Bike to Blazers ride.
(Photo © J. Maus)
Heather McCarey has been hired to be the next executive director of the Westside Transportation Alliance (WTA). McCarey takes over for Karen Frost, who retired from the position last month.
Based in Beaverton, the WTA is a non-profit Transportation Management Association (TMA) founded in 1997 with a mission to reduce drive-alone trips and promote biking, walking and transit. The organization recently partnered with businesses in downtown Tigard to create and install decorative bike racks along Main Street.
McCarey’s current position is with the Lloyd District TMA where she manages their employee outreach and bike programs. She has a Masters degree in City and Regional Planning from Georgia Tech University Institute of Technology.
In graduate school, McCarey says her textbooks were full of examples of Portland’s city planning, so after she graduted, McCarey tells us, “I decided to head west to the promised land of transit and bike lanes.” She got a part time job at the Lloyd TMA and has worked there ever since.
“While I will miss the bike community in the Lloyd District,” says McCarey, “I’m excited, as I think there’s a lot to be done out there, although it will definitely be a challenge.” McCarey sees Washington County as a test-bed for showing the rest of America how to “encourage alternative transportation in a suburban setting and how to promote supporting land uses.”
McCarey will start her new job in mid-April.
Awesome to see another Tech alum doing good work, but please note that it is the Georgia Institute of Technology http://www.gatech.edu/ and NOT Georgia Tech University.
As a member on the Lloyd TMA Bike Committee, while we’re very sad to see here leave, I’m sure she will be a positive influence for WaCo. She has done a lot of great stuff in and for the district. The Lloyd district just lost a very effective advocate and I really hope she isn’t replaced by another Drive Lloyd employee.
It’s been my great professional and personal pleasure to work with Heather at the Lloyd TMA these past few years. She’s done outstanding work on behalf of Lloyd District employees and for the cycling community in particular, and we’re deeply sad to see her go. At the same time, we’re thrilled that she’s bringing her transformative energy to the WTA. Anyone who commutes to or from Washington County should count themselves lucky to be getting an advocate like Heather. We all wish her the greatest success.
The WTA will be in very capable hands. I’m excited to watch how Heather will build upon what Karen has done on the west side. It’s great to have such a strong and smart transportation options advocate working with suburban employers.
With her creativity and enthusiasm (and natural luck of the Irish!), I’m sure we’ll be seeing many positive changes on the West Side. Sincere congrats to Heather from the PDX Bicycle Show crew.
Congradulations, Heather! Great to see someone with energy and the right skills keep the momentum going.
As I told Heather when I heard – I’m cheering and sobbing at the same time. I don’t know what we on the Lloyd TMA Bike Committee are going to do without her. I don’t know what the Lloyd TMA is going to do without her. In the dozen or so years I’ve had connection to the TMA, Heather has been the most effective organizer and advocate of all. Rick – get us someone else with that kind of energy! And who is going to cover until then?
Lance, I think it will be up to the committee to make things happen, at least for a while, starting very soon.
Congratulations to Heather on her promotion to the WTA. I know her leadership will speak for itself. I know she will have a powerful impact and I hope it opens the eyes other communities to be open to alternative transportation.
Becky of HGH Advanced
Congrats, Heather! Couldn’t think of a better leader for WTA.. onward!
Lucky WTA!!!
Thanks to everyone for all of their support! I’m excited to build on all of the work Karen has already done for the WTA and Washington County. While I will miss the Lloyd TMA bike community dearly, I am looking forward to building new partnerships in Washington County. Please feel free to give me a call at the WTA office or drop by to say “hello” if you are near the Beaverton Round.
Good stuff is in store for the west side. Heather, I’ll still be in your corner from way over here in the Lloyd.
Cogratulations Heather! The WTA is lucky to have you! I am sure the Lloyd District will miss you, you have done excellent work there.
Sheilagh