The Gearin’ Up team is thrilled to announce that we have found our new permanent Executive Director. Bike friends, partners, and neighbors, meet Jioni Palmer!
For the past two decades, Jioni has served in a succession of high-profile positions in organizations large and small with broad responsibility for human and capital resources. He is a strong leader and entrepreneurial thinker adept at startups, turnarounds, and taking existing organizations to the next level. His experience spans media relations, public and legislative affairs, policy development, fundraising, and organizational leadership in the government and non-profit sectors. Jioni is a graduate of the University of California at Los Angeles, where he majored in African American studies and the Howard University School of Divinity with a Master of Divinity. He lives in Washington DC with his wife, two sons, two cats, and a puppy. Jioni was on Gearin’ Up’s Board for the past year and stepped down to run for the Director position.
Through this leadership transition and the pandemic, Gearin’ Up staff and interim director, Julie Meyer, have positioned Gearin’ Up for shop and programmatic success in 2022. We are thankful for Julie’s commitment and leadership, and to Gearin’ Up staff for keeping the organization running smoothly and going the extra mile to create a welcoming learning environment for District youth and residents alike.
We can’t wait to see what Jioni accomplishes at Gearin’ Up and how the organization’s impact on District youth grows and transforms in 2022!
Much love, The Gearin’ Up team
