2020 La Grange Board of Directors Nominees

Here are the six candidates, in alphabetical order, that are running for the four open seats for the 2020 La Grange Board of Directors

Jaycee Cary

Hey LG,

I am running for re-election for the La Grange Board of Directors. It has been my honor to serve you for the last two years. I am proud to represent the LG membership and as always, I will act with integrity, transparency, and honesty as I advocate in the best interests of Velo Club La Grange, now and in the future

Thank you.

Jan Datomi

I see cycling as the cherry on the life’s sundae. It’s freedom from life’s other hardships and burdens. And being part of La Grange makes it even better. I see being on the La Grange board as an opportunity for me to help facilitate La Grange’s substantial and positive influence in the local cycling community. I would say I represent the non-racer part of the club, and my focus as a board member, is to bring as many fun events to the all the club members. I also am committed to promote safety and inclusiveness to all cyclists regardless of their experience level. Being on the La Grange board is about volunteering to organize and run club events. I believe my track record has shown my willingness and ability to do so. I ask for your vote so I can continue to work for this amazing club.

Robert Efthimos

2013: Joe Camacho encourages me to run for the LG board of Directors. With a demanding job, a baby on the way, and training commitments aimed at Cat 4 masters racing glory, I tell him "no way." Joe says I can just show up to meetings and offer up pearls of wisdom to help manage the club. I say "OK."

2014, one year later: Like a scene out of the movie "Dave" or the TV show "Designated Survivor," I somehow end up President of the club and find myself doing everything from sorting and bagging kit, to answering emails from overseas fondo promoters, to arbitrating disputes over sock lengths. While these tasks are of course mission critical, at the same time our deep and talented cast of La Grange contributors manages to expand and democratize our race program, completely redesign our website, bring back La Voix, design some badass kits, organize a variety of all-club rides and off-bike events, and get our club's kit on Zwift, all while maintaining core values of community, generosity, inclusivity, and respect for our fellow cylists and other humans. And coyotes.

2018, one year ago: While there were no calls for my impeachment (that I'm aware of!), I step down as President in advance of 2019, La Grange's 50th anniversary year. It was important to me that my successor be poised for success. I hope you will agree that Rich, the rest of the board, and the entire La Grange membership really stepped up and made LG50 not only a great year, but a time to be proud to be a La Grange members.

Today: While I'm happy with what we've accomplished, it's important that we keep up the momentum and always ask ourselves how we can do better. I promise I'll ask the same of myself if elected to continue to serve on the club's board of directors.

Renee Engelhardt

Hello LaGrange! I've been cycling (racing and recreational) for 11 years. In the past 2+ years that I've been a member of LaGrange and new to LA cycling, LaGrange and its members have been so welcoming to me with bountiful opportunities to be a part of the community including the race team, group rides, skills training, and the awesome 50 for 50 rides. I've witnessed the sport evolve over the years, and I believe I have the experience and perspective to contribute to the board to ensure LaGrange stays ahead of the sport and continues to deliver the experiences, opportunities and community that is its legacy. Simply put, I want to help create the most positive experience for what we all love: riding our bikes.

Marco Fabrizio

Like many I found cycling and racing, and in some way’s it saved my life. When I say cycling, I really mean La Grange. In 2012 I joined the club, after delaying in 2011 because of that infamous Herbalife jersey that no member wanted to wear let alone prospective members. Through my journey with La Grange I rode thousands of miles, raced dozens of crits, fell off the back of many road races, podiumed some stage races, and even did a few track events. Over this time, I made friends and acquaintances; found this identity as a racer, and was even able to tie my other passion of design with the club. Some of you may know that for the past couple of years I have been the club’s liaison with Castelli. I process any of the issues that members have with their kits, and make sure that our wonderful sponsor Castelli takes care of it. Some of you might also know that in tandem with my good friend Jaycee Cary we designed the coveted La Grange 50th Anniversary kit, and along with that we also gave our prestigious LG Cup winners jerseys a facelift and created the La Grange Grand Prix winners jersey. Stay tuned because Cary-Breezy has a special surprise for the LG2020 Kit!!! In this process I have attended countless board meetings and really started to find my way deeper behind the scenes of what makes our club so great. I would like to continue to work for this club, and bring our members more of what they want. I have plans to bring members more cool LG apparel like hats, t-shirts, hoodies and more of the casual apparel that everyone loves to sport while representing the club off the bike. Jaycee and I also have plans to introduce some limited edition items that you’ll be sure to want to get your hands on. In short, Vote for Marco Fabrizio!

Rich Hirschinger

When people ask me what I like about cycling, I like to say, “it was the first thing that sets you free as a kid.” A great quote from Robin Williams is, “It’s the closest thing I have found to flying.” I have been riding with La Grange since the late 1980’s. I think I am one of the half dozen members who can still say they rode with Raymond. I have always enjoyed being a member of the club and when I was asked to consider being on the Board, I wasn’t sure I would be able to contribute much. When Robert stepped down, and I took over as President, I thought it would be like trying to replace a legend like Vin Scully, Babe Ruth, Michael Jordan, etc. Well, the Board has made it very easy for me and the fact that it was our 50th year also made it easy since we had so many events to create. I truly have enjoyed serving the club and would be happy to continue to serve if y’all like what we are doing.