FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Subject: MMA Announces Board of Director Elections Results
The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association met on October 7, 2009. This was not only its monthly Board of Directors meeting but also our annual meeting in which elections for various open Board positions are conducted.
The following incumbents were unanimously elected to new three year terms. Dave Kristal Treasurer, Irv Evans Clerk/Secretary, and Jim Sherman Off Road Riding Director. "I wish to extend my thanks to each of these individuals for stepping up and renewing their commitment to the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association", stated MMA Chairman Dave Condon.
The position of Safety and Education Director was vacated by the incumbent Joe "Sarge" Komola not seeking reelection. Sarge's decision to not seek reelection was accepted by the Board of Directors with regret. Chairman Condon stated, "We would like to extend our thanks to Sarge for his many years of dedicated service. Sarge served the motorcyclists of this state tirelessly and accomplished much over the years." Condon continued "One of his most notable accomplishments was to single handedly lobby our legislators, a few years back, to restore the funding to our motorcycle safety fund. His lone lobbying efforts resulted in approximately $60,000.00 being restored. We all wish Sarge well and he has agreed to stay on with the MMA in the officers position of Sergeant-at-Arms."
The board of Directors felt this was an important position for the motorcyclists of this state and did not wish to see it remained vacant. Doc D'Errico, previously the Legislative Director for the MMA, was nominated and subsequently unanimously elected to the position of Safety and Education Director for a three year term. Upon accepting the nomination Doc stated, "while torn between stepping out of the Legislative role, my interest in serving the MMA was focused primarily on assuring that our rights as Motorcyclists are not trampled upon, but my passion is in the areas of Safety and Education – indeed much of the 2009/2010 Legislative Agenda is focused in this area and I’ll be pleased to continue to drive that as well as grow our relationship with the RMV and Massachusetts Rider Education Programs". Condon stated " I have had the opportunity to work closely with Doc for about a year now and I have come to realize his passion for motorcycle safety and education. It's a great fit and I know Doc will do an outstanding job working with others outside of the MMA to make our streets safer for all riders; I’m also pleased that he will continue to serve with the Legislative Committee in a significant role".
This of course resulted in the Legislative Director position being left vacant. Rick Gleason, previously District Two Manager, was nominated and unanimously elected. Rick stated upon his acceptance of the position "As the newly elected Legislative Director for the MMA, I look forward to working hard on our current Legislative Agenda. Much effort over the years has set the stage for strong Legislative and Public support during this particular legislative session". Chairman Condon stated, "I have known Rick for approximately ten years now, since the old ABATE of Massachusetts days, his resolve to get things done at the state house was strong then and it seems to have gotten even stronger over the years. Rick will do a fabulous job as Legislative Director he is very familiar with what needs to be done in order to get things done." Doc D’Errico added, “as vice-chair of the Legislative Committee, Rick was extremely active in driving the Legislative Agenda and critical in building the momentum our initiatives currently enjoy – Rick is the perfect choice for this role.”
Teri Ricci of Framingham, was appointed as the Motorcycle Riders Foundation State Representative for Massachusetts. Teri enters that position with a wealth of knowledge as she previously served on the MRF Board of Directors and is well known among motorcycle activists nation wide. Teri will be a great asset to both the MMA and the MRF. So expect to be hearing from Teri in the near future as she spreads the word about the MRF and contacts you to become a member of this organization. For those of you that do not know about the MRF it is the only national motorcycle rights organization that maintains an office and a full time lobbyist for street riders in Washington DC. Their work is most important because without them our mission here at the state level would not be possible.
For further information please go to www.massmotorcycle.org or contact Richard Schofield, MMA Elections Committee Chairman at managerdistrict1@massmotorcycle.org.