board of Directors, Miami-Dade League of Cities, 2003-2010, 2014-2018 Junior Orange Bowl, former Committee Member, past member Board of Directors. Former Chair of International Golf Tournament Committee. Founding member, South Dade Municipal collaborative coalition Past Trustee Member, Chamber-South Past Member, U.S. Conference of Mayors Past - Coral Reef Elementary School; served as member, volunteer, VP Legislation Past - Coral Reef Elementary School; 1 term as member of EESAC Past - Southwood Middle School; PTSA member and volunteer Past - Coral Reef Senior High School; PTSA, volunteer and FFA Alumni participant Chair, former Vice Chair, Board Member, Steering Committee for the incorporation of Palmetto Bay (Committee dissolved upon completion of task) RECONGITION AND LEADERSHIP 2007 South Dade Leadership Award, presented by Palmetto Bay, Perrine, Cutler Ridge Rotary Chair, Palmetto Bay Municipal Advisory Committee, Appointed by Board of County Commissioners, Miami-Dade County, to negotiate creation of new municipality to be known as "Palmetto Bay." Nominated and submitted to Governor on three occasions for appointment as Judge of Compensation Claims by Statewide Nominating Commission for Judges of Compensation Claims. CREDIENTIALS Licensed Florida Bar, since 1987 May 1984 B.A., School of Arts and Sciences, University of Miami Major: Politics and Public Affairs Minors: Sociology and History UNDERGRADUATE HONORS/ACTIVITIES Dean's List(s) Pi Sigma Alpha, national political science academic honor society State President, Florida Independent Student Association, Inc. Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity Only Student Member – Council of Student Financial Aid Advisors, State Board of Education Committee January 1987 J.D., School of Law, University of Miami



CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR AT-LARGE                

Doug Buckley                         


Hello EBC,                                                                                                          

I joined EBC about 31/2 years ago, and wanting to give back to the club and sport, I volunteered to become a Ride Leader and a short time later took on the job of assigning the Ride Leaders for our weekly Saturday training rides.  I’ve served 2 years on the Board and would be honored to be selected for a third.  Thank you for you for considering me and I look forward to seeing you on the road

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR AT-LARGE

Michelle Menendez Rodriguez

 

 

My first ride was in 1996 when I borrowed a friend's bike and signed up for the Tanqueray AIDS Ride from Orlando to Miami.  I was motivated to help my friend finish the three day ride - it certainly wasn't easy!  I knew as I crossed the finish line, however, that I was hooked and have been ever since.   I've enjoyed riding with several groups and teams in Miami and have been riding with EBC and a board member in 2019.  I enjoy the camaraderie, safety, and sense of community that EBC helps promote and wish to be a part of the wonderful work EBC does.

Aside from cycling, I enjoy running and martial arts.   After a few years in management, I am blessed return to working as a massage therapist and martial arts instructor.  I enjoy spending time with my wonderful husband Domingo, and gatherings with friends and family.

 

 

 

 

CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR AT-LARGE

Jo Jo Russo                              

 

I have been a member of EBC since 2006 after I participated my first MS ride from Houston to Austin. Since then, I have been raising funds for this cause and riding every year from Miami to Key Largo. Additionally, I have been raising funds for Dolphin Cancer Challenge and taking part in its annual rides which is in its 10th year.

 

I love cooking (which is my relaxing time), riding (which is my meditation time), participating triathlon races all over the country (which are my challenges, pushing my limits), plus involving in various charities events.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR AT-LARGE

Dora Suarez

 

My love for cycling started with indoor cycling. The summer of 2015 I was on my way to becoming a spinning instructor but instead opted for a road bike. I was referred to EBC by a friend and was immediately hooked. EBC was instrumental in teaching me about group/pace line skill sets & safe road skills.  Joining the weekly Saturday training rides allowed me to gain confidence to become an EBC Ride Leader.  From 2016-2018 I regularly led their 18-20 and 20+ pace lines. I’m honored to also be one of 6 EBC ride leaders selected to become League Cycling Instructor’s (LCI) by the League of American Bicyclists (LAB).

I’m a past board member having served in 2017, 2018 and look forward to helping the club continue to succeed in 2020.

        

         

CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR AT-LARGE

Michael Fleming

         

My name is Mike Fleming. I have been a member of EBC for decades. My wife, Cindy, joined first while I was out at sea serving in the Navy. She met Roland M. and the EBC crew of those days and loved riding with them. When I returned to Miami I joined in and even had the opportunity to design the EBC "Tequesta" kit that's now part of our history. Cindy and I were also founding members of the Oleta River Adventure Association and began the Bike Patrol at Oleta before there even was a National Mountain Bike Patrol. We are certified NMBP instructors. We help EBC as Ride Leaders especially with the Trail Committee rides. I have also served on the BPAC and continue to attend their meetings to represent EBC and as a teacher representing DCPS. Most recently, Cindy and I arranged for the EBC to use the St. Thomas Episcopal Church facilities as a start/finish venue for our Saturday ride. We will continue to schedule this as long and frequently as possible.                 

 

 

CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR AT-LARGE

Julia Brazell Cespedes


I’ve always been an avid cyclist advocate. People should be able to ride a bike safely and fearlessly. Technically, the bicycle can solve a lot of our nation’s major problems and educating drivers that they don’t own the road, the Share the Road signs are for them not a cyclist and that cyclist are really humans on bikes is almost an everyday conversation I have with people. I became a member of EBC 2-years ago however, I rode mostly solo. I am currently completing my Ed. D in Higher Education Administration Leadership (in 7th year) and have always pretty much worked as an educator/Professor. I have 3-adult children and was married for 32-years. I spend my time either working, writing, riding or advocating several socially responsible local advocacies through either attendance, social media or conversation. I am currently a Board Member with The Miami Sierra Club and am their News Editor to include Social Media. Other advocacy board memberships are: Elected Democratic Executive Committee for Miami Dade Democrat Party, Democratic Executive Committee (DEC) Elected Neighborhood Organizer Precinct 810. I am an USAV, FHSAA & UAA Volleyball Certified Referee. Past volunteer advocacy positions: Zoo Miami, Fairchild Tropical Garden Volunteer, VP Softball Howard Palmetto Khoury League, HPKL Softball Coach. Girl Scout Leader, Boy Scout Asst. Leader (my son is an Eagle Scout). I love to research and solve problems simply by locating resources that have assisted others or that have solved similar issues I am pursuing. I did try running once, but my bike wouldn’t let me. 


CANDIDATE FOR DIRECTOR AT-LARGE

Pepe Gonzales



                    

 

You can also read about your candidates in the attached PDF so that you can make a more informed decision.

 NOMINEE BIOS AND PHOTOS as of 1/9/2020.



Make sure your membership is up to date as you must be an active member to vote. You can renew your membership online (instructions here) or you can renew your membership with a check.  To see your membership status you can either:

  1. Login and check the message that appears on the bottom right corner of the website.  If your membership is lapsed, overdue, or within a week of your renewal date,  we try to let you know with this status message.  OR
  2. Click here to search the EBC membership directory membership status. If your membership has lapsed, you will not see your name
 NOMINEE BIOS AND PHOTOS as of 1/12/2020.






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If you need to reach us for any reason, please email us at:
Admin@EvergladesBC.com

Address:

EBC
P. O. Box 430283
South Miami, Florida  33243

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