For Immediate Release
Bikes To Rwanda Appoints New Executive Director
June 1, 2010 - Portland, OR –- Bikes to Rwanda (BTR), the international development organization providing Rwandans with sustainable transportation resources to enhance their quality of life, announced today the appointment of its new Executive Director. Brian Gilmore was selected following an extensive and thorough executive search process and will spearhead the revitalization of BTR’s bike distribution, workshop and maintenance programs.
"As a non-governmental organization serving communities across Rwanda, BTR required a combination of vision, passion and management expertise in its leader," said Tom Rousculp, Bikes To Rwanda's Board President. "Brian has just this combination. His experience in international development work and the cycling industry, track record of management success and commitment to capacity building will be valued assets in our ongoing efforts to improve the lives and livelihoods of Rwandans."
Gilmore joins Bikes to Rwanda with a highly diversified career portfolio that includes time spent in international development and the cycling industry. Most recently, he served as Program Manager in Sudan for the Swiss Foundation for Mine Action where he lead the organization’s efforts to establish and grow an indigenous humanitarian demining organization.
"I was drawn to Bikes to Rwanda because of their commitment to providing Rwandans with the tools they need to secure their livelihoods, ensure their economic independence, rebuild their lives, and their country,” said Gilmore. “The mission, the philosophy and the values of the organization are an inspiration and entirely compatible with my personal and professional orientation—never before have I had the opportunity to combine my two greatest passions in the way that BTR will allow. I’m very fortunate to have this opportunity."
"I am very gratified to have been selected as BTR's next Executive Director from a pool of highly qualified candidates," added Gilmore. "I look forward to working with the Board of Directors, the countless volunteers who have helped the organization to date, and communities worldwide to provide Rwandan farmers with the tools they need to succeed."
Gilmore has worked with a cross section of public and private sector entities to forge lasting partnerships on behalf of various constituencies. His career has been dedicated to advancing peace and security in post-conflict countries, creating programs and services that promote the development of indigenous capacity to tackle obstacles that stand in the way of successful post-conflict recovery.
He has worked with international, national, and state legislators to help shape policies in support of the Mine Ban Treaty and implementation of its articles. Gilmore holds a BA in International Relations from Syracuse University and is finishing a MPA with an international development focus from Rutgers University and lives in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
About Bikes To Rwanda
During a coffee buying trip to Rwanda in the Spring of 2006, Duane Sorenson of Stumptown Coffee Roasters had the opportunity to sit down with coffee farmers at the Karaba Cooperative. He asked the farmers what their communities needed and their response was bicycles. Upon returning home to Portland, Oregon, Duane set about mobilizing the bike and coffee communities in the city on the farmers’ behalves. By October of 2006, Bikes to Rwanda was formed with the organization’s objective to provide cargo bicycles to co-operative coffee farmers in Rwanda. The goal is to improve quality of life in these communities through a bike distribution, workshop and maintenance program that provides transportation resources for basic needs and enhances production of quality coffee. For more information please visit www.bikestorwanda.com
