Dave Simmons

Executive Director at Ride Illinois
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Contact Information
us****@****om
(386) 825-5501
Location
US

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5.0

/5.0
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Kevin Gilsdorf

Before meeting Dave Simmons in person, I was told about two of Dave’s key traits. One, he possessed great leadership skills and two, he had passion for grassroots, social impact, initiatives, including getting more people on bikes. Soon, I realized that was just the start of Dave’s skills. Keep in mind, I heard about Dave’s leadership from another industry expert. His valued reputation preceded him. Dave and I have now partnered on many RideIllinois.org projects. When Dave is in his element, he is highly efficient, approachable, and extremely capable at any given moment. He is keenly focused on the organizational benefits of shared goals, data-driven insights, and clear communication. The true measurement of leadership is often when leading organizations through uncharted waters. This is where Dave really shines. Empathy and grit are at the top of Dave’s toolbox. Dave realizes that repeating what’s been done before will at best, create the same results. Which is why his openness to creativity, learning and calculated risk completes his leaderships abilities. His grassroots approach rides right to compounding impact and unprecedented results for his organization. So, I’ll restate the sentiment I heard previously. It’s a pleasure working with Dave Simmons. I highly recommend it.

Eric M

Dave is a great manager. He helped me grow as a freelance employee. When I started he was very patient and helped guide me through the art management processes. He also helped me with a few key pointers for doing my job well. Dave is organized, efficient, and excellent manager.

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Credentials

  • Certified Pesticide Applicator
    State of Illinois Department of Agriculture
    Nov, 2015
    - Oct, 2024
  • Certified Pesticide Operator (General Standards)
    State of Illinois Department of Agriculture
    Nov, 2012
    - Oct, 2024
  • Volunteer Power Equipment Operator
    Forest Preserve District of Cook County
    Mar, 2013
    - Oct, 2024

Experience

    • United States
    • Non-profit Organization Management
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Executive Director
      • Oct 2019 - Present

      Founded in 1992 (as the League of Illinois Bicyclists), Ride Illinois is a membership-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Ride Illinois has focused on the categories of bike-friendly road designs, more trails, driver education, bicyclist education, legislation and cyclists’ rights, and encouragement. As Executive Director of Ride Illinois, I collaborate with staff and the board to insure that the organization is actively and effectively advocating for cyclists of all ages and abilities in the state of Illinois. The role focuses on fiscal responsibility and makes every effort to use membership dollars, corporate donations, and grant funds in line with the organization's mission and vision. Collaboration with local bicycle advocates, other like-minded organization, government entities, and potential partners (both within and outside of Illinois) is key to Ride Illinois' future success. In addition, I assist with the coordination of the following unique, fun, and informative bike-friendly initiatives: • The Grand Illinois Bike Tour (GIBT) • The Illinois Bike Summit • www.bikesaeftyquiz.com which is a proven, effective, free educational resource • Promoting the 'Share the Road' license plates program • Attending relevant events, rides, and conferences across the state

    • President
      • Oct 2011 - Present

      The mission statement of the non-profit cycling advocacy group, the Friends of Cycling in Elk Grove, is "To promote, support, and improve cycling in Elk Grove". The group is working to make Elk Grove Village and the surrounding area more bike-friendly through education, engineering, encouragement, and enforcement. As of 3/27/12, The Friends of Cycling in Elk Grove is "the duly recognized cycling organization of Elk Grove Village", according to the Village Board. FCEG became a recognized 501(c)(3) public charity in March 2014.

    • League Cycling Instructor (LCI)
      • May 2009 - Present

      As a League Cycling Instructor through the League of American Bicyclists, I enjoy the opportunity to teach a series of Smart Cycling classes to children and adults. The courses that I offer as an LCI suit the needs of any cyclist. In addition to teaching in a classroom or group setting, I've taught more than 75 children and adults to learn to ride a bike. Learn to Ride lessons are very satisfying for both me and the individuals that I teach! Bicycle education allows me to bring the joy of cycling to the masses. Cyclists of all ages learn to enjoy a wide range of benefits – physical, environmental, and financial. The foundation of the League of American Bicyclists education program is the Smart Cycling philosophy which states that 'cyclists fare best when they act like and are treated as drivers of vehicles.'

    • United States
    • Government Relations Services
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Bike/Ped Committee Member
      • Sep 2019 - Jun 2022

      The NWMC Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee meets monthly in order to discuss issues and strategies for implementing successful bicycle and pedestrian projects in the region. I am the representative for Elk Grove Village on this committee. The NWMC Bicycle and Pedestrian Committee meets monthly in order to discuss issues and strategies for implementing successful bicycle and pedestrian projects in the region. I am the representative for Elk Grove Village on this committee.

    • United States
    • Research Services
    • 100 - 200 Employee
    • Manager of Production Solutions
      • Oct 2018 - Sep 2019

    • United States
    • E-Learning Providers
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • Manager, Technical Production Services
      • Jan 2011 - Sep 2018

      I manage the Technical Production Services (TPS) group at the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (HMH) division based in Itasca, IL. My talented and creative group is tasked with the creation of art of all kinds (tech art, illustrations, etc), composition of test booklets and ancillary materials (in InDesign and Integrated Publishing Systems), and the publishing of content to our customer-facing web-based platforms. The majority of the tasks and projects TPS is involved in supports the HMH Assessment Studio. In addition, I manage my group's finances (costing for projects, opex budget, etc) and resource allocation. I work closely with my staff each day. Career development, issue resolution, communication, collaboration, and workflow development are other areas of responsibility. I have been a member of our Community Investment Council (CIC) since 2012, including Chair of the group from 2012-2014. Corporate Social Responsibility is the goal of the CIC. This group is actively seeking ways to improve our community by providing the Rolling Meadows employees access to volunteer activities and increasing their awareness of the needs of communities close to the workplace. I was asked to join the Engagement Council for the past two years. In this role, I had an opportunity to improve employee engagement in the Rolling Meadows office. The Council works closely with employees to determine the most effective ways to improve morale, open the lines of communication, and implement policies that increase job satisfaction. There are many opportunities to collaborate with colleagues in the larger HMH organization, which I truly enjoy. In the past few years I've been involved in the implementation and roll out of Microsoft SharePoint, Microsoft Lync, Font Agent Pro, and the Employee Activities Committee. As a manager, I've come to rely on the input, expertise, and suggestions from my staff. Delegation, effective communication, and empowerment have since become second-nature.

    • United States
    • Public Safety
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Local Ambassador
      • Feb 2015 - Jun 2015

      League of Illinois Bicyclists (LIB) local ambassadors meet with key local contacts to encourage them to use www.bikesafetyquiz.com for their various audiences. The online resource includes bike safety quizzes for child cyclists, adult cyclists, and motorists. More specifically, local ambassadors will reach out to and provide support in administering the quizzes: • School staff and PTA/PTO leaders; boy and girl scout leaders • Driver education instructors in high schools or private driving schools • Community outreach staff at cities and police departments • Bike shop owners • Bike club leaders, leaders of organized rides • Local and county health departments, YMCAs

  • Friends of Busse Woods
    • Elk Grove Village, IL
    • Board of Directors
      • Oct 2011 - May 2015

      As a member of the Board of Directors, I help set the agenda for the Friends of Busse Woods, including fund raising and recruiting members and sponsors. The focus of the group is the preservation and restoration of Busse Woods. In March 2013, I was charged with ensuring that our volunteers have a great experience every time they are at Busse Woods. In addition, I am working to identify specific volunteer opportunities that require special skills and talent. As a member of the Board of Directors, I help set the agenda for the Friends of Busse Woods, including fund raising and recruiting members and sponsors. The focus of the group is the preservation and restoration of Busse Woods. In March 2013, I was charged with ensuring that our volunteers have a great experience every time they are at Busse Woods. In addition, I am working to identify specific volunteer opportunities that require special skills and talent.

    • United States
    • Book and Periodical Publishing
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Supervisor of Electronic Production
      • Apr 2008 - Jan 2011

      As Supervisor, I oversee the daily operation of the Electronic Production team at Riverside Publishing. My group is comprised of four Electronic Production Coordinators and multiple contractors that oversee the creation of art and the composition of standardized testing materials. Typical duties include assigning and overseeing projects, workflow development, reporting progress to the project teams, and troubleshooting. My role also involves collaboration with internal and external customers and vendors, including domestic and international clients.

    • Internet Publishing
    • 100 - 200 Employee
    • Senior Specialist
      • Aug 1995 - Mar 2008

Education

  • Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies at Northern Illinois University
    Certificate of Nonprofit Management, Non-Profit/Public/Organizational Management
    2022 - 2023
  • Northern Illinois University
    B.S., Geography - Natural Environmental Systems
    1991 - 1995
  • The Art Institutes
    Digital Graphic Design, Graphic Design
    2002 - 2002
  • League of American Bicyclists
    Certificate, Smart Cycling
    2009 - 2009
  • St. Tarcissus
    1979 - 1987
  • Notre Dame High School for Boys
    High School
    1987 - 1991

Community

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