7 minute read
WOMEN SHIFTING GEARS
HardDrive shatters industry glass ceilings as Krys Brown becomes product director of Western Power Sports’ specialty V-Twin division. The 22-year V-Twin veteran, Brown brings her extensive market experience and product knowledge to management of the custom parts sector of the WPS business. The Boise-based distributor decided to promote Brown from her Inside Sales position where she has been since 2015. She takes over the role previously held by Gunnar Heinemeyer. “Krys has consistently demonstrated a tremendous depth of product knowledge, gained through her own hands-on experience,” according to WPS boss Craig Shoemaker. “She has very successfully developed solid dealer sales relationships that have given her an invaluable insight into market needs and product development opportunities.”
According to RevZilla, Jen Dunstan’s motto is “ride all the bikes,” and she has pursued that goal by roadracing sportbikes, exploring backwoods trails and hitting the supermoto track. Now, she is bringing her diverse experience and intense enthusiasm to
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all of Comoto’s media channels. As the newest media lead, Dunstan will appear in RevZilla videos, contribute articles to Common Tread and appear on the Highside/Lowside podcast. She will work alongside RevZilla’s west coast production team of Ari Henning, Zack Courts and Spenser Robert, who joined the company in February of 2020. Dunstan has a decade in the industry, working at Troy Lee Designs, ThorMX, Alta Motors, Sena Bluetooth and most recently Husqvarna. “I’d have a hard time thinking of someone who has a more diverse riding background,” says Brett Walling, Vice President of Brand Marketing and Content for RevZilla. “Jen can go toe-to-toe with any expert in the industry. Her gear and product knowledge, combined with a strong advocacy for motorcycling and women’s contributions to the lifestyle of the motorcycle enthusiast, makes Jen a phenomenal fit for this role and on our growing team at Comoto.”
Slick stuff! lubricants leader Lucas Oil announces a promotion and addition of a key member to its leadership team. Katie Lucas has been named the VP of Strategy & Philanthropy and Megan Burakiewicz is now the Director of People Operations. “Katie is a fantastic leader and a passionate advocate and supporter of Lucas Oil’s corporate social responsibility efforts, which have been at the heart of our company since the beginning,” said Morgan Lucas, CEO, Lucas Oil Products. “Katie will play a critical role in expanding the Lucas Oil footprint by establishing the vision, strategy and approach to enable future growth and expansion and we are thrilled she will be a part of our dynamic leadership team.” In addition to advancing Lucas Oil’s global standing, she will focus on structuring and delivering an effective communication strategy. “It is a privilege to not only be able to work for, but also learn from Forrest and Charlotte Lucas. I am humbled by their confidence in me and I am eager to work with the executive leadership team on creating and implementing a comprehensive strategic plan and growth strategy,” says Katie Lucas. Katie earned her Bachelor of Science in Business from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University in 2005. She brings 15 years to the position after starting her career with the Indianapolis Colts in corporate sales and moved to Creative Marketing Solutions as Director of Business Development before joining Lucas Oil Products.
Megan Burakiewicz is the new Director of People Operations, where she will focus on fostering growth and progression of the company. She will be working closely with Lucas Oil employees to ensure the most effective and rewarding work environment possible. “We are excited to bring Megan on board to help advance the company from within and strengthen our cultural values,” commented Morgan Lucas. “Our team members have always been of the utmost importance to us, and with Megan’s help we will find ways to better our work environments as well as the creation of pathways for employees to grow within Lucas Oil Products.”
Burakiewicz brings 14 years of business operations experience to the position, providing her with a keen understanding of the needs of the company’s internal team and the value of camaraderie. “The Lucas Oil story is so inspiring. This company has the perfect ingredients for success: a strong sense of purpose, a team of problem solvers and leaders who care about their people,” commented Burakiewicz. “It makes my job easy.”
The United States Motorcycle Coaching Association races into a new year with a new woman on the team. Former paddock tour manager for the Monster Energy Supercross series Lindsey Scheltema is the new Executive Director of the USMCA. She reports directly to USMCA President Christy Lacurelle. A former Women’s Pro Motocross competitor, Scheltema understands the USMCA mission firsthand. After her racing career, she has spent 20 years involved in the industry, including a stint as the media operation manager for AMSOIL Arenacross. Some will also remember her as Miss Arenacross 2009-2013. Can you hear me now? M.K. Smith sounds off as the new General Manager, Americas for Cardo Systems, the global market leader in Bluetooth and mesh communication systems for powersports applications. “M.K.’s significant experience in managing large-scale businesses in the consumer tech realm, and her innate leadership skills, make her uniquely equipped for what is a vital position to the overall growth and success of our company,” said Jonathan Yanai, Cardo Systems VP Global Sales. “Her track record speaks for itself, and we’re thrilled by the possibilities she brings to the ongoing development of a region that is so important to our global success.” Smith has occupied leadership roles with numerous Fortune 500 companies and brings a keen understanding of the consumer electronics landscape and the nuances of leading operations where technology and innovation are at the forefront. As General Manager, Americas, she will manage Cardo’s U.S. team, and be responsible for the growth and success of the company’s business in the region. Her background includes stints with Logitech, Micron Technology, U.S. Robotics/3Com and Palm Computing. Prior to joining Cardo, Smith was a Senior Customer Advisor at Amazon Business, where she managed Amazon’s ongoing service to its largest corporate customers, with revenue in excess of $5 billion. “I could not be more excited by this opportunity to apply my experience and expertise to a dynamic industry leader like Cardo Systems that’s so deeply rooted in a spirit of forward progress and innovation,” said Smith. “As a passionate motorcyclist and outdoor enthusiast, this is a unique opportunity where my personal interests provide added fuel to my professional efforts.” Erin Reda rides with AMA Government Relations Department. An avid motorcyclist Reda, has a history and passion for advocating for her local riding communities, which will serve her well as the American Motorcyclist Association’s new Government Relations Grassroots Coordinator. “Erin’s experience with organizing at the local level will be a great asset to the AMA Government Relations team,” says AMA Government Relations Director Mike Sayre. “The fact that she has built that experience serving her community around motorcycling makes her a natural fit for the Grassroots Coordinator role.” In that role, Reda will support the AMA Government Relations department in its advocacy work by activating AMA members on issues that impact motorcycling as well as furthering the AMA’s work through connections with local activists and organizers. Reda is the Co-founder of MotoXmission, a community service-focused riding organization. She also serves as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Representative for Engines For Change, an organization that mobilizes motorcyclists to make a positive difference in the world. “I have benefited immensely from the inclusive and diverse communities that motorcycling has brought into my life,” Reda adds. “I am excited to further advocate for the motorcycling community through the Grassroots Coordinator position and am eager to work hard to ensure that everyone has the right to experience all the positive aspects of motorcycling.” As an avid rider, Reda has experienced her fair share of unexpected breakdowns on the road. In a coincidental stroke of luck last summer, after her clutch cable broke and she was left stranded on the side of a highway with a dead phone, the first person to stop to lend a helping hand was AMA Government Relations Manager for On-Highways Issues Tiffany Cipoletti. Reda will be based at the AMA Government
Relations office in Washington,
D.C., reporting to Sayre.
