MISSOULA, Mont. (Nov. 30, 2021) – Jennifer O'Dell has been named Executive Director of Adventure Cycling Association as the organization prepares to invest in a new initiative for 2022. O'Dell joined Adventure Cycling in April 2021 as Chief Marketing Officer and takes over for Scott Pankratz, who served as Executive Director for 20 months and steered the organization through the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I'm thrilled to be stepping in to lead Adventure Cycling Association as we accelerate our efforts to make our mission relevant to many more people," O'Dell said. "Our leadership team is energized, unified, and committed to our bold vision to build a much larger and inclusive bike travel community. Adventure Cycling is fortunate to have a blend of long-serving staff members and new hires that offer a good balance of stability and enthusiasm, and I'm proud to have their support."
Before joining Adventure Cycling, O'Dell worked in consumer-packaged goods, ecommerce, and the fitness and apparel industries for more than two decades with brands such as The Hershey Company, Sunny Delight Beverages Co., and Nautilus Inc. Originally from Oregon and Alaska, she now lives in Missoula with her family. When not mountain biking, hiking, or driving kids to sporting events, she enjoys cooking, live music, and reading books.
"We're excited to have Jennifer take on the role of Executive Director," said Joyce Casey, President, Adventure Cycling Association Board of Directors. "She brings a collaborative leadership style and thoughtful management, and has already helped us define our strategy to bring the joy of bike travel to more people. We look forward to what the future holds for Jennifer and Adventure Cycling."
O'Dell takes over Adventure Cycling as it closes its fiscal year in a strong financial position and prepares to invest in a top priority for 2022 – its Bike Overnights initiative.
Bike Overnights builds on the organization's expertise in mapping routes across North America and preparing trip itineraries to curate adventures close to major cities, making bicycle travel more accessible. The initiative will lower barriers to bike travel through:
Do-it-yourself resources available online for anyone, anywhere to embark on their first road or bikepacking tour.
Leveraging the 50,000-mile Adventure Cycling Route Network, guided tour leaders' expertise, and the knowledge of its extensive member community to offer two- to five-day local route/itinerary options.
Connecting the expertise of volunteer Adventure Cycling Ambassadors to provide local guidance and support to novice riders, creating bike travel opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels.
For nearly 50 years, Adventure Cycling has sought to inspire, empower, and connect people to travel by bicycle, and the organization believes Bike Overnights will help it recruit new members who reflect the diversity of America.
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ABOUT ADVENTURE CYCLING ASSOCIATION
Adventure Cycling Association inspires, empowers, and connects people to travel by bicycle. It is the premier bicycle travel organization in North America with more than 50,000 members. Adventure Cycling produces cycling routes and maps for North America, organizes more than 100 tours annually, and publishes the best bicycle travel information anywhere, including Adventure Cyclist magazine. With more than 50,000 meticulously mapped miles in the Adventure Cycling Route Network, Adventure Cycling gives cyclists the tools and confidence to create their own bike travel adventures. Contact the office at 800-755-BIKE (2453) or info@adventurecycling.org, or visit adventurecycling.org.
