Staff & Board

As your Coalition, we invite you to contact any member of the staff or board with ideas, questions, concerns or suggestions.

Staff

Executive Director (he/him)

Kyle Lawrence

Kyle has been advocating on two wheels since arriving in the Valley nearly 15 years ago. Knowledgable in all-things-bicycle (and often pedestrian, as well) he has been instrumental in administrating federal grants for trail building as well as helping to secure support and funding for the North End Greenway and Connect Our Schools initiative to bring shared-use pathways to Harrisonburg.

Kyle was President of the Coalition (2010-2018), the Rockingham County Safe Routes to School Coordinator (2015-2018), and has been a member in the George Washington National Forest Stakeholder Collaborative since 2010. He is a Harrisonburg resident and 2007 graduate of James Madison University

Director of Community Enchantment

Amanda Presgraves

In the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, amidst the Friendly City, mountainous trails, and local food abundance, Amanda Presgraves serves as the Director of Community Enchantment for the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition. With a passion for the outdoors and fostering human-powered movement, Amanda’s life/work is rooted in community building and creating opportunities for more people to experience the transformative joy movement in the outdoors.

Amanda graduated from James Madison University with a degree in Exercise Science and later earned her Master’s in Business from Wake Forest University. Her career spans startups, corporate, entrepreneurship, and consulting, all centered around food, health, and sustainability. At the heart of her work, it’s always been about the people, and it has driven her to coach in various capacities since her teenage years. In 2014, she launched Fueled, a locally-sourced food truck, and in 2021, published The NonRecipe Book.

As a World-Class Professional USA Off-Road Triathlete and Ultra-Runner, Amanda explores her world and herself through every stride, pedal stroke, and bite—seeing each as a chance for examination and connection.

Across every facet of her life, Amanda is a champion for inclusion in outdoor spaces, the fulfillment tapped when done with others, and the boundless potential of the human spirit when given the opportunity. Not shy of enthusiasm for life, you’ll find Amanda either hosting Coalition events, eagerly pedaling and running up mountains to chase each new sunrise and sunset, savoring unusually long miles (prioritizing big snackin’ while doing so), or lost in the weeds/vegetables of her garden. In all these pursuits, she’s almost always accompanied by either her spouse, Andrew, best of friends, or her pup, Mistie.

Bikes for Neighbors Coordinator

Ben Wyse

Ben grew up on a small family farm in rural Iowa, where his parents balanced farming with part-time jobs in the art world. The middle of three children, with two sisters, Ben found that living far from organized youth sports made the bicycle his go-to form of recreation from an early age.

After high school, Ben enrolled at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) but took a three-year break to volunteer in Tucson, Arizona. Having already chosen the bike as his personal mode of transportation, the years in Tucson solidified Ben’s perspectives on the value of bike commuting.

Upon completing his studies at EMU, Ben married Anna Wyse, a nurse, and together they served as foster parents before starting their own family. Now, with two sons and a daughter, they have called Harrisonburg home for over two decades.

In 2009, after working in several local bike shops, Ben launched his own bicycle repair business. While running his shop, he also worked part-time with the Harrisonburg Department of Public Transportation for several years, continuing his dedication to serving the community.

Outside of work, Ben enjoys spending time outdoors—whether it’s rock climbing, biking, or hiking with his family.

Board of Directors

Board Member

Kristen Grimshaw

I have lived in the Friendly City for 11 years, and I am so grateful to call this corner of the world home. On weekday mornings and afternoons, you will find me biking to and from work; on weekday afternoons, mountain biking at the Western Slope or riding country roads out my front door; and on the weekends, mountain biking the trails of the George Washington National Forest. I have been blessed by the powerhouse that is SVBC, allowing me to engage in cycling activities that add so much joy and value to my life. I have assisted SVBC with trail work and other volunteer activities, but now, I’d like to give back to the community in a greater capacity. I have experience in Harrisonburg nonprofits, higher education, business development, and recruitment. I am well-connected to many corners of the community thanks to the “Harrisonburg Variety Pack” of jobs I have worked during my time in the Valley. I operate through a lens of equity, sustainability, relationship building, and cultural competence. I am most excited by the opportunity to contribute to the expansion and improvement of biking and pedestrian infrastructure, support efforts to preserve and develop trails on the Western Slope, and increase access to the world of biking so that more identities of Shenandoah Valley can see themselves in the cycling lifestyle.
Board of Directors Carol Lena Miller
Co-Chair, Board Member

Caro Lena Miller

I’ve lived (and rode my bike almost daily) in our beautiful Valley for a couple of decades now. I’ve grown to love this community, and a big part of that affection is derived from the work of the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition — from the trail work to bike-centered rides and events to bike/ped infrastructure and advocacy to simply making this a better place to live, work, and ride. I have ample experience working with nonprofits, including a few years working to get the Northend Greenway project underway in the late 2000’s. Now, I’d like to give back to SVBC and to the community; I look forward to learning from and engaging with the SVBC tribe as we work together to continue the strong legacy of cycling joy in our region.
Whether building world-class mountain bike trails, making our communities more bike-friendly, or improving access for all the residents of the Valley, I believe that we have the opportunity to continue to build the SVBC into an organization that can achieve great things. I am excited about what the future holds and grateful for all the work that has made the Shenandoah Valley a great place for bicycling.
Board Member

Mark Nesbit

I am a longtime outdoor enthusiast and believe that it is an essential ingredient to a happy and fulfilling life. I try to get outside most every day to enjoy its benefits. I moved here in 2001 to practice emergency medicine and I love to ski, bike, fly fish, and golf. I feel so fortunate to live in such an amazing place. Nothing clears my mind and restores my soul more that getting outside in the Valley. I especially love the four seasons that we get here. Of course, I have never ridden anywhere that has better mountain biking. It is so special to make a long climb and get rewarded with those Valley views.

I know that I owe a lot to the people that have developed this infrastructure. I am grateful to the Shenandoah Valley Biking coalition for all the work they have done. Having gone to several Board meetings, I have enjoyed getting an inside look at many of the important projects planned for the future. I hope to serve on the board in a way that makes these outdoor experiences available to as many people as possible.

Board of Directors Case Watkins
Board Member

Case Watkins

My partner Kristin and I moved to Harrisonburg in 2013 thanks to opportunities at JMU. Originally from Louisiana and with extended stops in Austin and Bahia, Brazil, we feel so fortunate to put down roots in the vibrant Shenandoah Valley. I ride my bike to work, with my kids to school, and to shop and hang out downtown. We’ve benefited greatly from the coalition’s work to amplify biking and pedestrian access and safety, and I’m excited to help push the needle forward.
At JMU I teach Environmental Justice, a field of study and social movement that asks us to recognize, and improve, how harms and benefits are distributed throughout our communities. My classes, research projects, and service priorities focus on the relationships connecting people and places. How can we make those relationships more equitable, more inclusive, and healthier for all? I’m excited to bring that way of thinking, living, and sharing to the coalition. I’d like to see us continue to build community by expanding access to safe and inclusive paths, streets, trails, and other spaces across the Valley. I see wonderful opportunities for connecting the SVBC to other community groups working to make the friendly city, and the broader Shenandoah Valley, even friendlier.
Board Member

Jess Pyle

I have experienced the joy of riding my bike on trails and roads, in competition, bike tours, and commuting to get ice cream. Currently I serve on the Harrisonburg Bicycle Pedestrian Subcommittee and would like to continue and expand that service as an SVBC board member, advocating for safe and fun transportation options throughout the valley.
Mike Weaver
Co-Chair Board Member

Michael Weaver

I grew up in Harrisonburg and went to college in Massachusetts. Following college, I moved back and forth between Harrisonburg and other cities and states including Portland, Pittsburg, Atlanta, West Virginia, and Alaska. Harrisonburg always has me coming back. I love this community, I love the four seasons, the farmland, and the mountains and waterways. And now, I don’t really imagine myself moving away again. I’m ready to more deeply invest in this community.
For work, I am a co-producer of the Red Wing Roots Music Festival and a co-owner of the Christmas tree and wreath retail lot on route 42 S. For fun, I spend time outdoors fishing, hiking, hunting, and camping. I also enjoy music festivals. 🙂

Living in Portland, OR, I gained a true appreciation for a city that you can safely and efficiently bike anywhere and everywhere. It was my favorite thing about Portland. I love the work SVBC is doing. I know how large the scope of work that SVBC is involved with and how important it is and would love to help move the agenda forward.

I would like to see the SVBC platform and vision realized! I would especially love to see the bike/ped infrastructure greatly improved in Harrisonburg. It would be a dream to see Greenways connecting North to South and East to West.

Board Member

Thomas Jenkins

I am excited and even a little nervous about the opportunity to sit on the SVBC board. There are several reasons why I have decided to run for a seat on the SVBC board, but most of these reasons can be summed up by saying that I enjoy working with and serving the cycling community in the Shenandoah Valley. For the last 30 years I have seen the growth of the cycling community and have been proud of all its hard work. I believe the investments by the cycling community and its members has benefited our entire community. As a board member I would like to continue this growth of giving while maintaining the family feel that created the Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition. I hope my ability to listen to others, to be objective with all topics and my openness for discussion will be an asset to the SVBC Board and Shenandoah Valley community.
Trent Wagler Board of Directors
Board Member

Trent Wagler

I’ve known this cycling community’s steady backbone has been the Coalition for years, and I’m hoping to be able to participate by listening and offering any assistance I can. My life has been significantly improved by recent infrastructure initiatives like the Friendly City trail, and I’m encouraged by the cycling strides Harrisonburg has made in the past twenty years. I’m always up for gravel adventures and epic rides, but I am most interested in how to make cycling more accessible and integrated into our community’s daily lifestyle.

Interested in serving on the Board of Directors and running for election?

Please fill out a Letter of Intent to let us know you are interested.

When are the elections?
Our board elections are typically held in March and as needed and called by the Board of Directors to fill vacant seats.

Who can vote?
Any current SVBC member 12 years or older.

How many Board Members will be elected?
The SVBC board consists of up to 11 members. The terms are three years. Each board member is limited to three consecutive terms with no limit on the total number of terms.

Board Member Duties and Responsibilities

Board Members Eligibility
Must be an active member of SVBC in good standing. Good standing is defined as projecting a positive image, conducting oneself in a professional manner, respecting the rights of other directors, staff and members to express their ideas and communicating with honesty and respect.

Must agree to uphold the Articles of Incorporation and the Bylaws of the organization.

All Directors are elected to represent the membership as a whole and not the interest of a particular constituency.

Directors cannot own, run or be employed in a business that is in direct competition with this organization.

Time Commitment Required
The Board of Directors meets every month for an average of 2 hours per meeting. Committees of the SVBC meet three to six times a year, depending on the committee. Directors are expected to attend an annual board retreat, of one day in length. Board members are encouraged to attend the monthly membership social which typically immediately follows the monthly board meeting.