Before Jenn Guitart joined CalBike in 2014, initially as director of development and communications, she worked for an organization that promoted comprehensive sex education. “I like to joke that I’m more passionate about bikes than I am about sex,” she says. “When I started working at CalBike, I realized that it was exactly what I was looking for. I said, ‘Wow, this is my dream job.’”

Now Guitart is leaving her post for another dream job. Starting in September, she’ll be leading TransForm, a nonprofit that advocates on issues of transportation, housing, and equity. “I’m really excited that my work as executive director of TransForm is going to be building on a lot of the things CalBike is working toward. It’s broader, though, with a focus on land use and housing as well as transportation,” she says. “But as with CalBike, the goal is to build a more equitable California.”

A force for growth at CalBike

As CalBike’s director of advancement, Jenn Guitart has transformed CalBike. The budget more than tripled since she took on development responsibilities. And her work on CalBike’s communications has helped CalBike reach more Californians. She spearheaded CalBike’s rebranding and website development.

Guitart appreciates that CalBike gave her the freedom to exercise leadership and expand her skillset. “I feel so incredibly lucky to have spent the last eight years doing this amazing work alongside these incredible people,” she says. “One of the things I’m most proud of is that I was part of the hiring decision for most of our team.” 

Strengthening alliances

TransForm and CalBike have been allies in the past, frequently supporting the same causes. CalBike will miss Guitart’s creativity, energy, and enthusiasm. But we are excited to be seeding the advocacy world with another passionate bike advocate.

“Working at CalBike has been such an enormous pleasure,” she says. “I feel confident and excited for CalBike’s future. I’m so pleased to be leaving CalBike in such a good place.”