Palmetto Cycling Coalition Welcomes Two New Board Members

Laura Ringo and Kelly Mezzapelle Join PCC Board of Directors

Columbia – The Palmetto Cycling Coalition, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to make South Carolina bicycle friendly by improving safety, providing access, and educating South Carolinians on the value and importance of bicycling for healthy lifestyles and communities, is pleased to announce the addition of two new members to its Board of Directors:

• Laura Ringo – Spartanburg and ED of Partners for Active Living (Upstate Regional)
  Laura is the executive director of the nonprofit Partners for Active Living. Partners for Active Living transforms Spartanburg into a healthy, active, and vibrant community with emphasis on all things walking & bicycling, childhood obesity prevention, and trail development. Under Laura’s leadership, the organization launched the Southeast’s first bicycle-sharing program, Spartanburg B-cycle, led the effort for the city of Spartanburg to earn the designation of South Carolina’s first bicycle-friendly community, and created a 40+ member childhood obesity prevention taskforce. Laura started the City of Spartanburg’s bicycle and pedestrian commission, serves on the SPATS Enhancements Committee and City of Spartanburg senior staff development team and City Parks Advisory Committee. Last month Laura was honored with President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition Community Leadership Award for her work in Spartanburg.
• Kelly Mezzapelle – Myrtle Beach Planner (Advisory)
  Kelly has been a planner for the City of Myrtle Beach for 17 years. Kelly has developed transportation plans, roadway design plans, mixed-use pedestrian-friendly zoning districts, and currently staffs the city’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee.  Kelly is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, and has her BS in Marketing and Real Estate from USC-Coastal and her MBA from Winthrop University.  Kelly and her husband have been cycling on the Grand Strand for 24 years.

Executive Director Amy Johnson is excited to welcome these board members: “Laura has been a trailblazer for the entire Southeastern region with her bike program accomplishments with PALs in Spartanburg, and Kelly brings years of city planning experience rooted in complete streets and economic development.  We’re very excited to welcome both Laura and Kelly.”

The full slate of board members for 2014 and their bios are available at pccsc.net.

Contacts:

Pamela Wood Browne
Communications Director – [email protected]

Amy Johnson
Executive Director – [email protected]

Palmetto Cycling Coalition
803.445.1099