The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced that its Board of Directors has selected Robert M. Dingman to be the Association's next President.
Dingman succeeds Robert Rasor, who is retiring as AMA President and will serve as AMA Director of International Affairs. Dingman previously served the AMA for nearly five years as its Washington (D.C.) Representative, and is returning to the Association from the position of Assistant Commissioner for Transportation Safety for New York State's Department of Motor Vehicles, where he headed the Governor's Traffic Safety Committee.
"Every AMA member, along with everyone in the American motorcycling community, can look at Rob Dingman and say, 'He's one of us' -- a true enthusiast with a genuine passion for the work we do," said Dal Smilie, Chairman of the AMA Board of Directors. "We're fortunate to have found a person of his professional experience and personal commitment to guide the AMA into what promises to be a bright and successful future."
"I'm honored to have been chosen by the Board of Directors to lead the AMA at this time of change and growth," said Dingman. "I believe in the Association's mission of 'rights, riding, racing,' and for me there's no greater privilege than to serve the AMA's 280,000 members."
Before joining the AMA staff in 1994, Dingman was a Government Relations Specialist for the Motorcycle Industry Council, and a Legislative Aide and Research Associate in the New York State Assembly. A 13-year AMA member and an avid street rider and off-highway enthusiast, he holds a Master of Arts in political management from The George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in political science and journalism from the State University of New York at Albany.
Dingman's first day as AMA President will be November 27, 2006. Based at the Association's headquarters in Pickerington, Ohio, he'll report to AMA Chief Executive Officer Patricia DiPietro on an interim basis during a transition period.