Citing health concerns, Bicycle Coalition of Maine Executive Director John Williams said he intends to step down in October.

In a letter emailed to coalition members, Williams said his ongoing rehab related to cardiac surgery this spring, plus the challenges of a daily commute, led to his decision. Williams has been the bicycling advocacy group’s top executive for two years.

“I love working for the Bicycle Coalition and am proud of what we have done under my leadership,” Williams said in his email. “And, all evidence to the contrary, I feel too young to retire. However, with my ongoing cardiac rehab, it has become difficult to devote as much time as necessary to my work. My commute to our office in Portland from my home in the midcoast is draining. I need to take some time to fully recover, and the coalition needs an executive director who can be fully devoted to its mission.”

Over the next several months, the coalition’s board of directors will conduct a search for its next executive director, board President Pam Fischer said.

“We are grateful to John for making the coalition a more inclusive organization, one that recognizes all types of cycling,” she said in a statement. “John steered us toward a more expansive outreach program, which has been an important step in reaching a broader audience.”

Williams was previously the president of the Maine Pulp and Paper Association, and held several executive posts in the administration of former Gov. Angus King.

 

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