A Banner Year for Board Elections!

If candidacy for London Cycle Link’s Board is any indication, we’re living through a time of strong forward momentum! The following candidates have put their names forward to serve on LCL’s Board of Directors, to start three-year terms in 2021. Luis Patricio, current Board Chair, is seeking re-election, and Becky Ellis has also previously served on our Board, but the rest would be new to us. Since any active members would be eligible to vote at our upcoming AGM, we thought we should give you a chance to get to know the following candidates - please read on, and we look forward to working through the democratic process together!

Please note, there will likely be 5 open positions on the board (subject to the passing of bylaw amendments to increase the board size)

Steve Clark

Steve Clark’s current volunteer work at Squeaky Wheel Bike Co-op gives him an excellent window on, quite literally, the “nuts and bolts” of the member side of LCL’s operations. After 20 years of experience running a business that provided driver instruction, Steve also knows a thing or two about organizational and management skills, not to mention the rules of the road.

Becky Ellis

Well-known to many in the area for her activism and community work, Becky Ellis has offered to return to the LCL Board after withdrawing in 2016 to focus on completing a PhD. in Geography. Her graduate studies have centred on issues related to urban ecosystems, and her career background has also included a strong focus on libraries and literacy. Becky’s environmental advocacy, as well as her commitment to cycling for personal and family transportation, make her an excellent fit for our Board. 

Janet McAllister

With a well-established career in mental health and addictions, Janet McAllister also has a long history of giving back to the community through directorships and executive board positions with InterCommunity Health Centre and the local chapter of the Lung Association. Janet has a keen interest and skill set relating to such wide-ranging areas as equity and strategic planning, as well as a zeal for active living.

Amanda Mikalachki

Amanda Mikalachki is a Registered Nurse and Certified Diabetes Educator who cycles to work year-round, approximately 45 minutes each way. Her passion for cycling is rooted in health and wellness as well as in environmental concerns. Amanda’s background in health care and her experience as a recognized and respected public speaker would allow LCL to fill a critically-important gap in the skill set of our board complement. 

Luis Patricio

Although Luis Patricio was not born in London or even in Canada, he has quickly made a name in our area which is synonymous with cycling and community engagement. London Cycle Link’s current Board of Directors is grateful for Luis’ ongoing stewardship in acting as our Chair, and for the great energy he brings to the issues we all care about. Luis’ educational and occupational background in IT and in Urban Planning help him to bring a big-picture and systems approach to all that he does. 

Anthony Saoud

Anthony Saoud brings a world of experience to his candidacy, having lived in Lebanon, Ireland, and Ghana prior to settling in London. Finance, marketing, entry level web design and fundraising are all areas of expertise for this energetic twenty-something, who has logged over 5,000 km on his bike in 2020. Experience with other boards and nonprofits, as well as some very close calls with motorists while commuting to his job on two wheels, informs Anthony’s perspective and could strongly benefit LCL.

Kevin Van Lierop

Kevin Van Lierop feels that London is poised for positive change in how cycling is supported and encouraged. He looks to LCL to represent the diversity of cyclists in our community. Through his leadership of goodcity.ca, Kevin draws upon his work and volunteer background in nonprofits, his education in community development, and his enthusiasm for the role that community spaces can play in supporting transformation.

Andry Wasylko

As longtime director and president of the London Food Co-op, Andry Wasylko built some serious board credibility and experience that are highly applicable to LCL. Andry looks forward to a future time when active transportation in London is given its due in the form of supportive infrastructure and is enthusiastic about taking collective action to help make it happen.

If you are itching to vote for any of these candidates, remember to renew your membership or join today, as only active members can vote at our annual meeting coming up in January!