Seasoned Professionals Added to NICA’s Growing National Staff

[Berkeley, CA] The National Interscholastic Cycling Association is excited to announce the addition of three new team members to its national staff: Abby Warner, Cynthia Kastner, and Lucas Euser. Each of them brings a unique skill set to the organization.

"We’re so lucky to have these fantastic individuals joining our amazing team of employees," said NICA President Amanda Carey. "They’re smart, passionate, and committed to doing the best work."

Abby is NICA's new Vice President of Programs. She grew up in the mountains of Colorado and discovered mountain biking in the woods of Vermont in college. Abby brings a rich experience of outdoor education and nonprofit leadership to NICA from three decades of working at the National Outdoor Leadership School.

"Building strong foundations for youth development is so important," says Warner. "I am honored to work with an organization that believes in such a powerful mission."

Cynthia, Director of Brand and Marketing, is working with a new team of talented marketers. She has been a marketing and communications strategist for socially conscious businesses for more than 15 years.

"I'm looking forward to using my marketing superpowers to help the greater good and get #MoreKidsOnBikes," says Kastner.

Lucas Euser, NICA's new Director of Corporate Partnerships, is a wealth of industry knowledge and trends. He knows what it is like to be a student-athlete, firsthand.

"It is kind of like a homecoming for me," says Euser. "I have been a part of NICA since the start, racing in high school. I am proud to join the team at NICA."

Euser participated in the newly formed NorCal League in 2001, which shaped his trajectory for years to come. After high school, Euser went to Cal Poly SLO and became a professional cyclist for twelve years. He raced on the world tour and represented Team USA in two World Championships.

Lucas built his career on the bike and in Sports and Brand Partnerships at companies like Clif Bar and Company and Every Man Jack.

"Abby, Cynthia, and Lucas have all been brought on to build on the tremendous progress we’ve already made," says NICA President Amanda Carey. "They will help us take our message of empowerment and fun to new audiences, and help us connect with new partners to get more kids on bikes."

More About Abby

Abby is inspired by the influential power of time in nature combined with experiential education for opening possibilities and encouraging people to grow into their best selves. She has forged a deep sense of place wherever she has lived and is passionate about connecting people to the natural world wherever they call home. Watching NICA student-athletes develop confidence, problem-solving, empathy, and grit while exuding “things are right in my world” energy when they get off their bikes hooked her on NICA. Joining NICA National is an opportunity to contribute her energy, skills, and leadership experience to the organization during the next phase of sustainable and strategic growth.

A NICA parent and volunteer, Abby lives in Victor, Idaho, where keeping two teenagers in sight on bikes and skis requires Olympic level mom-training.

More About Cynthia

Raised in Venezuela, she is passionate about intercultural communications. Cynthia helps NGOs and entrepreneurs effectively communicate their mission. A graduate of the University of Vermont with a degree in business administration, her work experience has encompassed Latin America, Europe, and the US. She lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina with her son, their dogs, and her partner.

More About Lucas

Lucas received the US Olympic Committee's Jack Kelly Fair Play Award in 2014 for his sportsmanship after supporting a fallen competitor in the US National Road Cycling Championships. He supported NICA throughout his cycling career and has been on the advisory board since 2014. Lucas is excited to bring his experience into a role that both supports the growth of NICA and fosters positive relationships in all areas of the organization with a “pay it forward” approach.

About the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA)

The National Interscholastic Cycling Association’s (NICA) mission is to build strong minds, bodies, character, and communities through cycling. NICA recognizes the value of participation in NICA League events for all student-athletes, free from discrimination based on race, religion, or gender identity. Our core value of inclusivity demonstrates our belief that everyone should participate in our programs and feel welcomed, respected, and supported.

Founded in 2009 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit, NICA develops interscholastic and community-based cycling programs for student-athletes and coaches across the United States. NICA provides leadership services and governance for local leagues to deliver quality mountain bike activities and events. NICA has served almost 64,000 student-athletes since 2009. Currently, NICA has 31 state and regional leagues and 14,000+ registered volunteer coaches who are working annually with over 27,000 student-athletes from over 1,000 high school and middle school teams in the USA.

NICA exists by virtue of generous sponsors, donors, and partners. For more information on NICA visit www.nationalmtb.org, follow @nationalMTB on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn, or call (510) 524-5464.