Valley Preferred Cycling Center Opens Search for New Executive Director

November 1, 2021

The world-renowned velodrome seeks successor to Joan Hanscom, who will pursue a marketing leadership role in the cycling industry.

Breinigsville, PA. November 1, 2021. /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Valley Preferred Cycling Center, the premier cycling center in North America, is announcing the departure of our Executive Director, Joan Hanscom, for an exciting new role with a cycling industry leader, to be the subject of a separate announcement. Since joining the Valley Preferred Cycling Center in late 2018, Joan has led and presided over significant changes in direction and a new focus for the center, including but not limited to:

• Revitalization of community programming and the introduction of Women’s Wednesdays a cornerstone Air Products Community Program focused on introducing women to track riding and racing, coached by multi-time World Champion Kim Geist,
• The extension of venue naming rights agreement with Valley Preferred through 2025 and supporting sponsorship with Lehigh Valley Health Network,
• Strengthening our relationship with USA Cycling, as evidenced by the Valley Preferred Cycling Center hosting four US track national championships in 2021 (Elite/Para/Junior/Masters),
• During the COVID-19 health crisis, and with guidance from our partners at Valley Preferred and Lehigh Valley Health Network, as well as Lehigh County, the Valley Preferred Cycling center was the only velodrome open for competition (time trials) which saw several national and track records fall,
• Continued the Valley Preferred Cycling Center’s tradition of being the only Velodrome in the United States to host UCI-sanctioned racing in 2019 and 2021, an important qualifier for our Olympic hopefuls,
• Together with the Board of Directors, set a goal for gender parity of 50/50 by the Valley Preferred Cycling Center’s 50^th anniversary, in 2025,
• Worked with the Board of Directors to improve Board diversity,
• Launched the successful Talk of the T-Town Podcast to cultivate community during the pandemic,
• And brought improved sponsor relations and helped secure several new and valued sponsors, including, Schearer’s Sales and Service, Ocean Spray, LOOK, Shangy’s, Doylestown BikeWorks and others,

Chairman of the Board of the Velodrome Fund, Rick Beuttel, reflected on Joan’s time at the Valley Preferred Cycling Center: “On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are grateful for Joan’s great work and leadership of the Valley Preferred Cycling Center through a challenging time in its  history.  Joan brought stability, new programs, and a strong sense of ethics and integrity to her role as Executive Director and really improved relationships with stakeholders such as our athletes, the community, our sponsors, our partner Lehigh County Parks, and USA Cycling. We are sad to see her leave us but happy for her continued career advancement in a great new opportunity.”

When asked to comment on her time at the VPCC Hanscom said, “I will miss the velodrome and the community a great deal.  The track brings together a very committed group of athletes and fans – it’s a special place. I am very proud of the work we did while I was there – particularly the focus on bringing more women to the sport and making the venue welcoming to all.  I was fortunate to work with a great team and a very supportive Board of Directors. I have no doubt that my successor will continue the progress we’ve made and I am excited to see where they can take it in the future.”

Qualified candidates are encouraged to review the position description on the Valley Preferred Cycling Center’s website (www.thevelodrome.com) and follow the directions for how to apply.  We wish Joan continued success in her future, and look for a strong successor to keep the positive momentum which Joan established during her tenure.”