New Leadership and Vision Propel Florida Bicycle Association Into 2025
Van Christiansen joins the board as new officers take the helm. Outgoing leaders are celebrated for their impact.
A Jacksonville leader in active transportation has joined the Florida Bicycle Association’s Board of Directors, becoming part of a highly accomplished team of volunteer board leaders dedicated to advocating for safer bicycling conditions throughout Florida.
Van Christiansen, AICP, has joined the Board of Directors for the Florida Bicycle Association.
Van Christiansen, AICP, a senior planner with The Haskell Company, brings extensive experience in multimodal planning, trail development, and cycling advocacy, and joins an energized team committed to making Florida more accessible for people who bicycle. Christiansen was appointed to the role during the board’s December meeting.
The Florida Bicycle Association is a nonprofit organization making Florida better for people who want to bicycle and for people who need to bicycle.
“Van’s expertise in multimodal planning and cycling advocacy is a tremendous addition to the board,” said Courtney Reynolds, TDM-CP, President of the Florida Bicycle Association. “Their experience and passion for creating safe, equitable communities align perfectly with our mission and will help us amplify our impact across the state.”
Christiansen served more than two years as Florida Manager for the East Coast Greenway Alliance, where they spearheaded updates to the Greenway Design Guide, incorporating important details to improve safety and accessibility for people bicycling. Their experience in Vision Zero initiatives and Safe Systems planning will further strengthen the Florida Bicycle Association’s vision of a bicycle-friendly Sunshine State.
“Safe and accessible cycling infrastructure enhances quality of life, reduces environmental impacts, and provides mobility for people of all ages and abilities,” Christiansen said. “Having worked both personally and professionally to advocate for active transportation, I’ve seen firsthand how bike-ability can transform communities into equitable and vibrant places for everyone."
The Florida Bicycle Association also announces the election of new officers for 2025:
Courtney Reynolds, TDM-CP, Longwood; President
Michelle Avola-Brown, Naples; Vice President
Conroy Jacobs, AICP, MPA, PMP, Palm Bay; Secretary
Roger McVeigh, Key West; Treasurer
The officers are joined in service by board members Gail Woods, PE, of Orlando and Rich Garrett of University Park. Collectively, the board brings invaluable commitment to the mission as well as the skills and expertise needed to bring that mission to fruition.
Honoring Outgoing Leaders for Dedicated Service
The Association’s leaders are also proud to recognize the service of outgoing board members Eric Draper and Caitlin Cerame. During their December meeting, board members expressed deep appreciation for Draper, who served as Board President in 2022 and 2023, guiding the organization through a period of growth and innovation. Cerame, who served as Vice President and Secretary, provided invaluable leadership and insight, particularly in advancing community planning and infrastructure initiatives. Both leave lasting legacies of dedication and impact on the organization.
Recognizing Volunteer Leadership and National Achievement
Congratulations also are extended to Reynolds, who was recently elected Vice President of the Association for Commuter Transportation. This prestigious national recognition highlights Reynolds’ leadership and expertise in transportation advocacy. As the Director of Partnerships for Agile Mile, Inc., she brings invaluable experience to advancing active-transportation initiatives.
The Association also recognizes longtime volunteer Ed Barsotti for his recent appointment to the Board of Directors for BikeWalk North Carolina. Barsotti manages Florida Bicycle's School Grants for Safer Students, infrastructure assistance and Bicycle Safety Quiz, and has been a vital part of the organization’s success. While he and his wife Laurie are relocating to North Carolina to be closer to family, Barsotti plans to remain actively involved as a key volunteer.
With fresh leadership, the continued dedication of talented team members, and the addition of Christiansen, Florida Bicycle’s team is well-positioned to build on its momentum in advocacy, fundraising, and partnerships to achieve an even greater impact in 2025.
For more information about the Florida Bicycle Association, visit floridabicycle.org. For media inquiries, please contact Kelly Morphy, Executive Director, at kelly@floridabicycle.org or (407) 734-1690.
