Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, based in North Bend and recognized as Washington’s largest mountain-bike association, has named Eddie Espinosa as its new executive director. Espinosa, a native of Puyallup, officially assumed his role yesterday, as announced by the organization.
In a statement, Espinosa reflected on his deep roots in Washington’s mountain biking community, tracing his passion back over three decades to his early days riding at Victor Falls in Puyallup. He fondly recalled the evolution of mountain biking in the state, highlighting Tiger Mountain as a seminal location. “I’ve witnessed firsthand how Evergreen has transformed Washington into a premier global destination for mountain biking,” Espinosa remarked. “I’m privileged to carry forward this legacy, advocating for the accessibility of nature’s transformative benefits to all.”
Prior to his appointment, Espinosa held significant roles at the American Alpine Club, including director of community programs and National Volunteer Program senior manager from 2021 to 2023 and 2018 to 2021, respectively. His tenure at the club underscored his expertise in nonprofit leadership, program management, policy advocacy, and community engagement, as emphasized in the announcement.
Espinosa’s involvement with Evergreen dates back to 2021, during which he contributed extensively to the alliance’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. Notably, he played a pivotal role in launching initiatives like Climb United, designed to foster inclusivity within the climbing community through grants and other supportive measures.
Yvonne Kraus, the outgoing executive director of Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, expressed confidence in Espinosa’s appointment, citing his extensive industry collaboration spanning over nine years. “Eddie’s comprehensive understanding of nonprofit operations and his deep familiarity with Washington’s outdoor recreation landscape make him ideally suited to lead Evergreen into its next phase,” Kraus affirmed. She highlighted Espinosa’s commitment to balancing recreation infrastructure with conservation imperatives and equity in access, underscoring his passion for advocating outdoor recreation.
Espinosa’s appointment marks a significant milestone for Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance, poised to further its mission under his leadership to promote sustainable mountain biking and equitable access to Washington’s natural landscapes.
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