AMA Announces McNally as Vice Chairwoman

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is pleased to announce that Maggie McNally, the Northeast Region member representative on the AMA Board of Directors, has been elected vice chairwoman of the board. McNally, who has served on the board since 2009, is the first woman to hold the position.

"Maggie McNally has played an invaluable role in the leadership of the AMA," said AMA Chairman of the Board Stan Simpson. "She's been an active member of our nominating, state chapters and awards committees. We welcome her expanded responsibilities on the board as we strive to find new ways to promote and protect the motorcycling lifestyle."

A longtime resident of Albany, N.Y., McNally is the third woman elected to the AMA Board of Directors. She follows Hazel Kolb, elected to the board in 1978, who served as secretary. Following Kolb's death in 1990, Patty Mills replaced her on the board and later served as secretary. Mills remained on the board until early 1999.

"It's an honor to represent individual members of the American Motorcyclist Association on the Board of Directors," McNally said. "We currently face a number of challenges to the motorcycling lifestyle -- from attacks on our right to ride to an economic climate that makes it difficult for many to experience the freedom on two wheels. I hope that in my new role I can effect positive change that will improve motorcycling for all of us."

McNally was elected vice chairwoman to serve the remainder of former Director Jim Williams' term, which runs through February 2012. At that time, McNally will need to run again to retain the post.

McNally is a longtime motorcyclist whose love for riding began when she was 11-years old and her cousin took her for a ride on a Triumph. A few years later, eager to disprove a naysayer who suggested that women don't ride motorcycles, she got her riding permit and a 1972 Suzuki GT380. Today, McNally is an avid motorcyclist and a Motorcycle Safety Foundation RiderCoach.

McNally says one of her major initiatives for next year will be promoting the 2012 AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference, which takes place July 26-29 in Carson City, Nev.

"Women are among the most passionate and dedicated motorcyclists and members of the AMA," McNally said. "For the 2012 AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference, we'll be working with some very enthusiastic individuals -- those whose clubs and organizations will partner with the AMA as we work hard to make this the best women's motorcycling conference ever."

Registration for the AMA International Women & Motorcycling Conference is now open to AMA members at the early-bird price of $125 through April 30, 2012, when it increases to $175. Register online at http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=vw9ldxbab&oeidk=a07e5b2rc65a3dc83f3

To contact McNally or other members of the AMA Board of Directors, please go to AmericanMotorcyclist.com > About > Board.

About the American Motorcyclist Association
Since 1924, the AMA has protected the future of motorcycling and promoted the motorcycle lifestyle. AMA members come from all walks of life, and they navigate many different routes on their journey to the same destination: freedom on two wheels. As the world's largest motorcycling rights organization, the AMA advocates for motorcyclists' interests in the halls of local, state and federal government, the committees of international governing organizations, and the court of public opinion. Through member clubs, promoters and partners, the AMA sanctions more motorsports competition and motorcycle recreational events than any other organization in the world. AMA members receive money-saving discounts from dozens of well-known suppliers of motorcycle services, gear and apparel, bike rental, transport, hotel stays and more. Through its support of the Motorcycle Hall of Fame, the AMA preserves the heritage of motorcycling for future generations. For more information, please visit AmericanMotorcyclist.com.