board of directors

Dan moved from Virginia to Tacoma in 2019 and is already immersed in the 253 culture. Now retired, he brings to 2nd Cycle a lifetime of retail experience. In his 25-year career with Trader Joe’s, Dan worked at 12 stores on both coasts, doing everything from managing stores to rounding up shopping carts. Dan believes “bikes change lives; they facilitate independence, they make people physically and emotionally healthier, they bring joy to young and old, they slow life down and connect us to our environment.” He foresees 2nd Cycle as a cycling town square that acts as a catalyst to make Tacoma less car-centric and more bike friendly. Dan studied journalism at the University of Oregon. He also serves on the board of a non-profit that supports under-resourced children and families in Haiti.

Jen relocated to Tacoma several years ago and became acquainted with the incredible work of Second Cycle, thanks to her son's participation in their summer camp. Her son loved the camp and she was deeply impressed with both the amazing Second Cycle staff and their impact in the community. Jen brings her background as a small business owner and her enthusiasm for sustainable modes of transportation, better bike infrastructure and fundraising. Jen sees nonprofit board service as a great way to grow personally and contribute to the community, making a real impact by advancing the missions of organizations like Second Cycle.

Carla is a font of knowledge on the local bicycling scene; she has served on the boards of the Tacoma Washington Bicycle Club, Foothills Rails-to-Trails Coalition, and has fit thousands of free and low-cost helmets for local children and adults. Carla joined the 2nd Cycle board after several years of volunteering, so she knows first hand about the team’s great work and community building. And she can do more than inventory and data entry. She retired from AT&T with 30 years of service in telecommunications networking. Carla is an award-winning photographer who spends her free time volunteering, traveling, bicycling, and capturing life from interesting angles.

Adonis began volunteering at Second Cycle in 2014 as a middle schooler – first as an event participant and then a small-time mechanic. Later as a Tacoma School of the Arts student, he became well versed with the Hilltop, Downtown, and Point Defiance areas. Wherever he roamed, Second Cycle was always at the center of his growth as a person and community member. Adonis is now a board member and chair of the Outreach Committee. Look for his towering smile at events and community meetings as he spreads the word about our community bike shop. Adonis is more than excited to help Second Cycle the way Second Cycle supports him and the community at large!

By day, Gary Kawamura is an account executive for the not for profit employer association, Archbright. When not working, Gary can usually be found off the i90 corridor, at Raging River or Tiger Mountain, trying to terrify himself on his mountain bike Mandy. In the past, he’s raced cross country mountain biking and in 2021 competed in the Cascadia Dirt Cup Enduro mountain bike race series. In 2022, he’s training to complete the High Cascades 100. He hold a BA in English from Washington State University and also an MBA from Pacific Lutheran University. He joined the board of second cycle to help make cycling more accessible for everyone and to also help get more people outside and discover how liberating cycling is.

Tracy Oster is Executive Director for one of our partners, Downtown On the Go! She moved to Tacoma after she got the job in 2021 and is truly a fan of this great city! She’s excited to bring her previous 15 years of experience as a nonprofit Executive Director to support the mission of 2nd Cycle. Tracy loves to ride on local trails with her husband but has lately really been enjoying her e-bike, which she uses to commute to work as often as possible! “The hills in Tacoma are tough. But with an e-bike, it’s much more manageable. Plus, it’s fun!” Tracy looks forward to supporting the vision of “a world where the joy of bike riding is accessible to everybody.”

Chris is a global air quality expert who advised China on how to strengthen its air and environmental law. Commuting by bike for decades (Boston, Seattle, Hartford, Beijing) instilled the public health, confidence building, and happiness that comes from cycling, as well as all the warts in the U.S. transport system. Chris holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute and an M.A. in environmental studies from Brown University. Shortly after he moved to Tacoma in 2010, Chris needed a bike part for his city bike. Discovering Second Cycle then, he was further enamored of their wonderfulness during the first Density Dozen ride, and became a strong supporter. He is really excited and gratified by what Second Cycle is accomplishing, and its positive and nurturing role for the community.

Gene's bike is his primary transportation option and he rides every day somewhere in Tacoma. He loves how 2nd Cycle is a true community shop that supports people from all backgrounds to ride bicycles. Gene has a B.Ed. from Central Washington University and works in Tacoma as an analyst with Bank of NY Mellon. He brings his analytical skills and passion for active transportation and community to support 2nd Cycle's mission to "normalize bike riding as a part of daily life and realize the bicycle as a tool for personal and community empowerment." Gene uses his trusty bike trailer to keep Tacoma clean: Since 2014, he's recycled an astonishing 5 tons of roadside aluminum and glass.

Joe was generously gifted a hand me down bike over 10 years ago for transportation between his undergraduate classes and work. In exchange for the bike, Joe made a promise to pay it forward. The mission of 2nd cycle resonates with Joe. He believes bikes should be more accessible to all. On weekends you'll likely find Joe exploring the local mountain bike trails with his wife and two sons in tow. Joe attended law school at Arizona State University in Phoenix. After graduating, Joe traded rocks for roots and moved to Tacoma. He continues to commute on his hand me down bike to Seattle, where he works as a transactional attorney with a focus in real estate.

Colin moved to the Tacoma area in 2015 to pursue his elementary music teaching career. He holds a B.A. in Music Education from Northern Arizona University and an M.A. in French Horn Performance from Ithaca College. A father of four elementary age children, Colin is an avid cyclist, preferring to ride rather than drive whenever possible. He believes heartily in 2nd Cycle's mission and ambition. He hopes to continue to help this marvelous organization grow and thrive amid Tacoma’s vibrant community. Besides a major proponent of the arts, Colin's primary goal is to get you out on your bike and into your community.