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.

ROB VIGORITO
DIRECTOR
Rob 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. Rob earned his MHS at Quinnipiac University and Physician’s Assistant certification at Quinnipiac and Yale. He is a USAT Certified Race Director and Coach.

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.

RIC CHRISTIAN
DIRECTOR
Ric’s passion for cycling motivates him to help move the needle to create a safe
pathway for recreation and a healthy lifestyle for our community. His passion started
when he watched his first 50 mile criterium at age 15 when road cycling in the US was
pretty much an unknown! Ric has served on the Naples Velo board of directors and
continues coordinating their annual community blood drive. After Ric’s illustrious 40+
year career as a cardiologist, he now volunteers in a free clinic and mentors physicians
in the Brown Medical School Cardiology Fellowship. He is blessed with five grandkids
who affectionately call him “Poppy”.

SUSAN MANGICARO
DIRECTOR
Susan holds a Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She is a
recipient of the Welch Allyn Marketing Excellence Award and holds eight U.S. patents for
medical device innovations. She has presented internationally on topics including global health,
humanitarian response, and medical device marketing. An active member of professional and
community organizations, Susan is also a passionate athlete. She has completed thirteen
marathons and three full Ironman competitions. She resides in Naples and is the proud mother
of her son, Eric.

KEVIN F. PURCELL
DIRECTOR
Kevin is a senior technology executive with more than 30 years of experience building global partnerships and alliances across some of the world’s leading companies, including Oracle, HPE, Hitachi Vantara, Check Point, and Veeam. Based in Naples, he brings a deep commitment to the Collier County community, including service on the founding advisory board of Sales Community and recognition as a 2025 Game Changer by The Executive Lens. An avid cyclist, marathoner, and triathlete, Kevin lives the active lifestyle of NPC champions and is passionate about the coalition’s mission to make Collier County safer and more connected for pedestrians and cyclists alike.

PETER BROWN
DIRECTOR
Peter Brown has over 35 years experience in the retail and fashion consumer product sector. He led the industry’s leading global specialist consultancy, Kurt Salmon, as Chairman and CEO. Kurt Salmon has more than 260 employees serving clients across the world, and offices in the U.S., Germany, UK, Japan and China. The company is known for operational strategy consulting, including logistics and supply chain, merchandising and product development, corporate strategy and due diligence, and omni-channel retail strategy. The firm counted as clients 27 of the top 100 U.S. retailers and 36 of the top 250 retailers around the globe in the last five years alone. In 2016 the firm was acquired by Accenture PLC for $165 million.
Mr Brown is a graduate of the US Naval Academy and completed the AMP program at Harvard Business School.

JENNIFER TIKKA
DIRECTOR
Jen has been an active and enthusiastic member of the cycling community since 2019, known for her welcoming spirit, reliability, and genuine love of bringing people together on two wheels. Before moving to Naples nearly three years ago, she lived in Winona Lake, Indiana, for 17 years, where she worked as a Research & Testing Quality Engineer for DePuy Synthes Orthopedics and became deeply involved in the local cycling and volunteer community. During that time, she volunteered with Kosciusko County Velo, including cocaptaining the Countryside Tour for the annual Fat and Skinny Tire Festival, helping create a positive, wellsupported experience for riders of all levels.
Jen also brings a strong record of community service, having volunteered with additional organizations such as United Way, Optimist Club, Senior Services, the Lake Area Community Band, and the Grace Community Wind Ensemble. She carries that same commitment to connection and service into every group she joins.
Now living in Naples with her spouse and son, Jen believes a strong cycling club is built on safety, inclusion, and shared adventure. She hopes to serve on the board to expand community outreach, strengthen support for new riders, and foster a club culture where everyone feels welcomed — whether they’re training for longdistance events or enjoying casual weekend rides.
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.
