Friends, Family, and Fellow riders,
It is with heavy heart that I am announcing my departure from IMBA Canada. I’m grateful to have served the Canadian mountain bike community during my time. Working side by side with volunteers in almost every province and territory has been inspiring. I’m happy to have crossed paths with you.
While much has changed in my 10 years at IMBA, one constant has been the dedication that volunteers and trail advocates put into their work. That dedication made it possible to broaden IMBA Canada’s Board of Directors, growing from two to the seven engaged and talented directors we have today. Together we developed the Strategic Plan, gained a stable financial footing, invested in growing our staff, and advocated for the space and resources to build and protect great trails.
I’m confident that IMBA Canada will continue to thrive. While I am stepping away fromIMBA Canada, I’ll be taking on a new opportunity that still has me working directly with advocates and builders to make mountain biking better. Bittersweet though it may be, I’ll be supporting IMBA Canada the same way many of you already are: as a member.
With gratitude,
AJ Strawson
Executive Director
To the Canadian mountain bike community,
On behalf of the Board of Directors of IMBA Canada, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Executive Director, AJ Strawson, for his dedication to mountain biking in Canada. During his five years of leadership at IMBA Canada, AJ solidified many aspects of our operations, sought out new ways to connect with communities across the country, and deftly adjusted to the realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through his time at the controls, IMBA Canada has built a solid foundation for the future. His influence on mountain bike communities across the country will be felt for years to come.
In the immediate term, as Chairperson, I will oversee the operations of IMBA Canada until the Board appoints an interim Executive Director. While I will be working closely with the staff, I have the amazing support of the rest of the Board who will continue the important work of keeping the organization moving towards our goal of building communities through trails. This will of course include finding a new Executive Director – a process our search committee has already begun.
I also want to take this opportunity to thank the IMBA Canada staff. Each of our employees work incredibly hard to engage with the public, members, clubs, and industry partners to build strong relationships. They are continuing that work as we move forward, and I am grateful to have their experience and expertise brought to bear.
Additionally, we couldn’t do our work without the ongoing support of industry partners and loyal members from coast to coast to coast. The support is vital, and very much appreciated. Thank you.
I am proud of what IMBA Canada has accomplished since its inception. I believe deeply in our mission and am proud of how we continue to respond to the changing needs of riders across the country. Thanks to the hard work of both past and current Board members and employees, we are well equipped to face the challenges ahead. We know that advocacy work never really stops even when snow is on the ground. We know that so many of you across the country want to see us visit your region. We continue to hear from new communities looking to get a club started to improve trail access close to home. These requests and so many others need our attention, so rest assured we’ll continue to do the work to support your efforts on your home trails.
Thank you,
Dean Campbell
Chair, IMBA Canada