Trailnet is thrilled to welcome two new members to our team!
In anticipation of a jam-packed summer, we decided to bring someone on board who would ensure our events are high-quality, lively and loads of fun… Meet our new Special Events Manager, Gina Otto.
Gina knows how to make an event a spectacle—how to put on a show. From producing her own one-woman, cabaret-style shows to crooning on the local jazz scene, Gina has entertained audiences across the St. Louis area for decades.
“I have been singing since I was a little girl,” said Gina. “My father was a musician, so I grew up around music. I decided when I was in my early 20s that I wanted to have a music career.”
While Gina shines on stage, she has developed plenty of expertise behind the scenes.
In the early 2000s, Gina owned a small production company that hosted a talent competition in the St. Louis area. Later on, she began running a support group for the Festus High School theater dept. She put on workshops, ran events and fundraised in support of the arts in her community.
Through this work, Gina discovered a passion for producing and marketing events. In 2020, Gina’s passion propelled her back to school. This spring, she graduated with a Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies and started putting out feelers for an organization with whom she could do good work for the community.
“I’ve always practiced a healthy lifestyle,” said Gina, “and I am a huge advocate of getting people moving and encouraging others to live healthily.”
We’re excited for Gina to bring her knowledge, energy and years of experience to Trailnet’s lineup of summer 2023 events.
As Trailnet’s events grow and improve with Gina on board, we knew we’d need some help getting the word out. Enter: Monique Roos, our Summer 2023 Marketing & Communications Intern.
Monique was born and raised in Campo Bom, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. She got her Bachelors in Advertising from UNISINOS – Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos in 2015. After graduating, Monique worked as a copywriter and marketing coordinator for various clients.
In 2022, Monique moved to the United States and began pursuing a Masters in Communications at SLU, where she is currently a graduate research assistant in the Communications department.
Monique brings a massive amount of experience to this role, and we are grateful for her help!
Trailnet is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization with a 34-year history of advancing St. Louis as a place where walking, bicycling, and the use of public transit are a way of life. By advocating for a network of safe, easy-to-access walking and bicycling routes across St. Louis, we aim to bridge transportation equity gaps and make it easier for people of all abilities to get from place to place. We work every day to make our region more sustainable by increasing active transportation options that curb greenhouse gas emissions. Trailnet brings people together throughout the bi-state region with a wide breadth of bicycle rides, educational events, and advocacy programs. Join our team and help make St. Louis a premiere city for walking and biking.
Overview
The Special Events Manager will be responsible for producing high-quality events and donor/member experiences that successfully promote the reputation and mission of Trailnet. The Special Events Manager will plan and execute the Trailnet footprint at all events with varying complexity and scope. These events range from producing the event footprint at Trailnet bike rides with registration and vendor tabling to planning small donor-focused events and an annual gala for 200-300. Reports directly to the CEO and works closely with the Development Director and Communications Coordinator. Coordinates with the Rides Team on ride event production.
Key Responsibilities
Develops and manages production timelines and other documents; hosts briefings for staff and partners,
Manages the footprint of Trailnet Classics* including registration, tabling, volunteers, partner recognition, and sponsorship fulfillment and activation (does not include route support/design),
Coordinates closely with Trailnet Ride Team for bike route activation,
Sets the brand standard for all Trailnet events and partner events and ensures activation goes according to plan,
Plans and executes events, including securing venues for development events, communicating with vendors, and developing the run of show,
Manages event communications and event collateral/merchandise in collaboration with Development and Communications team,
Seeks out event feedback, develops surveys, collects evaluation data, handles post-event reports, evaluates outcomes and lessons learned together with staff and updates senior leadership,
Plans events within budget parameters and manages day-to-day budget for each event,
Responds to comments and questions from constituents related to events.
Job Qualifications
Results-orientation: has a track record of achievement and producing results (rather than getting immersed in the process), perseveres despite obstacles.
Project management skills: stays on top of multiple projects, plans backward, anticipates obstacles, engages stakeholders appropriately, and uses resources wisely.
Highly Organized with strong visual organizing skills–must be able to plan an event footprint and use simple software tools to communicate plans to the team.
Expert interpersonal skills: Clear and direct communication that delegates roles and responsibilities fosters teamwork and recognizes efforts. Comfortable being a team player and a team leader.
Racial equity and inclusion experience, skills, and values demonstrated.
Risk management experience, financial acumen, and a hospitality mindset are a plus.
Educational Requirements
A Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least three years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
Experience and Skills Requirements
A track record of having developed and executed events for three years or more,
Excellent project management and coordination skills,
Expert interpersonal skills, including an articulate communication style,
Solid computer skills and ability to quickly adopt new technology.
A passion for Trailnet’s mission and the ability to convey our mission to various audiences with persuasive communication skills,
Supervisory Responsibilities
Supervises hourly and event day staff before, during, and after successful event production.
Supervises event day volunteers.
Physical Demands
Be able to lift 30-40 lbs repeatedly and sit, stand, stoop, bend, climb, and reach to set up event footprint items. Event production requires transporting supplies and set-up materials from the warehouse using Trailnet vans and trailers to reach the event location.
Time Commitment
The Special Events Manager’s primary responsibility is producing the footprint at Trailnet Rides. The dates for 2023 rides are established, and candidates should be available for the majority of the dates.
Required Events
April 16th – StG Gravel Classic in Ste. Genevieve, MO
May – Event TBD
June 4th – Uphill Battle
June 17th – Juneteenth Ride
July 9th – I Scream for Ice Cream Ride in Edwardsville, IL
August 13th – Bottleneck Bridge Ride in Festus, MO
September 3th – Giro Della Montagna in St. Louis, MO
September 30th – Ride the Rivers Century in St. Charles, MO
To support these events anticipate pre-production day(s) leading up to the event, very early call times on event days, and long hours on event days. Depending on the event, lodging may be provided for the night before, particularly for events farther from the City of St. Louis.
Compensation
Part-time work from April until December 15. Approximately 20 hours per week or 80-90 hours per month. Hourly pay $23-26 per hour. Position has potential to begin full time work in 2024.
Commitment to Equity and Equal Opportunity
Trailnet is committed to supporting diversity and equal opportunity in its services, administration, employment, research, and activities. We strive to foster a working environment that values contributions from team members, including those based on race, color, creed, gender, religion, culture, sexual orientation, sexual identity, mental disabilities, physical disabilities, or veteran status. We work with a wide range of external partners and stakeholders and seek candidates committed to their own cultural competency. Women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ community are encouraged to apply.
*The Trailnet Classics are a series of supported, single-day, multi-distanced bike rides around the St. Louis Region. Every ride includes:
Marked routes, maps, and turn-by-turn navigation
Multiple rest stops with water and snacks
Support (SAG) vehicles on the route to assist with basic mechanical and first aid issues
How to Apply
Qualified applicants should submit a brief letter describing their experience and a resume to hr@trailnet.org.
From intern to Programs Director, Taylor March left a lasting impact on Trailnet and the St. Louis region. Now, he is taking his talents to the state level, advocating for better walking and biking across Missouri as the new Executive Director of Missourians for Responsible Transportation.
For eight years, Taylor was the smiling face of Trailnet. It’s only right that we reflect on the legacy he leaves behind—a legacy of kindness, knowledge, professionalism and passion.
Taylor’s Journey
Taylor first joined Trailnet as an intern in the winter of 2010, while he was studying environmental engineering at Murray State University. He had worked as a bike mechanic since high school and was an avid environmentalist.
Though he didn’t know it then, Taylor’s passion for Trailnet’s mission (and his handiness with an Allen wrench) would serve the organization for years down the line.
Five years after his internship, having worked for several years as a solar engineer in between, Taylor returned to Trailnet on February 24, 2015 as our Youth Programs Specialist.
In his first full-time role, he led Trailnet’s bike education programs and designed our curriculum for smart cycling. He also worked on a number of Safe Routes to School projects, including one with Froebel Literacy Academy in south city. Taylor worked with Froebel through eight years and a handful of title changes at Trailnet.
“Working with Froebel and seeing that relationship develop and change throughout the years was so satisfying,” said Taylor. “From the walking school bus, to the installation of speed humps on Nebraska Ave., to the Calm Street now under construction on nearby Louisiana Ave… It was really cool to see the community buy in.”
Advocating for Change
Midway through his tenure with Trailnet, Taylor shifted his focus to the advocacy and policy spaces. As a long-time bike commuter, he was a natural advocate for safe, alternative transportation. As a leading expert in bike/ped best practices, he influenced change-makers across the state. And as an exemplary colleague, he fostered relationships that would blossom into our strongest partnerships today. To name a few…
Taylor co-created the annual Juneteenth Community Ride with our partners at 4theVille and grew the ride into a collaboration between the Missouri History Museum, Northside Community Housing and other aligned partners. The event draws over 200 riders each June and celebrates Black music, art, culture and history.
Taylor was part of the team that developed Trailnet’s Connecting St. Louis Plan in 2019, which is now 50% funded for construction by partners like GRG and the City of St. Louis.
Taylor spearheaded our state-wide advocacy efforts. In collaboration with BikeWalkKC, Local Motion in Columbia, and Ozark Greenways, he helped create Missourians for Responsible Transportation and Hands-Free Missouri.
The Work Continues
Now, Taylor is off to lead the statewide partnership that he once helped to create. Trailnet looks forward to many more years of collaboration with Taylor and his team at MRT.
“Trailnet will miss him and his careful and precise explanations of the transportation system we are trying to change, his help changing a flat, and his ability to always find time to listen,” said Trailnet CEO Cindy Mense.
For your years of dedication—Thank you, Taylor! Let’s continue to work together to make Missouri better for people outside of cars.
Former Director of The City of St. Louis Civil Rights Enforcement Agency joins our growing team!
As Policy Catalyst, Charles will lead Trailnet’s strategic policy and advocacy agenda through coalition-building, community outreach and government relations.
Charles began his career in non-profits, working in services for the unhoused in Baltimore, Maryland. After two years with Catholic Charities in Baltimore, he moved to work with the Illinois Department of Public Aid, where he oversaw federal and state grants for services for the unhoused. Eventually, he moved back to his home state of Missouri, where he worked for the Missouri Housing Development Commission as a proponent for low-income housing tax credit development for six years.
When Mayor Francis Slay was elected in 2001, he called on Charles to work as an advisor in his administration, where he was responsible for developing and implementing the overall neighborhood, ethnic and religious outreach plan for the City. During his time in City Hall, Charles worked with three mayors—as special advisor, Director of Public Safety, and for the last eight years, as the Director of the Civil Rights Enforcement Agency (CREA), enforcing federal, state and local fair housing, equal employment opportunity and public accommodation laws, rules and regulations, “a job I truly loved,” said Charles.
Charles will start with Trailnet in late June. As our new Policy Catalyst, he has one overarching goal:
“Listen. Listen to what the community is saying. Look at how our policies, procedures and practices can impact the needs of those various communities. Whether it’s black folks feeling underserved by public transit; Whether it’s the LGBTQIA+ community feeling afraid to walk in certain areas at night; Whether signage in our region adequately serves folks who speak English as a second language. The one thing I want to be able to accomplish is to listen to folks and address their needs.”
Charles currently lives downtown, a short walk from the Trailnet offices.
“I live downtown, in part, because I wanted access to public transit. Public transportation is a big deal for me, so I’m excited to see how my passion for transit can factor into this work.”
He also enjoys hiking, and he says he’s getting into biking.
“I’m in walking shape—I walk about 6.7 miles every couple of days through Forest Park—but that doesn’t mean I’m in biking shape. So I’m working on that,” he said with a smile.
We’re excited to have someone with Charles’s passion and experience join our team. Welcome!
Trailnet staff recently traveled to Vancouver, British Columbia, where they presented at Pro Walk/Pro Bike/Pro Place, an international conference put on by People for Public Spaces. Below is a Q&A about what Bicycle and Pedestrian Planner Grace Kyung, Director of Policy and Strategy Marielle Brown, and with Trailnet Walk Bike Ambassador Deidre Brown experienced abroad.
What was the best idea you saw in Vancouver, B.C.?
Marielle) Grace and I stayed in a neighborhood north of downtown that had installed a lot of street closures in the 1970s to address crime. As crime went down, they had kept the closures for vehicles, but opened the streets for people by creating Calm Streets, where people can walk and bike safely with very low traffic. On some streets, the closures had been turned into small parks with benches and plants where neighbors could gather. This kept the street grid open for people on foot and on bike and encouraged local walking and biking trips. It made me think of how we can turn our street closures into assets for creating more people-friendly neighborhoods.
Grace) During my visit, one of the best ideas that I saw was how well connected the bicycle transportation network was throughout the city. I was impressed that Vancouver, B.C. focused on creating a strong network throughout the whole city to help people reach their destinations by bike. The city took it a step further because they analyze how many of their facilities are designed for people of all ages and abilities. The below image captures how well the city is focused on this initiative.
Photo credit – City of Vancouver in British Columbia, Canada
Further, the city’s approach to build protected bicycle lanes also showed the positive benefits to increase the number of women on bikes. From 2010 to 2015, the number of women biking grew to 40% after a protected bike lane was built.
Deidre) What I like most about Vancouver, is how the city makes cyclists and pedestrians a priority. They performed “road diets” throughout the city in order to slow traffic and allow room for protected bike lanes. I love their use of bike traffic signals, which are like the ones we use for cars. These signals work in conjunction with the regular traffic signals and the pedestrian cross walk signals to protect pedestrians and cyclists. It was such a joy to see so many pedestrians and cyclists take advantage of what the city has provided them. Vancouver is a city that truly puts pedestrians and cyclists first, before cars.
Which community and which projects inspired you most?
M) The energy and ambition of Twin Cities Greenways in Minneapolis is amazing. They are a group of advocates and residents working together to create a car-free corridor for biking and walking in north Minneapolis, where there are no abandoned rails to convert to greenways. The project has been resident-driven from the start and right now they are doing demonstrations to test out different concepts. The greenway will not only improve the quality of life for residents, it will also change what we consider possible for street design in the U.S.
The City of Calgary’s year-long demonstration of a network of protected bikeways was very inspiring. The City decided to test out the idea of protected bikeways by creating a basic network of them downtown using paint, bollards, and other temporary changes. The test has been very successful and Calgary will be working on making the protected bikeways permanent. By demonstrating several connected routes at once, Calgary ensured that their protected bikeways would be useful and highly used.
G) The session that inspired me the most during the conference was “Overcoming Barriers to Bicycling in Communities of Color” by Charles Brown and Robert Schneider. One of the most important takeaways for me was that planners and other professions must acknowledge it is okay to not have all the answers, but important to ask the right questions without making assumptions. Also, we should be giving people of color the microphone and paying them for their time to participate rather than asking them to only volunteer.
D) While in Vancouver, I had an opportunity to take a walking tour of Olympic Village, which is where the athletes stayed during the 2010 Winter Olympics. When Olympic Village was designed, it was designed for everyone. There are a mixture of high-end condominiums and affordable housing, which was a requirement when developing the Village.
There were two things that really impressed me with Olympic Village: One was its mixed-use buildings and the other was how accessible it is for people with mobility challenges. A lot of buildings in Olympic Village were designed as mixed-use buildings with stores and other businesses on street level and apartments on higher levels. It is a self-contained community with everything you need within walking distance of where you live, except a school, which they are in the process of planning.
What is your biggest takeaway from the conference?
M) My biggest takeaway was that St. Louis needs robust public engagement in our land use and transportation decisions. When we allow decisions to be made behind closed doors, we can miss out on important considerations and fail to see new, transformative ideas that can improve the places we live and give us more transportation options. When we work together as a community to address problems and test out solutions, it helps build consensus around projects and get people excited for improving their neighborhoods, rather than being leery of any change.
G) The biggest takeaway from the conference for me was that Trailnet is doing great work, but can continue to improve as leaders in our community. In my role at Trailnet, I focus on creating more livable, vibrant, healthy communities. As a planner, and I would like to expand on this perspective by working with city and community stakeholders to build better cross-sector collaborations. In my role, I need to think about ways I can work to continue to build capacity throughout the city, and find better ways for Trailnet to partner with neighborhoods to form a collective vision.
D) My biggest takeaway was that if we are going to make St. Louis a more livable city, we have to have buy-in from everyone; from the elected officials to the residents. We must involve the people who live, work, play, attend schools; the people who make it a community. It has to be a collaboration. When you include the people of the community, it gives them a sense of ownership, a sense of pride in knowing that they are a part of what is going on in their community and in knowing that their voice matters.
Furthermore, we must change our way of thinking when it comes to planning and designing new communities as well as making changes to existing communities. We must make pedestrians and biyclists a priority over cars.
Trailnet welcomes new bicycle and pedestrian planner
The Plan4Health grant has brought excitement and new energy to Trailnet’s planning division by allowing us bring on some new talent. We’re excited to announce Grace Kyung has joined the Trailnet team as our new Bicycle and Pedestrian Planner. She comes to Trailnet from Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, where she earned master’s degrees in public health and urban planning from the University of Illinois.
Grace has a strong passion for active forms of transportation and is an avid bicycle commuter. Aside from being a cost-effective approach to city travel, Grace says she appreciates how riding gives her a lay of the land in St. Louis. She added that riding her bike around the city has given her a helpful lens with which to see various neighborhoods connect with locals. Grace hopes through working on the Plan4Health grant, she can help Trailnet demonstrate effective traffic calming approaches to increase the safety and health of the region’s communities.
Welcome Grace!
For more information about Plan4Health, please contact Grace Kyung at grace@trailnet.org or 314-436-1324 x 110.
New Executive Director, Ralph Pfremmer Shares Excitement for 2015
In my first few weeks as executive director at Trailnet, I am becoming even more familiar with the workings of this terrific local advocacy organization. Through a wide range of programs that encourage and support bicycling, walking, and the use of public transit,Trailnet has made an impact on communities throughout the St. Louis region. The spirit and passion I’ve witnessed in the Trailnet staff represents the leadership and expertise needed for comprehensive impact in our region. I am thrilled to be part of such a professional, talented and mission-driven team. With your support, we will expand our healthy, active initiatives and advocacy efforts to create safe streets for everyone and a more livable St. Louis.
I have already had the pleasure of meeting with a few of our partner organizations – Great Rivers Greenway, East-West Gateway, Missouri Bicycle and Pedestrian Federation, MoDOT, St. Louis City, St. Louis County . . . We are fortunate to have these regional partnerships that are so critical in leveraging for a more livable St. Louis. Each organization plays a unique and innovative role in this important work. With focused collaboration, we will develop and advance shared goals that will help the region grow. I look forward to fostering current relationships and building new ones that will effectively bring about positive change within our region.
As we plan for 2015, we will maintain our role as an advocate for you – the pedestrian crossing the street doing daily errands, the bicyclist commuting to work, and the transit user boarding MetroLink for a festival in Forest Park. Trailnet will continue to be your voice for vibrant communities where walking, bicycling, and the use of public transit are a way of life.
Ralph Pfremmer, Executive Director
Ralph Pfremmer is Trailnet’s new Executive Director. After a nation-wide search, Trailnet’s Board of Directors selected Ralph and announced that he would begin his duties in October 2014. Ralph is eager to promote Trailnet’s programs, planning, and advocacy efforts with his skills as an innovator and entrepreneur. As a personal advocate for health and wellness, Ralph considers Trailnet’s mission to be one that is not only compelling, but also life-changing for communities and individuals alike. He believes his gifts of motivation and promotion that he has honed in the business world will advance Trailnet’s mission and visibility in the region.
Ralph embraces the benefits of an active lifestyle. He joined the cycling community after a health scare in 1998 that motivated him to incorporate exercise into his daily routine and begin a healthier way of life. For several years Ralph competed in amateur road, mountain, and cyclocross races across the nation, however now his cycling is mainly for recreation and commuting.
Prior to his position at Trailnet, Ralph was the CEO and founder of Pfoodman Holdings, a multi-unit food service management company serving education, business/retail, and senior living sectors. He used active living and sustainability as a platform for business development, promoting his company’s culture by establishing a unique presence in communities. The company promoted and managed active living events throughout the year, partnering with many causes as part of their unique marketing process.
Ralph begins his position at Trailnet with enthusiasm. He is excited to collaborate and build relationships as a new leader in the non-profit sector. Driven by a personal connection to the mission, he recognizes the possibilities to further the organization’s efforts and to inspire walking, biking, and the use of public transit throughout the St. Louis region.
Trailnet Announces New Executive Director, Ralph Pfremmer
Trailnet is happy to announce that its Board of Directors named Ralph Pfremmer as the organization’s new Executive Director. Pfremmer joins Trailnet with an expertise in business development and a passion for health and wellness.
After considering applicants from across the nation, the Board unanimously selected Ralph Pfremmer. Ralph is inspired by Trailnet’s work over the past 25 years and looks forward to furthering the organization’s mission. A personal advocate for health and wellness, Ralph is an avid cyclist and has experienced the life-changing benefits of an active lifestyle firsthand. His proven skills as an innovator and entrepreneur will help expand our reach and impact within our communities.
Prior to Trailnet, Ralph was CEO and founder of Pfoodman Holdings in St. Louis, Missouri. Using active living and sustainability as a platform to build his company, Ralph supported pertinent events throughout the region. He also collaborated with communities and worked towards maintaining healthy, active values.
Ralph succeeds outgoing CEO Ann Rivers Mack, who joined Trailnet in 2000. Ann guided Trailnetʼs strategic shift from trail building to its current focus on healthy, active, and vibrant communities. She had a vision that Trailnet could play a role in creating bikeable and walkable communities. This vision became the building blocks for many successful Trailnet programs. We will honor Ann at Trailnet’s 2nd Annual Fundraising event, Ped-A-Palooza: The Art of Living on Friday, October 17.
We welcome Ralph Pfremmer as a new leader in the non-profit sector and look forward to working with him to enhance existing programs to increase walking, biking, and the use of public transit in the St. Louis region.
The Alliance for Biking & Walking holds annual Advocacy Awards to recognize excellence in the bicycle and pedestrian movement. 10 leaders in bicycling and walking organization across the country are recognized for their commitment to promoting alternative transportation on the local and state level. Trailnet's Rhonda Smythe is one of these 10 leaders.
Rhonda's Biography
Rhonda Smythe, MPH, MS, RD joined Trailnet in May 2011. Her professional background includes experience in policy and programming, with special emphasis on active transportation and Farm to School issues. She serves on the following committees: Missouri Livable Streets Advisory Board, Missouri Council for Activity and Nutrition, Missouri Bike Federation Legislative Committee, Gateway Greening Advisory Board, St. Louis Open Streets Steering Committee, and Mayor Slay’s Vanguard Cabinet. Rhonda manages the Social Innovation for Missouri grant, and bicycle and pedestrian policy and advocacy at the federal, state, and local level.
Grace has a strong passion for active forms of transportation and is an avid bicycle commuter. Aside from being a cost-effective approach to city travel, Grace says she appreciates how riding gives her a lay of the land in St. Louis. She added that riding her bike around the city has given her a helpful lens with which to see various neighborhoods connect with locals. Grace hopes through working on the Plan4Health grant, she can help Trailnet demonstrate effective traffic calming approaches to increase the safety and health of the region’s communities.
