The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), the youth development organization governing high school mountain biking in the United States, today announced the appointment of Austin McInerny, formerly NICA’s education programs director, as executive director. In his new role, McInerny will strengthen NICA and provide leadership to reach its goal of being coast-to-coast by 2020.
McInerny has been a dedicated and influential member of the NICA team since its inception, serving as a member of the founding committee, a coach for the Berkeley High School mountain bike team and president of the NorCal league’s Board of Directors. In his most recent position, he oversaw the development of the NICA Coaches’ Manual and serves as an instructor at various leaders’ summits in all of NICA’s 10 leagues.
“Austin’s achievements and efforts have already garnered respect from NICA’s Board, sponsors and fellow staff members, and we are thrilled to announce his new role as executive director,” said NICA Board president, Rick Spittler. “His knowledge, passion and proven ability to lead give us confidence that this seamless transition will strengthen NICA in achieving its goals.”
As a nationally respected environmental mediator with a master’s degree in regional planning from Cornell University, McInerny’s qualifications make him an effective advocate for expanded off-road riding opportunities. McInerny has a long history in the mountain bike community and serves on both the board of directors for the San Francisco Bay Area Ridge Trail Council and the International Mountain Bike Association’s California Regional Leadership Advisory Council.
“Throughout my 30 years of cycling, my passion to make mountain biking a mainstream high school sport has become a personal mission,” said McInerny. “I believe in NICA and am looking forward to furthering its goal to help high school student-athletes build strong minds, bodies and character through mountain biking.”
About The National Interscholastic Cycling Association
Founded in 2009, the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) develops high school mountain biking programs for student-athletes across the United States. NICA provides leadership, services and governance for local leagues to produce quality mountain bike events, and supports every student-athlete in the development of strong body, strong mind and strong character through their efforts on the bike.
NICA exists by virtue of generous donors and sponsors, including the founding national Sponsor, Specialized Bicycle Components, as well as Easton Foundations, JEEP, SRAM, Trek Bicycles, Clif Bar & Company, Primal Wear, QBP, GU Sports, Kinetic, Maxxis, adidas Eyewear, CamelBak, Dirt Rag, Feedback Sports, Fort Lewis College, Fox Racing Shox, Mountain Bike Action, Ritchey Designs, Sidi America and WTB.
