As 2024—a year of transitions, milestones, and growth—fades farther into the rearview mirror, we thought now would be a good time to reintroduce the incredible team working hard to create safer, stronger, and more inclusive biking across Michigan. Together, we represent different types of cyclists—from riding roads to trails and everything in between.
We’re starting 2025 stronger than ever, with a passionate and talented group dedicated to advancing LMB’s mission. Some names you’ll recognize, and we’re eager to introduce two new faces. Without further ado, meet the team:
Jeffrey Carek – Interim Executive Director
Jeff Carek stepped into the role of Interim Executive Director in late 2024, bringing over 25 years of experience as a public servant and a proven track record of leadership at LMB. Since joining the organization as Education Director in 2022, Jeff has expanded LMB’s safety, training, and mountain biking initiatives, co-led advocacy efforts with MMBA, and taken grant-supported programs to new heights. His dedication to community-focused leadership and program development has strengthened LMB’s ability to make Michigan bicycling safer, stronger, and more inclusive.
Jeff’s passion for cycling runs deep—from racing BMX in his youth to supporting social rides, ultra-endurance events, and bikepacking adventures. At home, he’s a proud father, doting grandpa, and outdoor enthusiast who loves exploring Michigan with his wife Wendy and their three dogs.
Contact Jeff at [email protected].
Gina Apone – Communications Director
Gina joined LMB as Communications Coordinator in the spring of 2023. Having earned her master’s degree in Publishing & Writing at Emerson College and a dual degree in Professional Writing and Pre-Law with a minor in Public Relations at Michigan State University, she is thrilled to bring her passion for bicycling and love of writing and communications to the team. Drawing from past experiences like her time at nonprofit literary magazine Ploughshares, Gina strives to help tell LMB’s story as well as expand the reach of our efforts to make Michigan bicycling better for all. She’s on a secret mission to make sure every LMB email is a must-read that keeps you hooked from subject line to sign-off.
Gina first discovered her love of mountain biking over ten years ago and has been hooked ever since. From mountain to gravel riding, she enjoys all of the mental and physical challenges, friendships, and joys cycling has to offer. When not riding her favorite trail, you can find her marathon training, traveling, getting lost in a good book, or drinking copious amounts of coffee.
Contact Gina at [email protected].
Nicky Bates – Development & Membership Director
Nicky Bates lives in Marquette, MI, where she is a passionate advocate for safer, more inclusive streets and trails. Nicky serves as a Board Member and Chapter Leader for All Bodies on Bikes, championing inclusivity and representation within the cycling community and leading bike rides that are inclusive of all levels of riders. As a member of Marquette’s Traffic and Parking Safety Committee, Nicky collaborates with local leaders to prioritize pedestrian- and bicyclist-friendly infrastructure. In addition to her advocacy work at LMB and beyond, she volunteers as a youth mountain bike coach with both the 906 Adventure Team and Little Bellas, inspiring the next generation of riders to discover the joy and confidence that comes with cycling.
When she’s not on a bike, you can find her in Lake Superior (all year round!), reading historical fiction, or making soup. A former triathlete, Nicky has embraced the dirt, adventure, and minimal running of gravel and mountain biking. She believes everyone should find a bike that works for them and go for a ride.
Contact Nicky at [email protected].
Neal Glazebrook – Events Director
Neal, a resident of Oceola Township, brings a wealth of experience and passion to his role as LMB’s Events Director. Neal is deeply embedded in his local community, serving as Chair of the Oceola Township Planning Commission and sitting on several township boards, as well as the Livingston County Parks and Open Space Committee. His advocacy extends statewide through his involvement with the Michigan DNR’s Non-Motorized Advisory Workgroup and related committees.
An avid cyclist, Neal competes in ultra-endurance mountain bike and gravel races across Michigan, riding with Team Consolidated and leading group rides for the Livingston County Gravel Riders. He also serves as a trail coordinator for the Motor City Mountain Biking Association, building trails at Fillmore Park in Livingston County. Neal’s professional background includes leadership roles in marketing management and operations, and he holds a BBA in Marketing Management from Baker College. When he’s not working or riding, Neal enjoys hiking and camping with his wife, Cristi, and their dog daughter, Tessa.
Contact Neal at [email protected].
Jessica Lanave – Outreach Coordiantor
Jessica brings her passion for advocacy, connection, and community to her role as Outreach Coordinator. She believes thriving relationships start with meaningful connections and loves seeing the ripple effects they create. Her professional, volunteer, and personal experiences make her a natural fit to advance LMB’s mission of making bicycling better in Michigan and beyond.
Jessica enjoys all types of cycling but finds the most joy riding tandem with her husband, Jim, on Sunday Fundays. Group rides on her road or gravel bike and one-on-one rides with a friend also fill her heart with joy. Jessica’s passion to serve the community extends across a variety of organizations. As a board member of the Genesee Wanderers Cycling Club and the Assenmacher 100 Ride Coordinator, she’s dedicated to fostering great experiences for riders and communities alike. LMB’s work aligns with her with her desire to help others have great experiences and strengthen communities through cycling.
Contact Jessica at [email protected].
Joanie Towarnicky – Data Analyst
Joanie Towarnicky believes that safe, bikeable communities are at the heart of helping people become the best version of themselves. She began her journey with LMB in 2024 as a MI Healthy Climate Corps member, conducting community bike audits across Michigan to identify opportunities for safer, more bike-friendly streets. Her work has already led to meaningful changes and she continues this mission in her role as LMB’s Data Analyst. Joanie brings a wealth of experience in business, community engagement, and active transportation advocacy. As founder and president of Friends of the Grand Blanc Grid, she has spent the past five years fostering non-motorized transportation initiatives in her community. Her volunteer work spans organizations like Habitat for Humanity and Flint Community Schools, and she has a long-standing commitment to making biking accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
An avid cyclist, Joanie uses her bike for transportation and recreation, whether running errands or riding with her daughters to school. She even hosts an annual 4th of July bike parade, a tradition dating back to her own childhood. Joanie’s dedication to fostering stronger, healthier communities makes her an invaluable member of the LMB team.
Contact Joanie at [email protected].
Welcome to the Team!
John Conlin – Education Coordinator
After a 29-year career in public safety, John has joined the team as Education Coordinator. A lifelong cyclist, John is thrilled to bring together his passion for bicycling and his extensive experience in training coordination. His background in law enforcement and emergency management has given him valuable expertise in coordinating and conducting complex training scenarios. In his new role, John coordinates Bicycle and Pedestrian for Law Enforcement courses across Michigan, helping to bridge the gap between public safety and cycling advocacy.
A native of Ann Arbor, John holds a B.S. in Criminal Justice and Public Affairs from Indiana University. Over decades of riding and racing bikes, he developed a deep appreciation for the sport—and an even deeper commitment to giving back. By combining his dedication to bicycle advocacy with his proficiency in training coordination, John’s goal at LMB is to improve roadway safety and accessibility for all cyclists, ensuring that biking in Michigan is safer and more welcoming for everyone.
Contact John at [email protected].
Ted Sliwinski – Lighting Project Coordinator
Ted Sliwinski is bringing his extensive experience and passion for cycling to LMB as the Lighting Project Coordinator, leading the impactful Light Love program to provide essential lights to cyclists in need. With over 20 years of experience as an independent bicycle shop owner and professional mechanic, Ted combines technical expertise with a deep commitment to making cycling accessible for everyone.
Ted owns Metropolis Cycles in Ferndale, a lifelong dream turned reality, where he fosters a welcoming environment for riders of all backgrounds. In addition to his work in retail and non-profit cycling organizations, Ted uses his technical skills to design and fabricate his own bicycle frames. His dedication to inclusivity and innovation makes him a perfect fit for LMB’s mission to improve cycling across Michigan.
Contact Ted at [email protected].
With this amazing team behind the handlebars, we’re ready to make this year our best yet! As we continue to pedal into 2025 with renewed energy and focus, we thank you for riding with us. Your ongoing support is key to keeping our momentum strong. If you’d like to become a member in support of LMB’s mission, we invite you to do so here or by clicking the button below. Thank you for riding with us!
Stay tuned for future updates, and don’t forget to say hi when you see us out on the road or trail. Here’s to making Michigan bicycling better for all.
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