OBRA Executive Director announces appointment of Assistant Director
T. Kenji Sugahara is tapped for Assistant Director

Portland, Oregon – The Oregon Bicycle Racing Association's (OBRA) Executive Director Candi Murray announced the selection of T. Kenji Sugahara of Salem, Oregon to be the new Assistant Director after an organizational board meeting held last week. The Board of Director's intention is to have Sugahara advance to the position of Executive Director within the next twelve months.

"Kenji has a really good grasp of racing and understands the challenges of the position," Murray said of Mr. Sugahara.  "We are excited to have an individual with his qualifications to help run OBRA."

Sugahara, 34, brings a wealth of project management and logistical experience to the organization. He is currently the chair of the Oregon Governor's Council on Physical Fitness and Sports and is the primary author of the blog "Racing with K-Man" (http://www.obra3.com). Prior to his appointment, Sugahara worked at the Courthouse Athletic Club in Salem, Oregon as both Information Technology Director and Program Director.  He has also served as Chief Operating Officer for Counterclaim.com, a legal document company based out of Eugene, Oregon.

A native of Glastonbury, Connecticut, Sugahara graduated from both Dartmouth College and the University of Oregon School of Law.  He is licensed to practice law as a current member of the Oregon State Bar.

"I am excited to join such a fantastic organization and I hope to help grow bicycle racing in Oregon," said Sugahara.  He said his goals include increasing women's participation in the sport, supporting races all over Oregon and helping expand participation in disciplines such as Mountain Biking and Track Cycling.

The Oregon Bicycle Racing Association is the official bicycle racing organization in Oregon and is responsible for issuing permits for bicycle races. The major responsibilities of the organization are to ensure the ongoing safety and development of the sport.  With a membership of over 3,000 annual members, Oregon has the highest number of racers per capita in the United States and is second only to California in the number of cycling events.  In addition, Oregon was ranked 3rd in the number of amateur racers behind Colorado and California.  (Velonews 2006)