Bike Walk Kentucky Summit

Bill Nesper first joined the League of American Bicyclists in 2002 and brings a depth of knowledge of all of the League’s programs and work throughout the country. Bill started at the League as a membership assistant and since has directed the Smart Cycling and Bicycle Friendly America Programs before being appointed Executive Director. A national leader in bicycle programming, planning, and policy, Bill has supported local and state advocacy, led workshops for local communities across the country, and contributed to bicycling policy and planning guidance at all levels. As Executive Director, Bill has a passion for supporting the incredible League staff, building stronger partnerships, and making the League more effective at building a Bicycle Friendly America for Everyone. He holds a BA in History from the University of Florida and an MA from George Mason University.

Angie Schmitt is one of the country’s best known writers and experts on the topic of sustainable transportation. She was the long-time national editor at Streetsblog. Her writing and commentary have appeared in the New York Times, The Atlantic, and National Public Radio. Angie is the author of the book Right of Way: Race, Class, and the Silent Epidemic of Pedestrian Deaths in America. She is the founder of 3MPH Planning and Consulting, a small firm focused on pedestrian safety.

Kalene Griffith is the president and CEO of Visit Bentonville, which promotes the city of Bentonville as a world-class travel destination. Griffith was appointed by the Arkansas governor to the Arkansas State Parks, Heritage and Tourism Commission. She is a board member of the Southeast Tourism Society, the Arkansas Hospitality Association Travel Council, the Arkansas Association of Convention Visitors Bureau, Bentonville Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Bentonville Inc., Bentonville Public Arts Advisory Board, Bentonville History Museum, Dress For Success and Amazeum Children’s Museum.

David Wright, has been in the public parks and recreation field for over 20 years. Prior to joining Bentonville Parks and Recreation, Wright worked ten years with Fayetteville Parks and Recreation, as well as stints with Fayetteville Youth Center and the Memphis Parks Commission. He is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional by the National Parks and Recreation Association and serves on multiple national boards and committees overseeing recreation policy. He currently manages 22 municipal parks, 100+ miles of trails and 140 recreation programs serving more than 4.5 million people annually, all in the active city of Bentonville, Arkansas. Northwest Arkansas’ bet on cycling is paying off.

Over the last two decades, Kentuckian Ben Sollee has distinguished himself as multi-faceted creative, blurring the lines between music, tech, and activism. A graduate of the Univeristy of Louisville School of Music, he holds a BFA in cello performance. Since his debut record in 2008, Mr. Sollee has released 6 studio records and nearly 10 EPs garnering praise from the New York Times and NPR. His music has been featured in tv shows such as Weeds and Parenthood. In addition, Sollee has a growing career as a composer for film, tv, and interactive media earning a Emmy Award in 2018 for his score on the ABC special Base Ballet. Beyond music, Mr. Sollee is known for his social and environmental advocacy working with organizations like Oxfam America, The Nature Conservancy, and Canopy KY to protect people and the land. He currently lives in Louisville, KY with his wife and three children.