Welcome new staff: Tim O'Connor and Emily Kathrein

Tim O’Connor joined the Cascade staff in January as our new Tech Manager. He’s already rolled up his sleeves and jumped in to help with our myriad tech needs – from the next generation website to hardware and software audits to network wiring at the office. 

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Tim is a native Alaskan who also grew up in Hawaii, Florida and Washington. Those different landscapes shaped his eclectic taste for jumping BMX bikes, equipped with front and back pegs for friends to ride, and mountain biking on gravel roads and tundra. It wasn’t until Tim moved to Seattle eight years ago to attend UW Business School that he discovered his love for speed on a rickety ole’ $70 road bike.

Tim’s interest in cycling became serious when he discovered the STP five years ago. While riding solo his first year he quickly convinced his friends to join and it’s been a favorite summer tradition with friends ever since!

Before Cascade, Tim ran his own construction business and then worked for seven years for a local Seattle startup as their IT and Marketing Manager.

He is an avid volunteer who supports small businesses through UW’s BEDC and Washington CASH’s consulting programs. His other interests include home remodeling, technology, traveling, soccer, home brewing, camping, sky diving, bungee jumping, water sports and any excuse to preserve and celebrate life in the glorious PNW.

Welcome Tim!  

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Emily Kathrein joined the Cascade staff in March as our new Field Programs Manager.

Emily brings an impressive history of success in organizing, both in college in Iowa and as the Youth Vote Director for Organizing for America, and we’re happy to have her.

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A true Midwesterner, Emily grew up in Omaha, Nebraska.  She attended Iowa State University where she received her BA in Advertising and Art&Design, as well as a crash course in bicycle touring on RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa).  After completing her first RAGBRAI, Emily took touring to the next level with a cross country cycling trip to help raise money and awareness for affordable housing. The 4,000-mile ride from coast to coast is Emily's biggest cycling accomplishment to date, but she has plans for more trips in the near future.

Before Cascade, Emily worked as the Youth Vote Director with the Washington State Democratic Party.

In her free time she loves to cook, run, draw, be on/in the water, see live music and try new foods. Welcome Emily!