December 16, 2024 | SORBA Chattanooga is proud to announce the appointment of Sunshine Loveless as its first-ever Executive Director. This milestone marks an exciting new chapter for the 501(c)(3) nonprofit, dedicated to expanding and maintaining trail access for mountain bikers and outdoor enthusiasts in the greater Chattanooga area.

Sunshine brings over 20 years of experience in outdoor recreation, advocacy, and organizational leadership. As the founder of Outshine Adventures, Sunshine has demonstrated a remarkable ability to build inclusive programs, forge strong community partnerships, and drive strategic growth. Their work has connected thousands of individuals from diverse backgrounds to outdoor opportunities while promoting environmental stewardship and sustainable recreation.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sunshine Loveless as our first Executive Director,” said Mike Gehard, Board President of SORBA Chattanooga. “Sunshine’s extensive experience and passion for outdoor recreation and community building make them a great choice to lead our organization into the next phase of growth. We are confident that SORBA Chattanooga will continue to thrive and make an even greater impact on our community under their leadership.”

As Executive Director, Sunshine will focus on enhancing community engagement, expanding volunteer opportunities, securing funding for trail initiatives, and advancing SORBA Chattanooga’s vision of making mountain biking central to a healthy, economically vibrant, and environmentally sustainable community. This vision includes creating and maintaining well-planned, accessible, and progressive trail systems so that everyone can experience the social, physical and mental health benefits that mountain biking provides. 

“The opportunity to lead SORBA Chattanooga as its first Executive Director is truly an honor," said Sunshine Loveless. “I look forward to building on the incredible work of SORBA’s dedicated volunteers and community partners to ensure that Chattanooga remains a premier destination for mountain biking.”

This significant milestone for SORBA Chattanooga was made possible through a generous grant from the Lyndhurst Foundation, a strong advocate for advancing outdoor recreation and its positive impact on regional economic growth. SORBA Chattanooga extends its sincere gratitude to the Lyndhurst Foundation for their visionary partnership in creating this pivotal role and for their unwavering support in expanding access to outdoor recreation.

Sunshine’s appointment signals the next phase of growth for the organization as it works to enhance trail access, support environmental stewardship, and engage a broader audience in the joys of mountain biking.