This week, after 13 years at the helm, Nancy Smith Lea passes the torch to David Simor as the new Director of TCAT.
David is an accomplished network builder with senior management experience in the active transportation non-profit sector, both locally and internationally. With a passion for building vibrant, diverse and sustainable cities, we are delighted that David has chosen to bring his positive energy and creative approach to TCAT.
“In my city-building community-based work over the past 10 years, I have admired the crucial and invaluable role TCAT plays in sparking projects and policies that support healthy, vibrant communities, and advancing priorities that are key to achieving an equitable future. Building on this strong foundation, I am thrilled to have this opportunity to lead and grow TCAT.” David Simor
This is an important milestone moment for TCAT. The global events of the past 18 months have underscored the incredible potential for walking and cycling to transform people’s lives and their communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has also accentuated that access to safe and reliable transportation disproportionately affects racialized people who live outside downtown cores. An equitable framework informed by social justice is needed to extend the benefits of active transportation.
Municipalities everywhere are looking to build back better, and to support pandemic recovery by ensuring our communities are safe, inclusive and joyous places to walk and bike. At TCAT we look forward to remaining a trusted partner in that important work which aligns with our strategic priorities, including:
- to create and disseminate new knowledge to support informed decision-making that leads to on-the-ground change
- to inspire and engage communities about the potential of active transportation to transform people’s lives and in co-designing safe streets for all
- to support municipalities to activate and advance their goals for active and sustainable transportation and take bold climate action
- to advance an equitable framework informed by social justice to extend the benefits of active transportation
With this momentum underway, thankfully it’s not a final farewell to Nancy who has taken on a new adjunct role at TCAT as Senior Advisor, and she will continue as theme co-lead on the Mobilizing Justice research partnership.
“It’s been an honour to lead TCAT over the past 13 years and to be one of the co-founders two years prior to that. Thank you so much to my fabulous team and collaborators, past and present. Together we are making a difference, and I am confident even more progress is to come.” Nancy Smith Lea
Please join us in welcoming David Simor as TCAT’s New Director!