CHICO VELO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mandi McKay
President
Mandi came to Chico in 2003 and immediately fell in love with its bicycle-friendly culture. She commutes by bike daily and then hops on a mountain or road bike for more! She is committed to improving bicycling infrastructure in Chico and educating the community about environmental, social, and economic benefits of bicycling. Mandi is also the Impact & Engagement Officer at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co where she leads sustainability and social impact initiatives company-wide and in the community.
President
Mandi came to Chico in 2003 and immediately fell in love with its bicycle-friendly culture. She commutes by bike daily and then hops on a mountain or road bike for more! She is committed to improving bicycling infrastructure in Chico and educating the community about environmental, social, and economic benefits of bicycling. Mandi is also the Impact & Engagement Officer at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co where she leads sustainability and social impact initiatives company-wide and in the community.
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Cheri Chastain
Vice President Cheri fondly remembers her first bike, a yellow banana seater. Growing up in the Sacramento area though, she lost touch with her bike roots. That love was reignited when she moved to Chico in 2004. She’s been a regular bike commuter for the past 15 years and is regularly cruising through lower park just for fun. Cheri’s personal volunteering and professional experience is largely centered on addressing climate change. Bikes and other alternative modes of transportation will be critical in meeting greenhouse gas reduction targets – plus bikes are just fun!! Cheri is a League Cycling Instructor and currently works in real estate development, building bike friendly communities. |
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Thad Walker
Treasurer Thad is fairly new to Chico, but he’s an ‘old hand’ at mountain bike advocacy. He is one of the driving forces leading the new Velo Trailworks program, bringing experience in community trail outreach, trail conception, design, building and maintenance, fundraising and youth cycling initiatives, with organizations like IMBA, the US Forest Service, and various city and county offices. When he’s not riding or building trail, Thad works as a Cycling Coach for Carmichael Training Systems. |
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Ashley Koller
Secretary Ashley moved to Chico in 2010 to attend Chico State and instantly fell in love with the bike community. Over the years, she has enjoyed everything from casual rides through Lower Park to mountain biking in Upper Park. Ashley currently works as the Sustainability Program Manager for Sierra Nevada Brewing Company where she develops initiatives to further integrate sustainability into the companies culture and operations. At work, and in the community, Ashley is passionate about promoting bike safety, infrastructure, and education. |
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John Diehm
Secretary Bicycling is a way of life for John, who has been riding bikes for transportation, recreation and exercise from his youth. He has participated in the Chico Velo events for years and moved to Chico in 2013 to be closer to his children and grandchildren and enjoy Chico’s bicycling opportunities. As an avid bicyclist he is proud to be a part of Chico’s bicycling culture and eager to share its benefits with others. John enjoys being involved in the community as a bicycle advocate. |
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Logan Smith
Director Hello, my name is Logan Smith. My wife, Tammy, and I met while students at Chico State and we wanted to return to Chico professionally. I am now a tenured professor at Chico State teaching agriculture and researching nature-based “regenerative” climate solutions. We feel lucky to live in the wonderful community of Chico where we can work and recreate without owning a car. If you’d like to learn more about me, you can check out my faculty biography. |
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Ryan Oakes
Director Ryan is a lifelong cyclist and Chico resident who brings decades of experience in the cycling industry to the Chico Velo Board. He’s passionate about growing access to cycling and strengthening Chico’s riding culture. From road and gravel racing to touring and daily commuting, Ryan believes bikes are tools for connection, health, and adventure. He’s dedicated to helping make cycling in Chico more inclusive, enjoyable, and sustainable for riders of all levels. Ryan is excited to contribute his experience and enthusiasm to support Chico Velo’s mission and community. |
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Jeff Schwein
Director Adventurer by nature...Jeff is constantly on the move seeking fresh air and exercise, exploring nature and small communities within it. Cyclist, fisher, hiker, skier, boarder, vanner. He is a 35 year Chico resident with family roots here dating back to 1863. In his professional life, Jeff is a transportation planning consultant working primarily on bicycle infrastructure and programs in California. His goal is to provide everybody an alternative transportation choice to a car trip. Bikes and feet preferred. |
