Welcome New Directors

Director

Jeff Shepherd

Jeff Shepherd is a well-known figure around West Volusia – you might see him playing hot Jazz in the Alley or Courtyard, commuting on his bike, or training for a marathon. He’s retired from a surveying and mapping career that includes 33 years at FDOT. He’s had a major impact on Deland. Teamed with his wife Barb, the couple envisioned and created Artisan Alley that has now become DeLand’s downtown social center. He served on the DeLand planning board, the Volusia Flagler Transportation Planning Organization, and the board of DeLand Police Athletic League. He’s organized and led “Jazz in the Alley” and “Jazz in the Courtyard”, the “Thin Man” Watts Jazz Fest and other musical events. He also mentors and instructs music for students in Deland schools, and instructs music from his Artisan Alley studio. The “Thin Man” Watts Jazz Fest celebrates the life and music of the legendary saxophonist, Dr. Noble “Thin Man” Watts featured in our DeLand Black Heritage Trail guide booklet.

Jeff recently spoke at the Florida Greenways and Trails Foundation meeting in Sanford.

“Serving as a director on the board of the St Johns River to Sea Loop Alliance is a perfect fit for me.
I realize the importance of its mission, and I am eager to do my part.”

See Jeff’s full bio here:

Bios

Director

Joe Cona

Joe Cona manages the finances as controller of major companies and as treasurer for large organizations like Florida Freewheelers. When not working he can be found out enjoying trails and leading cyclists of all ages and abilities. Joe recently moved from Jacksonville where he served as treasurer for the North Florida Bicycling Club. He now lives in Ormond Beach. ….

(good spot for comments plans etc) Joe is an avid cyclist who Recently completed and coached others to complete the Florida Freewheelers 100-mile ride at the Florida Bicycle Safari in Live Oak, Florida. He enjoys Road biking, gravel/mountain biking and bike packing. He also leads visually impaired riders using a tandem bike and leads another on his Trike.