Chandler Named National COIR Commander
A Colorado motorcycle rights activists has stepped onto the national stage.
Deb “Tiger” Chandler, Colorado Commander of COIR-Coalition Of Independent Riders, has been appointed to the post of COIR National Commander as of May 24, 2011.
Chandler has served as Colorado’s COIR leader since us Defenders/COIR came to Colorado two years ago. In that time, she has worked tirelessly to further the position of all Colorado motorcyclists at both local and state government levels.
“This is quite an honor,” Chandler said. “I’m a little surprised I was the choice for this, but I’m certainly willing to meet the challenges. It’s a little daunting, but we have a good organization and lots of support, so we’ll just keep moving things forward.”
Chandler was tapped to fill the National Commander role when a COIR restructuring moved the first National Commander, Suds, to take the helm of the Texas COIR, which is a huge organization by itself. He joins a strong team there in a move to make the vast Texas organization more effective.
Chandler was chosen because her track record in Colorado is so strong. Simply put, she has impressed just about everyone in US Defenders and COIR with her energy and ability. She spent at least one day a week at the capitol during the legislative session, and has forged strong alliances with some lawmakers in a continuing effort to keep motorcycle-related issues in check and keep a strong biker voice in the halls of government.
US Defender leaders believe she will bring that same level of commitment to the national position.
“I’ll still be working in the Colorado position for a while,” Chandler said. “The transition to a new Colorado Commander will probably take a while, and I have no plans to stop my work here.”
US Defenders Colorado Commander Wiz said Chandler is a good choice.
“Tiger is committed and effective,” he said. “Serious congratulations are in order. I’m confident she’ll do a great job, just like she’s been doing in Colorado.”
“I’m excited for the new challenges this is going to present,” Chandler said. “My first priority is still Colorado—we have a lot of work to do here. But being involved at the national level is something I’m happy to do. I’ll be getting a different perspective of things that’s for sure. If I can help things move forward for motorcyclists, I’m up for it.”
