LEADERSHIP

  • Group of five people, including a man, woman, and three girls, smiling outdoors in front of a building with large glass windows and greenery.

    Casey Swanson

    FOUNDER/PRESIDENT

    I am the proud father of three daughters, Shelby, Suzannah and Scarlett, with my wife, Jackie. We have been married since 1998. I am fourth generation plastering contractor and real estate broker that loves anything outdoors especially hunting, camping, fishing, and cycling.

  • A man in a cowboy hat and woman in a black dress standing close together outdoors in a park with trees and grass.

    Jackie Swanson

    FOUNDER/VICE PRESIDENT

    I was born and raised in McAllen, TX where I reside with my husband Casey and our daughters. Together we have three daughters, Shelby, Suzannah, and Scarlett. I am a first-grade teacher along with my role of being VP for Suzannah Smiles.

  • A young man sitting on a stool, smiling, in a casual setting, wearing a black short-sleeve shirt, beige shorts, and a backward baseball cap.

    Erik Rodriguez

    SECRETARY

    As a Rio Grande native, I found Suzannah Smiles and the SB250 through my career as a bicycle mechanic. After arriving in San Antonio during my first SB250, it became evident to me that this was a cause and an organization that I wanted to be more deeply involved in. The comradery that I have been able to develop with our organization's members, volunteers, and event participants, along with the sense of fulfillment I get knowing I am a part of a group dedicated to impacting the lives of families who have children with Spina Bifida diagnoses has profoundly changed my life.

  • A man dressed in a cycling jersey and shorts standing with a road bicycle in front of a backdrop promoting the SB250 Annual Ride benefiting Spina Bifida Texas. The backdrop features logos and event information, including the URL suzannahsmiles.org.

    Bubba Angel

    TREASURER

    My journey with SB250 and then Suzannah Smiles started out as a simple challenge from Casey, who has been a long-time neighbor. In 2014, he challenged me to ride with him and others to San Antonio. I have watched the Swanson family thrive and overcome challenges that Spina Bifida has presented to them, and I wanted to be a part of giving back. I have always felt that I can help make a difference in the lives of others by volunteering for Suzannah Smiles.

  • A middle-aged man with a beard and mustache, wearing a white shirt and a purple patterned tie, standing against a plain white wall.

    Tommy Smith

    EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

    A Texas boy who was raised on bicycles. Over the years, I have rode and raced all types of bicyles from BMX to road and everything in between. Found the SB250 in my own healing journey after Aicardi Syndrome and the rest is history. In my spare time, I oversee the retail operation for OTG Exp at IAH Airport. 28 locations and a couple hundred teammates.

  • A man with crossed arms wearing a racing jersey with a World Boyz logo and a gray and orange cap with a yellow logo, against a black background.

    Tracy Roberts

    AT-LARGE

    I have been involved in cycling my whole life, thirty four years. I was raised from birth inside my family's bike shops serving three locations in the Rio Grande Valley and recently adding Corpus Christi. I've gotten to meet a great number of amazing cyclists and people through my years, and that's how I got synched up with the SB250. I was asked to help SAG for the SB250 a few years ago and I was immediately hooked. The friendships and memories made along with being able to help out those with Spina Bifida are what sold me. It's been the best charity I have ever helped out with and I will continue to do so as long as I am able!

  • A smiling man with glasses in a maroon Texas A&M polo shirt stands against a gray background.

    Joel Solis

    AT-LARGE

    I have been a cyclist off and on my entire life. The beginning of my cycling journey began on BMX bikes and evolved to mountain and road bikes. I discovered the SB250 when I realized my favorite bike shop played an integral role in it. I then befriended it’s creator, Casey Swanson. After many miles together came the involvement in the Suzannah Smiles organization and the planning and implementation of the SB250. I do it all in the interest of helping those that cannot help themselves.

  • Portrait of a blonde woman wearing a navy blazer and white shirt against a black background.

    Jo Lynn Hasler

    DIRECTOR

    My cycling life began in 2011 while my Suzannah Smiles involvement initiated in 2017. My happiness and joy come about whilst volunteering with SB250 and the fantastic people I have met and worked alongside. That has opened the door to cultivating lifelong friendships with all while maintaining involvement for a great cause. 

  • An elderly couple smiling happily outdoors during sunset, embracing each other.

    John LaFara

    DIRECTOR

    For the last 11 years I have been a part of the SB250. A passion to help people, bring awareness and raise money for Spina Bifida and Suzannah Smiles is something I love. We get to help others by showing how much we care about them as well as help families. I love serving the Spina Bifida community by riding my bike and working with everyone involved with Suzannah Smiles and the SB250.

  • A man with dark hair and a beard, smiling, wearing a black long-sleeve shirt and a brown leather vest, sitting outdoors with blurred greenery and brick wall in the background.

    Leonel Garza III

    DIRECTOR

    A cyclist and a triathlete, I was inspired to give back and volunteer to ensure our riders are safe and successful in completing this monumental event.   To see the smiles of all the children at the finish line that we ride for is a homage to the Swanson Family and the reason for my devotion to this cause.