COTA Seeks New Executive Director

The Central Oregon Trail Alliance would like to thank and recognize Emmy Andrews, COTA’s first Executive Director, for her five years of leadership. Emmy has been instrumental in COTA’s growth: growing volunteer participation by 100%, increasing COTA’s budget fourfold and building COTA’s staff from one to several. During Emmy’s tenure COTA has built the capacity to properly steward nearly 600 miles of trails and five bike parks, stretching from Madras to La Pine and from Sisters to the Ochocos, putting all Central Oregonians within a 20 minute drive from some of the best trail networks in the country.

Emmy’s first involvement with COTA was as an early trail user and board member. Emmy started mountain biking in 2009 after moving to Bend in 2008. She realized COTA is the organization that makes the wonderful trails possible and became a COTA member in 2012. She joined COTA’s board of directors in 2016 in the role of Treasurer from 2016-2019 and then as the Bend Chapter Representative from 2019-2020. Emmy then became COTA’s first-ever employee as Executive Director in 2021.

“Being COTA’s Executive Director has truly been the honor and joy of my life,” Emmy said. “COTA has grown so much in the 10 years I’ve been involved and is thriving today because of the many volunteers, donors, and members that contribute to COTA in so many ways. I have so much respect for everyone who helps COTA succeed and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.”

The Board of Directors extends its heartfelt appreciation to Emmy for her hard work, vision and impactful leadership.

“Emmy’s enthusiasm, dedication, and heart have left an enduring mark on COTA, fueling growth and momentum that will carry us forward for years to come,” said the Board in a collective statement. “She is an incredible human and a wonderful asset to this community, and we look forward to seeing where she applies her talents next. We are forever grateful for her time with us.”

Emmy will remain in her role until a new Executive Director is selected.

COTA now seeks a new leader to build upon Emmy’s leadership and take us into our next era. We are looking for a leader with nonprofit management experience, strong organizational and financial skills, and the ability to inspire and grow both staff and volunteers. The ideal candidate will be equally adept at guiding COTA’s growth and rolling up their sleeves alongside staff and volunteers. They will champion COTA’s mission publicly, build partnerships with land managers and bring a genuine passion for mountain biking and trail stewardship. This is an opportunity to join a dedicated team, honor COTA’s legacy, and help shape the future of trails and mountain biking for generations to come.

About the Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA): Founded in 1992, COTA is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to develop, protect, and enhance the Central Oregon mountain bike experience through trail stewardship, advocacy, collaboration and education.

This story is based on submitted information and has not been verified by our news team.