What’s Next for LMB: Meet Jeff Carek, Interim Executive Director

November 11, 2024

If you missed the recent news, John’s statement shares his decision to step down as Executive Director after 10 impactful years leading the League of Michigan Bicyclists (LMB). 

LMB Board Chair Melissa Werkman noted John’s impact:

“In his 20-year tenure with LMB, John Lindenmayer has significantly impacted our work to ‘improve life through bicycling’ for people in Michigan. Under his leadership, we have advanced significant legislation that has ensured safer bicycling on streets and trails, worked with communities to create safer streets, advanced educational efforts, grown opportunities for participation, and expanded partnerships that work toward environmental sustainability. His is a legacy to honor and set a solid, forward trajectory for new leadership. We are grateful for John’s leadership and commitment to this work.”

As we reflect on John’s incredible contributions, we are pleased to introduce Jeff Carek, stepping in as Interim Executive Director to ensure a seamless handoff and keep LMB’s momentum going strong until a permanent Executive Director is appointed in early 2025.

Jeff feels both honored and energized by the Board’s trust in him to steward LMB’s vision, programs, and advocacy work forward. Since joining us as Education Director in 2022, Jeff has shown remarkable dedication and proven leadership across our Public and Law Enforcement Training programs, mountain biking initiatives, and cycling safety efforts. With over 25 years of experience as a public servant, first with the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office and then in leadership roles at Washtenaw Community College, Jeff has the skills and dedication to support the organization through this transition and beyond.

His expertise in community-focused leadership and program development has already expanded LMB’s grant-supported initiatives, taking our safety, training, and data research programs to new heights. Jeff has also played a key role in integrating the Michigan Mountain Biking Association (MMBA), co-leading advocacy, skill clinics, and expanding mountain biking programming. In stepping into the Interim Executive Director role, Jeff is committed to working alongside our dedicated team, partners, and supporters to build on the foundation John has created and drive our mission forward with strength, stability, and a shared purpose.

Outside of his professional life, Jeff’s lifelong passion for cycling has seen him race BMX in his youth, support social rides around Detroit, and embrace ultra-endurance events and bikepacking challenges. Jeff is also a proud father to his son Drew and daughter-in-law Reanna, a doting grandpa to his granddaughter Rory (affectionately known as “Little Bean”), and a supportive bonus dad to Chelsea Martinez. Jeff, along with his wife Wendy and their three dogs, loves exploring the great outdoors, adding to his personal commitment to protecting Michigan’s biking culture and landscape.

As we look ahead, LMB remains steadfast and resilient in our mission to make Michigan bicycling safer, stronger, and more inclusive. Jeff’s leadership will help drive this work forward seamlessly, ensuring that our community feels supported, our programs thrive, and our shared vision for Michigan continues uninterrupted. We invite you, our valued supporters, to join us in this next era of transformative impact as LMB continues to grow, advocate, and create lasting change across the state.

Should you have any questions or wish to connect with Jeff, feel free to reach out to him directly at [email protected]. Thank you for your continued support and dedication to LMB’s mission!

As LMB transitions and grows, your support is key to keeping our momentum strong. If you’d like to make a gift in support of LMB’s mission, we invite you to do so here. Thank you for riding with us!

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