Our Management Team
Jean-Philippe Soulé President and Ride Manager Jean-Philippe is the founder of both the Native Planet Outdoor Club (NPOC) and the Native Planet non-profit organization and was the first event director and organizer for the Native Planet Classic (NPC). Although J-Phi specializes in arranging and leading personalized cycling tours in Europe, he has also designed and leads many of the creative Washington cycling routes offered to NPOC members. Read more about Jean-Philippe...
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Eric Westphal Eric, a dedicated supporter, joined the NPOC in February 2007. He quickly joined the Board of Directors and, in 2008, began to second J-Philippe in various management positions. Not only has Eric helped us produce our new line of NPOC cycling clothes and negotiated a major sponsorship deal with Nuun, but he has also been the top fundraiser the last two years of the Native Planet Classic.
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Chuck Mulberg In addition to being an avid cyclist and accomplished tri-athlete (Iron Man finisher), Chuck is a dedicated board member and the Treasurer of the Club. He, along with Eric and J-Philippe, formed the nucleus of the Club in 2008.
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Yumi Soulé Yumi has been the NPOC’s strongest supporter from its beginning. Her amazing attention to details has made her instrumental in the success of the Native Planet Classic, booth management including Bike Expo and all of the Club’s social events. Join Yumi as she leads our Thursday moderate rides.
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Dominique Blachon Dominique, an avid cyclist (Randonneur) and dedicated ride leader also serves as the NPOC Forum and Ride Manager. Always there when he’s needed, Dominique has also been a major contributor to the success of the NP Classics, and volunteers in various capacities with the Native Planet non-profit.
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Robert Welch Robert was the NPOC’s first sponsor: since the first NP Classic he has graciously printed our event posters. In 2008, Robert joined our Board of Directors as a Marketing Director and is now the marketing manager for the 2009 NP Classic. Meet him on the moderate rides he leads on Thursdays.
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Bart Hawkinson Racing enthusiast Bart joined the NPOC Board of Directors in 2007 as Director of the NP Racing Team. Dedicated cyclist that he is, Bart also leads rides during the cold winter months when most peoples’ bikes are collecting dust.
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Naoko Forderer Naoko, the Club’s Woman’s Team Director, is an expert mountain bike racer. A member of the NPOC Board of Directors since 2007, she is also a manager for the 2009 NP Classic.
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Rosemarie Schmidt Rosemarie joined the NPOC in 2008 and quickly became a ride leader. Today, in addition to leading frequent rides, she is the General Ride Coordinator as well as our 2009 NPC Food Manager and Volunteer Coordinator.
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Don Abatecola Don joined the NPOC in 2008 and quickly volunteered to be the 2009 NPC Volunteer Manager. Join Don, who is also a marketing and sponsorship specialist, on the Thursday rides that he leads.
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NP Classic Management Team»