IPMBA:  An Incredible Journey!

by Maureen Becker, Executive Director

Have you ever started pedaling with just a short ride in mind, and before you know it, you’ve traveled much further than you ever expected?  And when you look back on your journey, you marvel at the distance you have covered, and what you have encountered and accomplished along the way? 

That analogy sums up my career with IPMBA.  When I accepted the position of Executive Director in mid-2000 (after having been recruited by then-IPMBA President Kirby Beck), I could not have anticipated the adventures that awaited or the longevity of my tenure.  After all, I was 10 years out of college and to date had not settled into a position for longer than three years.  I was sure that I was destined to move along within a similar period of time. 

Little did I know that my tenure would span more than two decades.  What a ride it has been!  I have met incredible people, traveled to unexpected places, and witnessed the camaraderie and solidarity of the public safety community.  As an “outsider”, I did not know what to expect, but I found myself welcomed, embraced, respected, and accepted.  

As rewarding as it has been to support IPMBA’s mission and members, the time for change has come for both me and the organization.  I am proud of what we have accomplished together, that we have weathered the COVID-19 storm, and that we are poised for future success.  

It is with both excitement and trepidation that I have informed the Board of my intention to step aside, effective July 31, 2024.  I am ready for someone with fresh ideas, different perspectives, and abundant energy to seize the handlebar and steer IPMBA in new directions. 

I remain committed to IPMBA and will support the Board and Transition Committee as they identify the strategic priorities that will enable them to recruit my successor.  I will do my best to ease that person’s transition into the role and set their wheels in motion.  At the same time, I will continue to support you by ensuring IPMBA’s ongoing operations and maintenance of its existing programs and processes.  

Many of you have referred to me as the “hub” that holds IPMBA together, but even a well-maintained hub needs to be replaced from time to time in order for the wheel to keep on turning.  

What you as public safety cyclists do in service and sacrifice to your communities has always been an inspiration to me.  It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you for so long and I look forward to seeing what lies ahead, around the bend in the road.  

I hope to see and celebrate with you in Bentonville, Arkansas, June 24-29, 2024!  

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