Jennifer O’Dell has been named executive director of the Adventure Cycling Association as the organization prepares to invest in a new initiative for 2022.

O’Dell joined the company in April 2021 as chief marketing officer and takes over for Scott Pankratz, who served as executive director steering the organization through the disruptions caused by the pandemic.

“I’m thrilled to be stepping in to lead Adventure Cycling Association as we accelerate our efforts to make our mission relevant to many more people,” O’Dell said. “Our leadership team is energized, unified, and committed to our bold vision to build a much larger and inclusive bike travel community. Adventure Cycling is fortunate to have a blend of long-serving staff members and new hires that offer a good balance of stability and enthusiasm, and I’m proud to have their support.”

Before joining Adventure Cycling, O’Dell worked in consumer-packaged goods, e-commerce and the fitness and apparel industries for more than two decades with brands including The Hershey Company, Sunny Delight Beverages Co. and Nautilus, Inc.

“We’re excited to have Jennifer take on the role of executive director,” said Joyce Casey, president, Adventure Cycling Association Board of Directors. “She brings a collaborative leadership style and thoughtful management and has already helped us define our strategy to bring the joy of bike travel to more people. We look forward to what the future holds for Jennifer and Adventure Cycling.”

O’Dell takes over Adventure Cycling as it closes its fiscal year and prepares to invest in a top priority for 2022—its Bike Overnights initiative.

Bike Overnights builds on the organization’s mapping routes across North America and preparing trip itineraries to curate adventures close to major cities, to make bike travel more accessible through:

  • Do-it-yourself resources, available online for anyone, anywhere to embark on a first road or bikepacking tour;
  • Leveraging the 50,000-mile Adventure Cycling Route Network, guided tour leader expertise and the knowledge of its member community to offer 2-to-5-day local route/itinerary options; and
  • Connecting its volunteer Ambassadors to provide local guidance and support novice riders, creating bike travel opportunities all experience levels.