After an extensive, national search, the Alliance for Biking & Walking has hired Breen Goodwin as its Executive Director.

Established in 1996, the Alliance is the North American coalition of local and state bicycling and walking advocacy organizations — uniquely poised to strategically advance the active transportation movement by growing the capacity of community leaders. Following a groundbreaking Leadership Retreat in 2014 and moving into a new strategic planning process in 2015, the staff and board are excited to welcome an experienced and forward-thinking new executive to lead the continued evolution of the Alliance — and its member organizations.

“My passion for biking and walking stretches back to exploring the neighborhood on my first pink Schwinn,” Goodwin said. “I loved my work at the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia and I’m thrilled to be joining the Alliance team in my return to the active transportation movement.”

“The Alliance has come a long way in its 19-year history and I’m excited to continue and expand our work,” Goodwin continued. “As we progress with a new strategic plan, I look forward to connecting with our strong network of member organizations and national partners. We have great opportunities ahead and together we will be strong advocates for change in our communities.”

Goodwin comes to the Alliance after four years as the Executive Director of the Columbia Empire Volleyball Association (CEVA), one of 40 regions of USA Volleyball. While at CEVA, Breen fostered relationships with and between the 85 member clubs through improved communications, prioritizing member services and developing shared best practices. Prior to CEVA, Goodwin spent three years as the Deputy Director/Education Director of the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. At the Bicycle Coalition Breen oversaw rapid organizational growth and launched two Philadelphia-wide educational programs.

Goodwin speaking at Philadelphia Bike to Work Day 2009, joined by the Coaliton's Bicycle Ambassadors (red), a program she helped to create.

“We welcome Breen to the already great team at the Alliance,” said Rob Sadowsky, chair of the Alliance Board of Directors and Executive Director of the Bicycle Transportation Alliance in Portland, Ore. "She brings executive experience, along with hands-on experience working for one of our member groups, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. We are collectively thrilled to have a team that can continue to foster strong active transportation advocacy and is positioned to take bold, new steps to build a strong movement across North America.”

While Goodwin and the organization will be based on Portland, the staff will be remote, deepening the Alliance's connection to the evolving work of its members at the state and local level in communities nationwide. One notable staff change will happen this fall, however, as the Alliance’s Interim Executive Director, Brighid O’Keane, will be leaving the organization for new pursuits.

“Over the past five months, we were fortunate to have Brighid O’Keane serving as Interim Executive Director, guiding our team with tremendous skill and vision,” Sadowsky added. “As Advocacy Advance Program Manager and eventually as Deputy Director, Brighid has helped the Alliance grow beyond our pre-teenage years and will continue to help Breen in her transition. We will miss her as she begins a new chapter in her life.”

“I’m very excited to welcome Breen to the Alliance,” O’Keane said. “Members and staff are in great hands with Breen as the new executive director with ties in active transportation advocacy as well as experiences in other networks and movements.”

“Since our Leadership Retreat last September, the Alliance has renewed and articulated a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion; both internally and amongst member organizations,” O’Keane explained. “Our stellar staff and team members have led the charge in reflecting this vision in our communications, programming, personal, and team-building work. The board’s vision, Breen’s leadership, and input from our members and partners will continue to guide us through this process in the months and years to come.” 

“I look forward to working with Breen, staff, and board to ensure a smooth transition and continuation of the Alliance’s strategic planning process. I personally welcome any questions or feedback through this exciting time of change.”

We’re grateful to the impressive diversity of candidates who brought new perspectives and ideas to the Alliance throughout this process and we look forward to working with many new leaders as we move forward.

Goodwin will begin her tenure as executive director on September 1, but, in the meantime, you can welcome her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Read more about her professional background, her leadership style and her excitement to “come home” to the active transportation movement here!