Susanne McGraw

When faced with the option to get outside and have fun or stay in and be responsible, I’ll choose outdoor fun.
Even better is when that fun keeps me healthy, right!? Fueled by my love for community, kids, health and fitness,
and our beautiful planet, I get outside to play in as many ways as I can as often as I can. The crazier the better!
Midnight sun run? Yes! Biking the Death Ride? Sounds great! Running across the city in costume? No doubt. I’ve enjoyed
races and outdoor adventures for years, and now I hope to share that fun in the beautiful Rogue Valley by helping people
access outdoor events and adventures. Aside from all of that, I’ve been a Montessori teacher for over 20 years and am raising
two awesome boys. With REC, I hope to support outdoor adventure opportunities for our community for the long term.

Chad Wikander

Co-founder and board member of the Rogue Events Collective (REC), Chad brings extensive experience in outdoor
pursuits and event management to his role. As the former owner of Rogue Valley Race Group, Chad organized numerous running,
cycling, and multisport events in Southern Oregon. His personal athletic achievements, including completing an IRONMAN
triathlon and marathons, have given him unique insights into event operations and community engagement.



Now with REC, Chad aims to create a robust infrastructure that supports physical, mental, and emotional well-being through
outdoor events. Drawing on his expertise and passion for an active lifestyle, he is committed to REC’s mission of inclusively
engaging people of all backgrounds and abilities. Chad believes in the power of athletic events to motivate, inspire, and foster
appreciation for Southern Oregon’s natural environment.

Bryan Pistole

Bryan Pistole is a former banker turned entrepreneur—but mostly, he’s a husband, dad, and guy who owns too many tools. After nearly 20 years in banking, he walked away with a few stories, some great friendships, and an itch to build something of his own. That led to a brief but sweaty stint owning a CrossFit gym in Ashland, Oregon. He’s got a degree from Azusa Pacific University, though he does his best to hide his Southern California roots. Bryan was a certified CrossFit trainer (as if that is an impressive distinction) and ran his age for fun last year (yes, really). These days, you’ll find him chasing his dog on the trails, lifting moderately heavy things, or covered in sawdust from a home project. He lives in Ashland with his wife, Jessica, and their five loud, but wonderful kids.

Pam Downs

Tri athlete for life.

Jay Preskenis