Adventure Cycling Association Names Andy Williamson as Executive Director
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Veteran outdoor recreation leader brings two decades of experience building bicycle travel programs and active recreation communities
Download image – Andy Williamson
MISSOULA, Mont. (Sept. 18, 2025) – Adventure Cycling Association’s Board of Directors announced today the appointment of Andy Williamson as Executive Director, effective October 1, 2025. Williamson brings 20 years of specialized experience in developing active outdoor recreation opportunities for member-based organizations and communities nationwide.
“Andy has a remarkable breadth of experience and passion in the nonprofit cycling world and beyond, and is exceptionally well positioned, with a compelling vision, to lead Adventure Cycling into the next phase of its evolution,” said Scott Edwards, Executive Director Search Committee Co-Chair. “After careful deliberation and consultation with staff and outside references, we are extremely proud and excited to introduce our unanimous choice. The entire board looks forward to welcoming Andy and working with him, and the membership, to make Adventure Cycling soar.”
Williamson’s career has focused primarily on bicycle travel, route and trail development, and creating bike-friendly communities. Most recently, he led a statewide organization for outdoor economic development across West Virginia, supervising the development and implementation of million dollars in federal and philanthropic grant funded programs to increase quality of life and improve local economies. Previously, he was the Principal of a consultancy specializing in active outdoor recreation strategic development for nonprofits and municipalities, and led the Made By Mountains initiative — a widely recognized alliance of 27 counties promoting active communities throughout western North Carolina.
From 2012 to 2018, Williamson held leadership positions at the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), where he expanded the organization’s local and regional chapters program and supported local partners in securing millions in funding for trail development. He also served as former Chair of the Board of Bikepacking Roots and as a Board Member of the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education and is currently a Board Member of American Trails.
The Board selected Williamson following an extensive national search that generated hundreds of applications. His deep understanding of how bicycle adventures and outdoor recreation transform lives and strengthen communities distinguished him among exceptional candidates. The Board was particularly impressed with his track record in member organizations, his success creating innovative programs, and his ability to secure diverse funding sources.
“As someone who experiences daily the importance of building strong connections between communities and riders, having someone with Andy’s experience in this role will help Adventure Cycling continue to be a leader in expanding access to bike travel for all,” said Maria Elena Price, Adventure Cycling Board Secretary.
Williamson will be succeeding Nicki Bailey, who has been acting as Interim Executive Director during the search process and has been with Adventure Cycling for four years. Nicki’s leadership and deep understanding of Adventure Cycling have allowed the organization to make significant progress on its 50th Anniversary planning, partnership and industry connections, route development, and member engagement over the last six months. Nicki will continue her career with Adventure Cycling as VP of Program and Operations.
Williamson will be based in Bentonville, Arkansas, recognized as one of the premier bicycle and adventure-friendly cities in the United States, while leading staff located throughout the country and in Montana. This positioning will provide Adventure Cycling greater reach to members and the broader bike travel community as the organization approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026.
“I am honored to join Adventure Cycling at such a pivotal moment in its history,” says Andy Williamson. “This organization has inspired millions to discover the freedom and connection of bicycle adventures, and together — with our staff, board, members, and partners — we will expand access, strengthen our community, and shape the next fifty years of adventure.”
About Adventure Cycling Association Adventure Cycling Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and empowering people to travel by bicycle. Founded in 1973, Adventure Cycling develops bicycle routes, advocates for better bicycling conditions, and provides resources and guidance to cyclists of all levels. The organization maintains the largest collection of bicycle touring routes in North America and serves thousands of members worldwide.
Media Contact:
Jessica Zephyrs, VP of Marketing, Adventure Cycling Association, jzephyrs@adventurecycling.org
