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Staff & Board

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

MICHELLE AVOLA-BROWN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Michelle began working with Naples Pathways Coalition in 2006. She helped grow the young organization and establish our presence in the Naples community. She has been back with NPC since 2018.

Michelle has a BA in marketing, and started her career with Xerox as a National Sales Training Manager. She grew up in the Chicago suburbs and enjoyed walking, rollerblading, and biking on the trails that are so extensive there. On a road ride a number of years ago, Michelle was hit by a car. A belligerent driver set the crash in motion, contributing to her passion to protect vulnerable road users and educate everyone sharing our streets.

She is excited and honored to continue NPC's longstanding tradition of working closely with the local government and law enforcement agencies advocating for the safety of pedestrians and cyclists on our roads.  Michelle is an ardent proponent of the expansion and connectivity of Collier County’s limited off-road, multi-use pathways. She is thrilled to be a part of the NPC's launch of the 70 plus mile Paradise Coast Trail.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CRAIG MANCHEN, BOARD CHAIR
A retired business owner from Cleveland, Craig has been a part-time resident of Naples since 2006.  He holds both a BS in marketing and an MBA from Ohio University, and serves on the boards of several private companies. Craig is an avid cyclist who finished first in his age group in the 2015 Senior National Games and serves on the steering committee of the VeloSano Bike to Cure Cancer Fundraiser.  Craig chairs the NPC Fundraising Event Committee.

SEAN NOLAN, TREASURER
Sean grew up in North Palm Beach and graduated from Florida State University with a BS in accounting and a master’s degree in sports administration. He is a CPA and partner at Rogers Wood Hill Starman & Gustason, PA. Moving to Naples in 2003, Sean quickly became involved in the community. He is a member of the Leadership Collier Class of 2011 and currently serves as treasurer of Gulf Coast Runners. Sean chairs the NPC Finance Committee.

JOE BONNESS, DIRECTOR
One of the founders of NPC and a former co-president, ”Iron Joe” Bonness also has the distinction of being a world champion triathlete and is the namesake of the Iron Joe Turkey Ride, one of NPC’s signature events. He has lived in Naples since1967 and owns and operates highway construction, quarry, and trucking and electrical operations. He is a member of USA Triathlon, Ironman Triathlons, and Naples Area Triathletes. Joe serves as NPC’s senior advocate for Collier County.

JIM BENNETT, DIRECTOR
Jim is a winter resident of Naples from Connecticut where he has lived for over 50 years. Jim co-founded and sold two businesses during his forty year business career, a music company and a direct mail business offering a wide range of fun and creative teaching tools with sales in over 90% of the elementary schools in the the United States. Jim sits on the board of a senior care non-profit, MoZaic Senior Life, in Bridgeport Connecticut. He is delighted to be able to support NPC in its worthy effort of encouraging and protecting all forms of pedestrian and cycling transportation in Naples, which has become a cherished second home.

ALAN RYKER, DIRECTOR
Founder and former co-president of NPC, Alan served on many boards and committees in the City for over 15 years; he also served the community at-large as a member of the Southwest Florida Land Preservation Trust working on the completion of the Gordon River Greenway. In addition, through his many years in NPC, he participated in efforts ultimately resulting in Naples receiving the Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community Award for 2015-2018 from the League of American Bicyclists, and was responsible for publication of the first City of Naples Bicycle & Tourism Map.  Alan serves as NPC’s senior advocate for the City of Naples.

ROB VIGORITO, DIRECTOR
Bob is currently an instructor in the Department of Pediatrics at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. He is also the founder and former president of the non-profit charitable Columbia Triathlon Association and a six-time Ironman World Championship finisher. Bob earned his MHS at Quinnipiac University and Physician’s Assistant certification at Quinnipiac and Yale. He is a USAT Certified Race Director and Coach.

SUSAN SONNENSCHEIN, DIRECTOR
Susan is passionate about safe biking for all levels on the future Paradise Coast Trail. She’s been inspired by frequent European bike tours, Austria and Switzerland being among her favorite biking destinations. The joy of experiencing local cultures and cuisines by bike has been a motivating influence. Susan has a BS in both marketing and management from the University of Maine. She also serves on Collier County Master Planning Bike/Ped Committee.

GEORGE DONDANVILLE, DIRECTOR
George moved to the City of Naples in 1986, quickly involving himself in non-motorized mobility issues and was appointed to the first Collier MPO Pathways Advisory Committee which drafted the first Bike/Ped Master Plan. He has been the manager of a local bike shop and then the manager of Naples' first running store, all while participating in numerous races and organizing many as well. He is a founding NPC board member and recently returned to share his experience in dealing with the Collier County and City of Naples governments. Last year he was appointed to the MPO Citizens Advisory Committee.

SUNDI FAITH, DIRECTOR
From balancing budgets to balancing on her bike, Sundi is the ultimate combination of cyclist and CPA. Her favorite part of tax season? Claiming all those miles spent cycling as ‘work-related cardio’!  After moving to Florida in 1990, she graduated from USF.  She raised 3 children and now spends lots of time with her 4 grandchildren.  She has also served on the board of Naples Velo since 2007 and is committed to safety and fun in cycling!


TEDDY WALLINGFORD, DIRECTOR
Teddy Wallingford is the owner of Cycle Shack, a bicycle shop in Naples that he founded with his son. Before the shop, Teddy founded, grew, and sold an award-winning information technology company in Cleveland, Ohio, for which he received a Weatherhead 100 Award from Case-Western Reserve University. Teddy serves the Naples Pathways Coalition because he wants our community to be safer, easier to travel, and more conducive to human wellness.

NAT SMITH, DIRECTOR                     
A retired businessman from Charlotte, NC, Nat enjoys exercise and the outdoors. An avid cyclist, serving NPC offers a perfect opportunity for positive community involvement and advocacy. Nat and Brenda bought their first Naples home in 2003, and became doting grandparents and Florida residents in 2018. Nat’s hobbies include cycling, fishing, hiking, skiing, music, politics, reading and the diligent practice of all handyman skills.

HECTOR SANCHEZ, DIRECTOR                    
Hector is the Vice-President for the Rope & Assemblies Division for Central Wire Industries. In his role, he is responsible for the P&L for the 2 Florida Based operations for Central Wire Industries – Loos & Co in Naples, and Strand Core in Milton. Hector is a graduate from Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI – Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Industrial Engineering (2006) and Master of Science in Engineering Management (2007). Hector enjoys volunteering his time in support of our community, from serving as a small business coach to being an active member of the Board of Directors of the Great Naples Chamber of Commerce.



BOARD OF TRUSTEES

The Board of Trustees provides support and counsel to the NPC Board and promotes the organization. The Trustees include community activists, philanthropists, and professionals who support our mission to create safe, bikeable, walkable communities in Collier County.

               

                Ted Zelman

Tamara Paquette

PARTNERS AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS


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