Dave Swider
President

Dave Swider has been actively involved in organized motorcycling for almost 15 years and has been riding nearly 30. He has served twice as president of the Yankee Beemers, a New England based BMW club, has worked as a committee chair on two MOA national rallies and has served as co-chair for the BMW RA's national rally in 1998.

Dave has been riding BMW motorcycles since he was in his teens, starting with a 1977 R75/7 and has had a series of BMW's since, currently owning an airhead, an oilhead and two hexheads. He has amassed a couple hundred thousand miles on BMWs and will file the paperwork once his wife Tina gets him to start listening to her.

In 1999, Dave and his wife Tina moved from New England to San Francisco, CA in search of better riding weather.

In his professional life, Dave is active in local professional organizations that support the litigation support industry.

Deb Lower
Vice President

My membership in BMW MOA dates back to the late 1970s. My active involvement with clubs began with attending local rallies, helping to start a local club, volunteer work at BMW MOA national rallies, and with the BMW Motorcycle Club of Colorado as President and Rally Chair of the Top O’ the Rockies for 2 years. I live in Denver, Colorado.

In 1984 I became a BMW MOA Ambassador. My first BMW MOA Rally committee chair was at Flagstaff, field events in the rain. In 1994 I chaired the Moodus Rally and for the 1995 Durango Rally was assistant.

I have four years of experience on previous BMW MOA Boards as Secretary and President. As a Vice-President in a national health and human services consulting firm, I work hard to afford my hobby.

My BMWs number 4 with an R80ST, R100CS, K75SA and R1100RA. A Historic Production Lightweight R50/5 is in the works for the 2000 racing program with AHRMA. A BMW MOA member, John Goodpaster, designed this class, to enable novice racers to proudly show the 1972 and older motorcycles that constitute a part of our motorcycling heritage. The motorcycle came to me with support from two other BMW MOA members – Mad Doctor Racing's Michael Burke, who races a BMW, and Doc Batsleer, who races a handshift Indian. I am a team member of M3 Racing – Mark McGrew Motorcycles. We have sponsorship from several national motorcycle vendors. Through this racing effort I want to proudly show the BMW marquee to all who attend the various AHRMA events throughout the country.

BMW MOA is an association representing all BMW motorcyclists. Our current Board has an impressive number of combined years of strong support for the association, and we share an intensive sense of pride in BMW MOA. My intention on serving on this Board is to further the strategic planning efforts started with previous boards and to actively work on assuring BMW MOA is responsive to member’s expressed needs. I look forward to working for us, the members of BMW MOA, on the current Board.

Muriel Farrington
Secretary

I was introduced to motorcycles as a child when my uncle gave me rides around the area. Although he had many motorcycles over time, it was his wife who had the BMW. When I was about 15, he let me drive his Cushman motor scooter around the tobacco fields, and about 25 years later I rode pillion on a couple friends' BMWs. I got my license in 1999, started riding my own bike in early 2000, and I have my eye on an upcoming 100,000 Mile Award on my two BMW F650s - hopefully this year. I often ride solo, including trips to Ontario, Nova Scotia and the Blue Ridge Parkway, sometimes camping along the way. These past years have been some of the best years of my life to date.

I moved to White River Junction, Vermont in 1978, after 18 years traveling the country as an Army wife. Much of my life has been lived backwards - motherhood preceded undergraduate and graduate degrees. I work in software sales and am now approaching retirement. I have been active in both the military and civilian communities for years.

Since joining the BMW MOA seven years ago, I've attended National rallies in

Trenton, Charleston, Lima, Vermont and West Bend. I spent many hours volunteering in setup, registration, 50/50, and even took a turn at bike judging. I was Publicity Chair for the MOA International Rally in Vermont, submitting numerous articles and photographs for the January through July issues of Owners News, and preparing numerous route sheets and descriptions for day rides from the MOA rally in Vermont. I contributed additional articles to ON before and after the rally.

Active in BMW Motorcycles Owners of Vermont #115 since 2000, I volunteered for Newsletter Editor in late 2001, a job I still hold. I served four years as Secretary and am now serving my second term as President. I have co-chaired the Green Mountain Rally for four years and co-chaired Vermont's Puppy Dog Ride. I am a member and past Director of the Yankee Beemers and belong to the BMW Riders of Southern Maine, the Chain Gang, and the AMA.

These next three years will be exciting, and I look forward to contributing more to the MOA.

Bob Malehorn
Treasurer

DIRECTORS

Michael Friedle
Director

Michael has enjoyed motorcycling for 40 years, ever since he was a passenger on a Beemer in 1958 in Austria. He rides most of the year and has been know to throw skis into the sidecar to go skiing. Michael owns several BMW motorcycles including a 1938 R66, 1962 R69S, 1963 R75/2 with a Steib S-500 sidecar, 1970 R75/5, 1988 R100RS and a 1974 Norton MK11A 850 Commando Roadster.

Michael belongs to several clubs that are associated with the bikes that he rides including the BMW Vintage Owners, The BMW Riders Association, The International Norton Owners Association, The British Iron Association of Connecticut and is one of the charter members, and sits on the Board of Directors, of the Airhead Beemers Club.

Michael has also been involved with the MSF program as an instructor and has been updated to a Certified Rider Coach. He teaches more than 55 BRC courses a year and has organized ERC courses exclusively for BMW MOA members in the New York City and Hudson Valley area for years.

His service to the Board began in 2000 when he was appointed to fill a vacant seat on the Board of Directors, was re-elected in 2002 and just recently elected again in 2005. Michael has served also as an International Rally Chair in Rhinebeck, New York, then in Charleston, West Virginia, and as a co-chair in the Burlington, Vermont, Rally in 2006.

Michael has previously received recognition for his recruiting efforts for 2003, 04, 05 and now for 2006.

Jackie Hughes
Director

I was first introduced to BMW motorcycles in 1994, the same year I met my husband, Chris. After being a passenger for a year, I decided I wanted to ride myself and I got my license in 1995. The following summer I took my first solo trip, on a 1975 R90/6, logging 2600 miles in five days.

Although I was already a member, my first true introduction to the MOA came as a result of a chance encounter with Larry Stonestreet at the Chief Joseph Rally in Oregon. I spent a little more than a year convincing him and the Board that Spokane would make a great rally location. That ultimately led to being the rally chair. Talk about jumping in with both feet! At that time I had only attended one National (Missoula, '98). But it was a wonderful experience and made me appreciate this great organization even more. I have made many new friends being a part of the MOA and truly value those relationships.

Today I ride a K75 and while real life restricts the amount of time I get to spend in the saddle, my love of the ride does not waiver. While a grand tour doesn't quite fit into my schedule at the moment, I have to satisfy myself with trips to the National, a few regional rallies and a couple of weekend get-aways every year. Some day I hope to travel cross-country at my leisure.

I live in Washington State with my husband and the youngest two of my four children. I earn a living as a loan specialist for a mortgage company. I am an Ambassador and serve as a member of the Rally Site Selection Committee. Aside from my involvement with the MOA, I am Vice President of our local club, an active member of the National Ski Patrol, a certified ski instructor, a 4-H leader and I work with the local Blood Center on their annual fundraiser.

I am very excited to be on the Board and look forward to the next three years as we work toward achieving the goals set forth in the Strategic Plan.

Gail Hatch
Director

Like you, I'm a BMW motorcycle enthusiast. I was on the back of a Beemer when I was 15, my first boyfriend had an R65. I wish someone had mentioned to me back then that I could be riding the darn thing! It took a couple of decades for me to figure that one out. I've been riding since 1999. My activity with MOA started with the inception of the online forum. For an introvert like me, it was a great way to get meet kindred spirits. In 2004 I rode clear across the country to attend the rally in Spokane, WA. That trip solidified for me my desire to travel and explore this great country via motorcycle.

I make my home in the Live Free or Die state of New Hampshire with my daughter and 2 K-bikes. I earn my gas money as a data analyst for a large investment firm. I've been in the technology field most of my career.

If something has been on your mind about the MOA, I hope you'll drop me a line. I don't always have answers and can't always fix things, but I will listen and ask questions so that I can better understand what's going on. My days are just packed with working full time, raising the kiddo and packing on the miles. The best way to communicate with me is via email or good old fashioned US Mail.

See you out there on the road!

Karol Patzer
Director

Welcome to your web site! (Why aren't you out RIDING?)

Motorcycling has consumed much of my life since starting to ride over 20 years ago, My three sons, and Jerry, my life-partner, have been very supportive of my passion.

My business career for the past 25 years has been in Sales/Service Management. Responsibilities have included administering multi-million dollar government contracts for several manufacturers.

I've been a member of the BMW MOA since 1987, and my current "rides" are a1988 BMW K-75C, 1994 K-75RT-P, and 1999 F650. Each one is my "favorite", and they have taken me over 400,000 miles on BMWs.

My first BMW MOA National was Missoula, Montana in 1984 on an R65. I sold it after only 15,000 miles, thinking it was worn out. (Shows what I knew about Beemers). I've attended 15 National Rallies, and too many regional rallies to count. Rallies provide us a destination, great campfires, and an opportunity to kick tires. I enjoy participating in endurance riding events, as well as Sunday afternoon meandering along the river. As a long-standing member of the BMW MOCM, WIBMW Club, Autobahn Society, BMW RA, IBMWR, Chain Gang and Women on Wheels, I enjoy the differences and similarities of each group. I've chaired numerous local club rallies, an RA National and a Women on Wheels National Ride-In.

I've been the National Charity Chairperson for 9 years, an Ambassador, and a Trustee for the MOA Foundation. As the Board Liaison for the Foundation I hope to keep you informed on the progress of the new Foundation.

With the BMW MOA's continued growth, we must insure that the management continues to favor the membersí best interests, and strive to strengthen our dealer/member network, as well as communication with BMW Motorcycles. Decisions and recommendations should be based on the members' input. As your representative on the Board of Directors, I hope to continue meeting as many members as possible, and hope to communicate your needs and concerns to the Board. If there's something you like about our organization....tell us. If there's something you'd like to see improved...tell us.

If you have time, volunteer on the local or national level, and you will soon realize the result is the formation of lasting friendships, great rides and memorable experiences.

Greg Feeler
Director

I joined the BMW MOA in the early 70's and attended my first MOA National Rally was Colorado Springs in 1977. I seem to remember something about camping on cactus. I still have the R75/5 I rode there (and eventually took on my first Honeymoon), but it has some more stable mates now: an R100RS, two K75s (standard & S), a K100RT, and a K1. I enjoy and ride them all in a mix of commuting, day rides, and long distance touring. I'll take whatever I can get...

In the interim years I developed a career as a technology manager for a national business services company, helped start the Idaho BMW club, (Bavarian Mountain West MOA #50), and served several terms as Newsletter Editor. I've also been involved in legislative and regulatory issues involving motorcycles on the state level.

During the same time I've seen the BMW MOA grow far beyond what must have been the wildest dreams of the founders. Motorcycling in the United States has had good and bad times, and now enjoys it's greatest popularity ever. This growth provides both challenges and opportunities to organizations like the BMW MOA. Our family of BMW riders is more diverse in backgrounds, experience, philosophies, and expectations than ever before. The challenge before us, both as individuals and as an organization, is to keep our eye on the ball of common values and the joy of riding BMWs. Further, we must not forget how we are a part of the larger motorcycling community, and while co-existing with the larger non-riding public we still must do our part to protect and promote our sport and our rights.

We have a great organization in the BMW MOA, with an excellent balance between efficiency and informality, with the feel and intimacy of a local club even as our membership grows toward 40,000! The Board of Directors shoulders the responsibility to provide the larger framework the Club must have to take it into a future filled with growth and challenges. But, it is the individual members who pay dues, attend events, and volunteer for thousands of unsung jobs who make us what we are, and for which the BMW MOA exists. The Board will do it's best to represent you, but don't ever be shy about giving us your feedback and suggestions.

STAFF

Ray Zimmerman
Executive Director

As the Executive Director of BMW MOA I am very interested in communication with the membership. I recognize that effective communication requires a two-way interchange. I want to hear your ideas on how to make the BMW MOA an even better organization than it already is. A growing organization, such as BMW MOA, needs to constantly and consistently examine its goals and articulate its vision as to how its goals will be accomplished. 

At a membership of 38,000 and growing, I want to be involved with the "road map" to the future. Work with me to build that "road map." Our most valuable asset is our volunteer force. People have a need to belong, to be a part of something they enjoy. The volunteer contribution to the BMW MOA is absolutely phenomenal. I encourage everyone to continue to help out wherever and whenever they can.

I have been a member of the BMW MOA since 1974 and have enjoyed my association with the thousands of riders who make up this great organization. I bought my first BMW in 1973 and have ridden BMWs exclusively ever since. I have owned a 1973 R75/5, a 1977 R75/7, a 1965 R69S, a 1993 K1100RS, a 1978 R80/7, and a 1999 R1100RT. I currently own a 1965 R69S, a 1977 R100RS, a 1993 K1100RS, a 2002 K1200LT, a 2004 Boxer Cup Replika and a 2004 R1150RS. My riding experience includes attendance at many National Rallies, local rallies and riding in most of the continental United States. I enjoy meeting other riders and getting involved with club activities. I am a Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF) Rider-Coach and thoroughly enjoy seeing others enjoy their motorcycles in a safe manner. Motorcycling has been a key activity in my life since 1965 when I took my first ride on a friend's motorcycle. Few things in my life have provided me more satisfaction than my BMW motorcycles!

My professional background includes two career paths, one with the civilian sector and the second with the military. In my civilian capacity, I have owned a consulting business, which provided support and management in the development and maintenance of systems to administer contracts, provide financial control, define and manage requirements, and manage the acquisition activities of the customer's business. I have been a Program Manager and have an aerospace engineering background as well.

I have had the honor to serve my country as a veteran of the Armed Forces with over 31 years of Active and Reserve assignments. Included among those assignments were Division Chief of Staff, Brigade Commander, Task Force Commander and Battalion Commander.

My wife Lorra and I have been married for 33 years and have three children, all of which are married. My wife rides with me every chance she gets. My son also rides and has owned four BMWs.

Tammy Leuthauser
Office Manager

Tammy's primary role is to oversee the administrative and logistical operation of the office facility and supervises the clerical staff, receptionist, membership and Country Store. She makes sure that the office has all the necessary operational supplies and equipment to function in support the membership. Tammy assists with Contract Administration. Tammy has worked in every functional area of the office and is qualified to answer a variety of questions.

Becky Weber
Membership

Becky is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the membership database and membership requests. Working with Sadie and Beth, she enters and edits membersí information to support the mailing of membership cards, 5-30 year pins, the BMW Owners News and the BMW Owners Anonymous book. Becky can answer any question having to do with membership.

Bill Knott
Accountant

Rhonda Glasgow
Country Store

Rhonda is responsible for selecting, designing and ordering all items for sale in the Country Store. She processes orders, packages and ships items purchased by the membership. She also handles the administration of the County Store to include billing and refunds. She assists in the design and selection of items purchased for he annual International Rally.

Beth Cooper
Receptionist

Beth is the initial point of contact in the BMW MOA office. She handles all incoming phone calls and greets visitors. She is qualified to answer general questions. She assists with signing up new members, renewing memberships, makes address changes and takes orders for items being purchased from the Country Store. As she says ÖîYou have a question, I have the answerî

Sadie Short
Receptionist/Accounts Receivable

Perhaps the first person you will see or speak to at the MOA headquarters is Sadie Short. Sadie is a native of St. Louis. She is in charge of reception and accounts receivable. She enjoys being the contact point for members calling with questions and makes it her goal to see their issues resolved.

Mary Mclaughlin
Receptionist/Accounts Receivable

Glenn Hanlin
Systems Administration

Vince Winkel
Media Editor

As Media Editor, Vince directs and is responsible for the BMW Owners News, the BMW MOA Website, and all other publications produced by the organization.

Vince comes from an extensive background in journalism, having worked for a variety of national newspapers, radio networks, and TV news organizations. Over the course of 22 years his coverage of AIDS, political issues, education, children, science, music, and the environment have earned him major awards from the Overseas Press Club of America, the Associated Press, the Society of Professional Journalists, the International Radio Festival of New York, the Gabriel Awards, and more. His work has appeared in The Christian Science Monitor, Time, National Public Radio, CBS Radio, Monitor Radio, the Discovery Channel, the Monitor Channel, CNN, KCAL-TV, WBUR-FM, the BBC, and others.

Vince has also worked extensively in the Online world. In 1999 he designed, launched, and then managed a national Online News Service for Public Radio and Television stations across the country.

But now he is just where he wants to be!

"I feel so fortunate to be with the BMW MOA, and take all that I have learned as a journalist to something I love - motorcycles," he says.

"You will always miss 100% of the shots you don't take." -- Wayne Gretzky

Mandy Langston
Deputy Editor, BMW Owner's News

A Kentucky native, Mandy relocated to St. Louis in 2005 after graduating from the University of Kentucky where she worked on the Kentucky Kernel newspaper and was vice-president of the UK Women’s Choir. After being voted favorite Kernel writer for 2004, she took a position as a news reporter at the Richmond Register in Richmond, Kentucky. She was recently given state recognition for spot news coverage by the Kentucky Press Association. She has worked for Relevant Magazine, the Chevy Chaser Magazine, Lexington Family Magazine and the Riverfront Times.

Her newfound fascination with BMW motorcycles has led her to soak up information from technical manuals and history books around the MOA.

“We’re going to work hard to maintain the excellence the ON has seen in the past, and integrate creative new topics to launch us into the future,” Langston said. She loves mint chocolate truffles.

Scott Conary
Information Architect