Katy Tripp joined the Silicon Valley Bicycle Exchange Board of Directors in March. Katy is a much needed and welcome addition because she brings experience in both accounting and nonprofit auditing. SVBE outgrew its own accounting system about 5 years ago and now both Ross Stovall and Katy are redesigning it so that it will cost less time to enter data and will easily pass an external audit; both of these are essential to SVBE’s continued ability to grow. In addition to her CPA and auditing work, Katy has also worked for the past 6 years as a Business Controller/Finance Program Manager.
Here’s a bit more about Katy:
What excites you most about joining the SVBE board?
I am honored to be a member of the SVBE board. I am only a few months in and have already learned so much from the other board members; about the organization and with respect to business software transitions. This work really excites me, given my great passion for environmental sustainability - we are not only supporting the community but also helping the planet.
What can you share about your personal or family bike collection?
I grew up riding bikes throughout Palo Alto and I clearly remember the feeling of independence it brought me. Many years later, my 5 year old son has now learned and my 2 year old twins are already biking down ramps on their balance bikes. We often enjoy Sunday morning casual rides with my parents.
I fully believe that I have the cutest commute in the Bay Area! My kids and I have turned a frustrating car ride to their elementary school, preschool, then my office into a fun family event. We now ride our Ferla mid-range electric cargo bike daily, where we can chat and listen to music along the way. We barely need to drive the car these days!
What's your favorite bike ride?
Shoreline Park is my happy place. I ride through the baylands to/from work each day; it is my exercise, meditation, and my chance to think through personal and professional challenges. Being in nature and seeing the wildlife relaxes me; I almost ran over a 4 foot Pacific Gopher snake yesterday!
Beyond SVBE, what are you passionate about in the community?
I love volunteering at my son’s elementary school, particularly helping out at the library and the art class. It is wonderful to see the children grow and hear the funny things they say. I have also had the opportunity to lead two Employee Resource Groups, to better support and empower women and the Latinx community at Google.
Share a fun fact about yourself that most people wouldn't know.
10 years ago, my husband (fiance at the time) and I did a 3 month road-trip around the US and Canada. We took a very long route in a Toyota Corolla from Fargo, ND to Palo Alto, CA - over 15,000 miles! We stopped at friends’ houses along the way; in Boston, we slept on the couch alongside a large husky! It was a test for our relationship and we passed, so we got married the next year.
