The non-profit organization that plans to launch a regional bike share system has taken another big step: Puget Sound Bike Share now has an executive director.

Holly Houser has been selected to lead the organization, which is a partnership between government and large employers from Seattle and King County to REI and Microsoft.

From PSBS:

Puget Sound Bike Share, a nonprofit partnership of public and private organizations working to bring bike sharing to King County, continues to build momentum for regional bike sharing by hiring its first executive director and adding an REI representative to its board of directors.

Puget Sound Bike Share’s new executive director Holly Houser will lead a private sector fundraising campaign, facilitate a “request for proposals” process with bike share vendor companies and collaborate with King County, the City of Seattle and others to receive federal, state and other grant funds for bike sharing.

“We need major sponsors to make bike sharing a reality in our region,” said Ref Lindmark, president of the Puget Sound Bike Share Board.  “Holly will help us channel interest in bike sharing and enthusiasm for improving communities into lasting partnerships that will launch and sustain the program.”

A native of Seattle, Ms. Houser has a strong background in project organization and management, as well as community relations.  Most recently, she served as Director of Operations for a local real estate development firm and in 2008, co-founded Rain City Rock Camp for Girls, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to building positive self-esteem in girls and encouraging creative expression through music.  Ms. Houser said, “Bike sharing is a flexible alternative for connecting people to work, school, retail, transportation hubs and entertainment destinations.  It’s a great fit for our region and I’m thrilled to work with local companies, community groups, and supporters to bring bike sharing to our region.”

The Puget Sound Bike Share also expanded its board of directors to add local outdoor retailer and bike sharing supporter, REI. Upon joining the board of directors, Kara Stone, REI flagship Seattle store general manager said, “PSBS provides a much needed network that connects people to the places they want to be via a carbon free mode of transportation. This program is an ideal blend of environmental stewardship, public health, community building and just plain efficient design.”

Follow Puget Sound Bike Share on Twitter @PSBikeShare, Facebook or visit  www.pugetsoundbikeshare.org.