FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Feb. 11, 2016
CONTACT:
Katie Harris
Campaigns and Media Coordinator
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy
202.974.5134
kathryn@railstotrails.org
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Announces Three New Board Members
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) is pleased to welcome three new members to its Board of Directors: Rose Gowen, M.D., of Brownsville, Texas; Myron F. Floyd of Raleigh, North Carolina; and John D. Aiken Jr. of Greenville, South Carolina. These individuals were chosen for the wealth of expertise they bring in their respective fields, including public health, community development, recreation and environmental justice.
Rose Gowen, M.D., a physician and city commissioner in Brownsville, Texas, has served as a lead advocate for healthier lifestyles in Brownsville to tackle the city’s high rates of obesity and chronic disease. In addition to developing Brownsville’s first farmers’ market, recognized as a model of excellence by the Texas Department of Health and the U.S. Mexico Border Health Commission, she is also leading the creation of the city’s trail network.
Myron F. Floyd brings to RTC his years of experience as department head and professor of the Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management at NC State in Raleigh, North Carolina. Floyd’s research focuses include how parks and recreation amenities contribute to physical activity in low-income communities of color, race/ethnicity and leisure activity preferences, environmental justice and the health benefits of urban green space.
John D. Aiken Jr., partner of Aiken Mitchell Construction Company, LLC in Greenville, South Carolina, is a community leader and development professional who brings many years of business experience to the RTC board. Aiken serves with the Board of Regents and Leadership Greenville, two initiatives of the Greater Greenville Chamber of Commerce.
“These individuals will add great expertise and value to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy board,” said Keith Laughlin, president of RTC. “Their breadth of experience in a wide range of fields will help our organization lead the way for the trails, walking and biking movement.”
For more information regarding RTC’s staff and board, visit railstotrails.org/about/staff-and-board/.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, a nonprofit organization with more than 160,000 members and supporters, is the nation's largest trails organization dedicated to connecting people and communities by creating a nationwide network of public trails, many from former rail lines. Founded in 1986, Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's national office is located in Washington, D.C., with regional offices in California, Florida, Ohio and Pennsylvania. For more information, visit www.railstotrails.org.
