Ken Podziba serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Bike New York, a nonprofit organization renowned for producing the TD Five Boro Bike Tour—the largest cycling event in the United States and the world’s premier charitable bike ride. Under his leadership, Bike New York has empowered countless New Yorkers to transform their lives and communities through bicycling.
Before joining Bike New York, Ken dedicated his career to public service for the City of New York. He served as the New York City Sports Commissioner for 12 years, spearheading a wide range of initiatives to attract, support, and promote sports across the five boroughs. His earlier roles included Deputy Commissioner and Chief Financial Officer of the Taxi & Limousine Commission, Assistant Commissioner of Finance for the Department of Youth & Community Development, and Senior Project Manager for the Economic Development Corporation. Ken began his career as an urban planner with the Department of Housing Preservation & Development.
A recognized leader in the national bicycle movement, Ken served as Chairman of the League of American Bicyclists for four years and now holds the honorary title of Director Emeritus. He was recently appointed by Mayor Adams to the newly created NYC Sports, Wellness & Recreation Advisory Board and is also involved with several other organizations.
In December 2024, President Joe Biden honored Ken with the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his lifelong commitment to strengthening the nation through volunteer service. Ken’s contributions have garnered numerous other accolades, including the Arnold Schwarzenegger Legacy Award, the United Jewish Appeal Sports for Youth Award, the New York Athletic Club’s Man of the Year Award, a proclamation of “Ken Podziba Day” by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and the United Nations’ World Bicycle Day Award. He has also been featured in City & State’s Transportation Power 100 and PoliticsNY’s Power Players in Transportation for three consecutive years.
Ken holds dual undergraduate degrees from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications and Whitman School of Management. He earned his Master’s degree from Columbia University’s School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation, where his thesis on the Canary Wharf development in London received the school’s top prize.