Concluding a national search, International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) has selected Richard Cook as its new development director. An active figure in the outdoor industry, Cook has worked with several sports oriented organizations over his career. In his new role, Cook will oversee corporate memberships, strategic alliances, member services, e-commerce, and grants and contributions at IMBA.
“Rich is fired up to join IMBA and I am equally enthusiastic,” said IMBA Executive Director Mike Van Abel. “There were several strong candidates for this position, but Rich's enthusiasm and depth of experience were highly impressive.”
Cook brings a wealth of management and development expertise to IMBA. He directed the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC) from 1993 to 2004. He led BOEC to notable growth, more than doubling its revenue and participation through marketing partnerships, special events, major donor development, as well as corporate sponsorship and grant writing. Cook worked closely with the Town of Breckenridge, Breckenridge Ski Resort and the Forest Service on open space issues, collaborative trail development and recreation planning. He also founded and directed the Breckenridge Crest Mountain Marathon, a trail running race that enjoyed national prominence as a USA Trail Running Championship event.
Cook began his outdoor industry career working summers with Colorado Outward Bound and as a trekking and climbing guide in Peru, while spending winters managing retail, rental and skier service operations at Copper Mountain Resort.
After graduating from the Leeds College of Business, Cook served as director of the University of Colorado Outdoor Program, where he established an outstanding mountain biking program. Over the years he has worked as marketing director for Trilogy Magazine and as general manager of Eldorado Wall Company/Franklin Climbing.
Cook relocated from Breckenridge back to Boulder in 2005. He is married, with two active preschoolers at home. Cook has a passion for the outdoors, and can be found doing any number of active outdoor pursuits, including running, climbing, fly fishing, backcountry skiing, alpine mountaineering and mountain biking.
