Umphress Elected AMA Chairman
T
he AMA announced that
longtime AMA board mem-
ber and previous vice chair, Tom
Umphress of Jordan, Minnesota,
was elected chairman at the
January board meeting.
With Umphress moving into
the role, previous chair Russ
Ehnes of Great Falls, Montana,
will serve as vice chair alongside
Umphress. AMA board members
Brad Baumert and Hub Brennan
will remain in their roles as as
-
sistant treasurer and Executive
Committee member, respec-
tively.
"My focus will be on continu-
ing to support the AMA's involve-
ment in amateur racing, as well
as the important work we do in
the professional racing space,"
Umphress said. "Remember, the
majority of our racing members
are amateur racers, and it's es-
sential to continue providing a
safe, competitive environment
for them to participate.
"At the same time, I want to
help grow our noncompetition
membership and expand our
presence in both on- and off-
road riding. I believe this area
represents our greatest opportu
-
nity for growth."
Umphress also noted the con-
tinued importance of strengthen-
ing the AMA's advocacy efforts
so members can fully enjoy the
motorcycling lifestyle.
While serving as vice chair,
Umphress provided leadership
on legislative issues as a mem
-
ber of the Executive Committee
and the Rights and Advocacy
Committee. A staunch advo
-
cate for motorcyclist rights,
Umphress has provided a keen
focus on land use and public
access, among several other
issues that may impact motor-
cyclists. Umphress has been a
member of the AMA Board of
Directors since 2021.
Since 1999, Umphress has
been active in the AMA, serving as
a board member of AMA District
23, representing his charter club,
the Twin Cities Trail Riders. In
that time, Umphress also served
as the Government Relations
Officer for AMA District 23. He
also served several years on the
board of the National Off-Highway
Conservation Council.
CN
VOLUME ISSUE JANUARY , P29
Tom Umphress was elected
AMA chairman at the January
board meeting.
