
LEADERSHIP

Reed Christy
BOARD CHAIR
“I feel that traveling overland on a motorcycle is like a modern-day form of horseback riding. One really connects with the environment on a much more intimate level through the smells, sights, sounds and feelings. The discovery of new regions and the joy of new friendships further enhance my love of adventure riding.”
Born and bred in Arizona, Reed has now lived in Southern California since 1997. After graduating with a degree in International Business from Loyola Marymount University (2001), he then spent the next few years as an English language instructor working with students from all over the world. Having lived and worked in Japan, Switzerland and the UK, he has also traveled throughout over 30 countries. Outside of traveling and riding, soccer has been another of Reed’s passions. He served as a Professional Soccer Referee for US Soccer from 2011 to 2018. For the last 10 years he’s worked for the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Fitness Education Consultant. He lives in Camarillo with his wife and 2 daughters.

Sasha Panasyuk
VICE CHAIR
“Choosing the road less traveled is a risk, and without risk we don’t grow. I’m excited to join the board and help push the Club’s vision of sharing the experience of adventure motorcycling, while being beneficial to wildlife conservation and sustainability.“
Sasha’s upbringing had him embracing nature regularly, when his parents would take the family mushroom hunting in the suburbs of Boston where he was raised, as well as car camping in the surrounding New Hampshire. That experience was incredibly formative and has stayed with him through his later adventures backcountry skiing, Tahoe mountain biking, New Hampshire overnight hiking, and more. Over the last few years, his professional career has been in more desktop-bound roles. from being an IT system administrator at a pharmaceutical company in Boston, to moving out to CA and becoming an independent IT consultant, to managing operations for Riders Share, the AirBnB of motorcycles. Despite having to be near a keyboard and cell phone reception, he was able to adventure out and help create the 747 Project at Burning Man, as well as numerous side art and creation projects. Sasha is looking to share with the Club his sense of adventure and entrepreneurialism, yet also an attention to detail and risk management. Manual labor doesn’t bother him, always a fan of playing with heavy machinery. He’s familiar with telescoping boom forklifts and has a scissor lift OSHA certificate. Comfortable with welding, painting, woodworking and metalwork.

Meline McWhirter
TREASURER
“In life, I always look for the adventure. Traveling to new places, meeting new people and introducing my son to the world is what keeps me happy and engaged in life. Making meaningful connections with people brings me great joy.”

Chris Montigny
SECRETARY
“I am very blessed to be married to a wonderful wife and have three boys that I am very proud of. I am excited to lend a hand in growing the OAC to be a vibrant and sustainable organization that will be able to serve its mission effectively…”
Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Chris earned a BA in International Business from San Diego State University. He also attended the Sorbonne University and the EPSCI Business School in Paris. Having operated and owned Ajax Refrigeration for the last 35 years, his experience in all aspects of business, from financial analysis to marketing to human resources and management would help any organization both on an operational level as well as the “big picture” level. Chris also has an extensive background in board and committee work in both the non-profit and government sectors. He started riding off-road motorcycles and ATVs at the age of 13 and has recently rekindled his love for all things motorcycle. He’s looking forward to helping to provide a great place for outdoor enthusiasts to connect in community, and to specifically get out there and responsibly ride motorcycles!

Greg McMillan
BOARD MEMBER
“When I am not involved in organizational work you will find me tending to my olive orchard and grass-fed herd of cattle; traveling to experience foreign flora, fauna & cultures; keeping a close watch on my beloved Carrizo Plain; or (too seldom) just sitting on my patio with my binoculars and a bird book, just waiting for the sunset.”

Rich Hill
BOARD MEMBER
“I am excited to help continue the journey the club has been on in expanding outreach to motorcyclists that are looking for thoughtful and meaningful experiences on two wheels.”
Rich Hill is the Executive Director of Grassroots Outdoor Alliance, a value-driven community of 95 independent retailers and 100 brands working for the health and wellness of independent specialty outdoor retail. One of the Outdoor Industry’s most recognized and trusted voices, his career spans three decades of work with iconic, original brands as they evolved from the era of brick-and-mortar wholesale to their new digital multi-channel reality. Having worked at nearly every rung on the ladder, Rich’s diversified career includes bike shop mechanic, river guide, retail floor, customer service, sales rep, sales manager, senior executive and company founder. He is passionate about how a simple motorized two-wheeled contraption can transport people onto extraordinary adventures.

Deon de Wet
FOUNDER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
“I find it fascinating how something mechanical, like a motorcycle, can be so useful and effective as a vehicle/device for accessing some states of enlightenment that are so similar to those that one could strive for on a more formal spiritual path.”