Organization Seeking Applicants for Position through May 23.
Leslie Cogswell, executive director of Tour des Chutes announced to the board of directors of the organization that this year’s event on July 9 will be her last as the executive director. Citing a desire to spend more time with family, Cogswell will resign on or before September 1.
“Leslie has been the behind-the-scenes heartbeat of the Tour since she took over managing it five years ago,” stated Gary Bonacker, the founder and original organizer of the 12 year old event. “Leslie brings so much heart to the Tour, we will never be able to replace her. It’s a big loss.”
Cogswell worked in Hood River, Oregon in healthcare and event operations with Chad Sperry of Breakaway Promotions, before moving to Bend with her husband, Jim, in 2010. Once she heard of the event, met Bonacker and saw the event, in her words she “felt its heart” and was in.
“Leslie is definitely leaving the Tour better than she found it,” commented Board Chair Dr. Kent Yundt. “We have increased sponsorship almost every year since we started and a lot of that has to do with Leslie’s leadership, care and organization.”
Tour des Chutes sells out every year, attracting over 1,500 riders of all levels with rides ranging from 7 to 100 miles. In 2014, the Tour added a non-competitive 5K fun run/walk, sponsored by Central Oregon Pediatric Associates (COPA), supported by The Kralj Family, to honor Bend runner, Johanna Olson, who died of cancer in 2013 at age 34.The event is more than a cycling event, it is a celebration of life, cancer survivorship and remembrance of those who have passed on from this disease.
The mission of the organization is to support cancer care and survivorship for children and adults in Central Oregon. Proceeds support the Pediatric Cancer Foundation and the St. Charles Survivorship Program. In 2015, the organization gave over $125,000 to programs and services for cancer survivors.
The board of directors has already started the search process for an executive director. “While we can’t replace Leslie, we need to find someone who gets the brand and heart of the event who can connect with sponsors and the 125 volunteers who make the event run so smoothly every year,” added Yundt.
For further information on the executive director position, contact Jim Morris, head of the search committee by May 23, 2016: jmorris@moementum.com.
Tour des Chutes Executive Director
Position Description
The Executive Director is the Chief Executive Officer of Tour des Chutes. The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors, and is responsible for the organization’s consistent achievement of its mission and financial objectives. This is a part-time contractor position based in Bend, Oregon.
Specific committee responsibilities:
- Assure that the organization has a long-range strategy which achieves its mission, and toward which it makes consistent and timely progress.
- Provide leadership in developing programs, organizational and financial plans with the Board of Directors and staff, and administer and carry out plans and policies authorized by the board.
- Promote active and broad participation by volunteers in all areas of the organization’s work, including board members.
- Maintain official records and documents, and ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations.
- Maintain a working knowledge of significant developments and trends in the field.
In communications, the Executive Director will:
- See that the board is kept fully informed on the condition of the organization and important factors influencing it.
- Publicize the activities of the organization, its programs and goals.
- Establish sound working relationships and cooperative arrangements with community groups, donors, event sponsors, care providers and organizations.
- Represent the programs and point of view of the organization to agencies, organizations, and the general public.
In budget and finance, the Executive Director will:
- Be responsible for developing and maintaining sound financial practices.
- Work with the board treasurer, Finance Committee, and the board in preparing a budget; see that the organization operates within budget guidelines.
- Ensure that adequate funds are available to permit the organization to carry out its work.
- Jointly, with the president and secretary of the board of directors, conduct official correspondence of the organization, and jointly, with designated officers, execute legal documents.
To apply, email a cover letter and resume to tdeschutes@gmail.com no later than May 23, 2016.
