[BERKELEY, California] - The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) is proud to announce the appointment of a new Board Chair and two new members to its Board of Directors.
Robert Burns, previously serving as Vice-Chair, will continue his service as newly appointed Board Chair. Kristen Dieffenbach and Vanessa Hauswald will serve the NICA Board of Directors as newly appointed board members.
"To say that it is a privilege to work with such an outstanding team is an understatement," said Dieffenbach.
Dieffenbach is a former Division I NCAA and ultra-endurance athlete. She is also a professional coach with an elite USA Cycling license and a Certified Mental Performance Consultant (CMPC).
"I would like to thank NICA and its Board of Directors for their support as our organization continues to grow across the country," said Hauswald.
Hauswald has directed the NorCal League since 2010 and has also served as a volunteer and coach for the organization. Vanessa is a proud cancer survivor, Juliana Bicycles ambassador, and uses her role and life experience to support the growth and development of the sport eagerly.
Prior to Burns' new appointment, Susan Helm Murtagh successfully led NICA's Board of Directors as Chair.
"We were thankful to work under the guidance of Susan Helm Murtagh," said NICA President, Amanda Carey. "Her thoughtful leadership has helped NICA grow across the country."
Burns is a 23-year bicycle industry veteran who founded Trek's legal department in 1995 and served as Trek's General Counsel until 2018.
"I would like to thank my colleague, Susan, for her commitment to NICA and our mission to get more kids on bikes," said Burns. "I am honored to serve as Board Chair and I look forward to working with such a talented group of individuals."
