Paving the Way to Safer, Connected Communities
About Naples Pathways Coalition
Our Mission: Creating a Safer Naples
At Naples Pathways Coalition (NPC), we’re dedicated to transforming Collier County into a haven for pedestrians and cyclists. Our flagship project, the Paradise Coast Trail, along with various educational and public safety initiatives, symbolizes our commitment to fostering safe, bikeable, and walkable communities.
Advocacy in Action
Our approach is hands-on and multifaceted. We analyze data, delve into legislation, and advocate for roadway improvements. Serving on key committees, we not only implement change but also actively participate in public meetings to raise awareness and influence policy decisions.
Partnerships for Progress
We believe in the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change. Our partnerships with local government, law enforcement, businesses, and community organizations are key to our success. By working closely with these entities, we not only amplify our impact but also ensure that our initiatives are comprehensive and community-driven.
Educational Outreach
Education is at the heart of NPC. We engage motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians through diverse programs and special events. Whether it’s distributing Safety Tip Cards, conducting safety rodeos for children, or speaking at community groups, our goal is to cultivate a culture of safety and mutual respect on the roads.
Strategic Focus Areas: Building a Better Tomorrow
Our strategic plan encompasses five critical areas:
- Multi-Use Pathway System in Collier County: Spearheading the development of connected, non-motorized transportation trails, exemplified by our pioneering work on the Paradise Coast Trail.
- Expanding Educational Efforts: We’re dedicated to broadening our educational outreach to all road users, ensuring safer coexistence.
- Law Enforcement Training: Providing essential resources and training to local law enforcement, ensuring they are well-equipped to enforce bike/pedestrian traffic laws.
- Supporting High-Risk Commuter Cyclists: Our “Lights for Bikes” program is a testament to our commitment to commuter cyclist safety.
- Strengthening NPC’s Foundation: We’ve seen tremendous growth in membership and influence, and we’re focused on further strengthening our organization for greater impact.
Staff & Board
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.
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.
BOB 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.
CHRIS CARPENTER
DIRECTOR
Grew up in Southern California until he graduated high school and moved to Missoula, MT to attend the University of Montana. Chris attended the University of Montana majoring in Health and Human Performance with a minor in Business. Although his love for cycling started in California where he competed in one of the first annual Mammoth Mountain Kamikaze Downhill races, it was his time in Montana racing MTB and Road that he really fell in love with cycling. Through many different careers after college to include personal training, commercial sales for a stainless steel fabricator, commercial pool filtration and pvc gutter manufacturer, Chris traveled from Montana to Florida landing in Naples where he worked for almost a decade in the golf industry as a club professional and golf equipment sales representative. Chris now works for the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Road Patrol in Golden Gate Estates and has been with the agency for over 12 years. During the more than 20 years Chris has lived in Naples he has ridden with Naples Velo on many of their group rides and races with Waldo Racing in the Masters category.
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!
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.
RAND FRANKLIN
DIRECTOR
I am a fourth generation Floridian, born and raised in Miami, Fl. As a South Florida resident, I enjoy the outdoor lifestyle that Florida provides. From my childhood to present day, I engage in an assortment of outdoor activities (sailing, kayaking, scuba diving, cycling, motorcycling). I have been a resident of Collier County since 1983. My professional career spans over 45 years in the both the Commercial Aviation (Airlines) industry and as an Aviation Safety Inspector with the Federal Aviation Administration. During my professional aviation career, I have held various management positions. I recently serviced as VP on the Board of Directors for the Marco Island Mariana Association. As a cyclist and outdoor activist, I remain committed to enhancing the safety of cycling and pedestrian activities within this community.
Board of Trustees
TED ZELMAN
TAMARA PAQUETTE
A Legacy of Achievements
Since our inception in 2002, we’ve been instrumental in shaping Naples’ pathway landscape – from influencing funding allocations for bike lanes to participating in key greenway projects and raising awareness of critical safety laws.
Paradise Coast Trail
Completing the feasibility study for the 70-mile Paradise Coast Trail ahead of schedule.
"Complete Streets" in Naples
Playing a key role in Naples’ adoption of Complete Streets policy.
Naples Central Avenue Improvement
Contributing to the Central Avenue Improvement Project, Naples’ first Complete Street project.
Training for Sheriff's Office
Supplying vital training materials to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.
Safe Sidewalks
Influencing sidewalk policy in neighborhood planning.
Bicycle Friendly Community Award
Co-chairing the Naples Bicycle Friendly Community Team, leading to a Bronze Bicycle Friendly Community Award.