Routt County Riders has hired longtime local Rob Peterson as its new executive director, effective this fall, according to a statement released Wednesday. 

Peterson, who has been on the RCR board of directors for over a decade, will take over from current Executive Director Laraine Martin, who is stepping down after six years leading the organization. During Martin’s tenure, she guided the organization through a period of staff and programmatic expansion while strengthening partnerships with local stakeholders.

Peterson has over two decades of professional experience in the outdoor industry and enters the new role after 13 years at Big Agnes, where he most recently worked as the company’s partnership and marketing specialist.

“Rob’s involvement with outdoor advocacy through his time at Big Agnes has certainly impacted his ability to take this next big step with RCR,” said Martin in the statement. “He has grown so much during his time as a board member and is clearly ready to level up. I very much look forward to working closely with him this fall as we complete the leadership transition.”

Martin will work with Peterson over the fall season to gradually transition responsibilities. 

“We all know and love Rob’s consistent passion for all things bikes,” said Todd Givnish, RCR board member, in the statement. “Rob has shown he can go from vision to execution in bringing our community together to achieve our goals. We are lucky to have him stepping in to bring RCR forward.”