Plans for new leadership underway as board and staff recognize tremendous contributions made by Otwell during tenure

January 19, 2010- TART has announced that Bob Otwell, the executive director for the last nine (9) years, will be stepping down this spring. Otwell became director of TART Trails shortly after the trail umbrella group was formed, when the board consisted of the founders of the four original trails. TART has evolved to become a regional bike and pedestrian advocacy group with a statewide reputation for getting trails built and providing innovative programming.

Tom Auer, president of the board, said that “TART has made great strides under the tenure of Otwell. His passion for the mission of TART has made the organization a leading bicycle and pedestrian advocacy organization in the state. We're looking for a new Executive Director to build on what Bob has created.”

Bob and his wife Laura plan to stay in the area and continue their involvement in TART’s bike and pedestrian advocacy.

Successes and achievements during Otwell’s tenure include:

• The Leelanau Trail mortgage was paid off, and the trail cleared its final legal and zoning challenges.

• Private easements were obtained and the TART and Leelanau Trail were linked, creating an uninterrupted 25-mile long trail.

• The east and north sides of the Boardman Lake Trail were built after securing the final easements. The TART and Boardman Lake Trails were connected.

• TART Trails took over the annual Smart Commute Week and raised participation and community impact.

• TART Trails was invited to join the TC-TALUS board, the local land use and transportation group. Otwell has served as chairman for the past 3 years. The Grand Vision, a TC-TALUS project, has shown wide community support for safe walking and bicycling facilities, enhancing both recreation and transportation.

Otwell says he is proud of his involvement as the executive director of TART; “I feel great about where TART is right now: a strong staff, committed board, solid financial position and exciting projects on the horizon. A strategic planning effort now underway will provide a framework for the board, staff and new Executive Director to move forward.”

A search committee has been formed, and a position description and announcement will be forthcoming.

Please check our Job Openings page for more details as they unfold.