FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 3, 2025

Roanoke Star Cycling Welcomes Susan Herndon-Powell as New Executive Director

Roanoke, VA — Roanoke Star Cycling (RSC), a nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth through mountain biking, is proud to announce the appointment of Susan Herndon-Powell as its new Executive Director. Her first day with the organization was September 2, 2025.

Herndon-Powell brings extensive experience in civic engagement, community development, and nonprofit management to the role. With a professional background spanning leadership positions in higher education, community service, and local initiatives across the region, she has built a reputation as a connector, someone who brings people, organizations, and ideas together to create meaningful opportunities for youth and families.

The new executive director position was established with guidance from Oxbow, a planning and consulting firm led by Michael Clark, who also served as Interim Executive Director during the transition. Oxbow worked closely with the RSC Board of Directors to shape the role and launch the search for a permanent leader, ensuring the organization’s long-term success. Michael will stay on with the organization through the end of October to assist with the transition.

“We are thrilled to welcome Susan into this role,” said Clark. “Her passion for community-building and her ability to lead with both vision and empathy will help Roanoke Star Cycling continue to thrive. Susan’s track record of nonprofit leadership makes her the right person to guide us into this next chapter.”

About Susan Herndon-Powell

Herndon-Powell has spent her career at the heart of the outdoor recreation community, helping organizations grow their reach and impact. She has held senior leadership positions with institutions such as The Peaks Retreat and Adventure Center and Roanoke Parks and Recreation, where she developed programs that expanded access to education, strengthened community partnerships, and built long-term sustainability.

Her experience in program development, volunteer engagement, and fundraising uniquely positions her to lead RSC’s growing roster of riders, coaches, and community supporters. Beyond her professional career, Herndon-Powell is an advocate for youth development, outdoor recreation, and creating spaces where young people feel supported, challenged, and inspired.

“I am stoked to join Roanoke Star Cycling and continue the incredible work that has been done to empower kids through mountain biking,” said Herndon-Powell. “This program not only teaches technical skills but also instills resilience, teamwork, and a deep love for the outdoors. Connecting youth with outdoor recreation has been a passion of mine for my entire career, and I have immense respect for the organization and what it has accomplished since its inception. I look forward to working with our board, coaches, families, and partners to grow both the program and its impact.”

About Roanoke Star Cycling

Roanoke Star Cycling has introduced hundreds of local youth to the joys of mountain biking and the thrill of competition. RSC’s mission is to promote high-quality instruction at both competitive and non-competitive levels, teaching the importance of teamwork, goal-setting, and living a healthy lifestyle in a fun, safe, and supportive environment. In short, the organization strives to simply get more kids on bikes.

Today, RSC serves riders of all abilities across Southwest Virginia, offering programs that focus on confidence-building, skill development, fitness, and community. Led by a dedicated group of volunteer coaches and supported by families and local partners, RSC is proud to help the next generation of cyclists discover their strength, on and off the trail.

For More Information

Michael Clark
Interim Executive Director, Roanoke Star Cycling
mike.clark@roanokestarcycling.org
540-915-7272
www.roanokestarcycling.org