It is with a heavy heart that I write today to announce my resignation as executive director of the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. I have accepted the position of executive director of the National Association of City Transportation Officials (NACTO) and will begin my new role on April 12th, 2010. WABA's education coordinator, Dorcas Adkins, has been named interim executive director to help assist the organization during this transition.
It has been a distinct honor to serve at WABA for the last ten years and I want to thank you all for the support you have given us in that time. While I have been very happy with my role at WABA, and with the successes we have enjoyed over the years, the position at NACTO is an amazing opportunity that I could not refuse. Not only will I be working with some of the most innovative thinkers in urban transportation from around the country, but I will have the opportunity to build the organization into an effective advocate for bicycling, walking and transit in cities around the US.
This was a very difficult decision for me to make. I have poured blood, sweat and tears into WABA for over a decade, and am extremely proud of what we have been able to accomplish together. Since its founding in 1972, WABA has been a strong and influential voice for change in the DC area. I strongly believe that with our dedicated board of directors, our talented and hardworking staff, and the support of people like you, the organization will continue to thrive and continue to make the DC area a better place to bike.
I can't say enough about what an honor and a privilege it has been to work with such a dedicated group of members and supporters. I will miss working with you and wish you all the best in the future.
Ride safely.
Respectfully yours,
Eric Gilliland
WABA
PS: WABA is now in the process of conducting a nation-wide search for a new executive director. A job description can be found at www.waba.org.
And from the WABA Board
Mr.
Gilliland began his career at WABA in 1999 as a part time data entry
clerk and
program manager who worked on a variety of events and advocacy
campaigns. Mr.
Gilliland was eventually hired by the WABA board to replace out-going
executive
director Ellen Jones in January of 2004. Since then WABA has
experienced
significant growth in its budget, staff and influence on transportation
policy
throughout the DC area. Since his hiring, the association’s budget has
grown by over $700,000 and the number of full time employees has grown
from two
to ten.
“We are extremely thankful for the hard work and dedication Eric has given to WABA over the years,” said Barbara Klieforth, president of WABA’s board of directors. “The WABA board feels that he leaves the organization in the best possible shape to manage the transition to new leadership and to continue our role in promoting bicycling throughout the DC area. We are saddened by his departure but realize that this is a change for the greater good. We wish him all the best in his new role.”
“It has been an honor to work with such a hard-working and dedicated staff and board, as well as with hundreds of volunteers, advocates and government officials who really see the important role bicycling plays in healthy, vibrant communities,” Gilliland said. “In my new role at NACTO, I hope to continue to support WABA’s efforts, and similar associations around the country, by helping cities provide innovative, multi-modal transportation solutions.”
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