Meet the Riders

Welcome to our Renovation Ride blog! If you've come this far, you probably know that five NACD staffers have committed to riding 258 miles in the five days leading up to NACD's Summer Board Meeting and Legislative Conference to raise money for the 509 Capitol Court Campaign. We realize we all may not be around to enjoy the renovated office once it's finally complete, but we believe enough in the cause to commit to training for the big week and investing our own time and dollars to prepare. We want to thank you for your support to this point and encourage you to keep the money coming! Enjoy our blog.

For our first post, we want you to meet the riders.

OLD PRO: Brad Ross
Brad is NACD's Director of Member Services, and is based in Ohio. By far the most experienced rider in the group, the Renovation Ride is Brad's brainchild. He has done several rides to raise money for various causes over the past 20 years, but this one is very close to home. He's been involved in with districts at some level his entire career and is committed to the cause.

Random fact about Brad: He raised and trained quarterhorses to pay his way through college.


OLD PRO: Arthur Ganta
We call him the money man, but technically, Arthur is NACD's Director of Finance. While he's not quite as experienced as Brad in the cycling arena, we're counting on Arthur to ensure that we raise enough funds to get NACD's Headquarters renovated by the end of the year. Arthur has been with NACD since May 2005.

Random fact about Arthur: The only time you see his mean streak come out is in tennis and badmitton. He also speaks seven languages.


NEWBIE: Lisa Lerwick
Lisa loves competition and loves the outdoors. The Renovation Ride gives NACD's Director of Communications a chance to compete against the Old Pros to raise the most money and spend a full week camping, riding and hanging out in the great outdoors with her NACD buddies. Lisa has also been with NACD since May 2005.

Random fact about Lisa: A native of Wyoming, Lisa graduated in a class of nine people. Talk about small town!

NEWBIE: Naomi Watson
She has a great attitude and an uncanny sense of humor. NACD's Accounting Assistant Naomi Watson is not only participating in the ride herself, she's also convinced her husband to come along for the event. She hopes the ride will help her accomplish her quest to become more athletic and outdoorsy.

Random fact about Naomi: Naomi is a skilled musician who studied the clarinet for many years.

NEWBIE: Mary Hammon
The newest NACD member on the team, Mary joined NACD as the Communications Associate in June 2007. She's been stocking up on bike gear and figuring out how she can strap groceries to the back of her bike to live the full car-less D.C. experience. Conservation must run in her blood...her dad has spent his entire career with conservation districts.

Random fact about Mary: Mary grew up with three brothers and is a serious competitor when it comes to video games.