Board of Directors — Front Runners New York

The FRNY Board of Directors is elected by the membership annually in November for the following year. Board Members’ responsibilities include handling day-to-day club inquiries and transactions, hosting fun runs and other events, and overseeing the club’s many committees.

Ryan Hallett (he/him)

President

Ryan is honored to serve as President of Front Runners New York and is committed to fostering a community where every member feels valued, celebrated, and supported. Since joining FRNY in 2020, Ryan has been an active and engaged member, finding both structure in his running journey and a vibrant community that has become a core part of his life.

As President, Ryan is dedicated to building on FRNY’s strong foundation while championing new initiatives that create a more inclusive environment for runners of all paces, abilities, and backgrounds. His vision includes amplifying the voices of underrepresented groups, bridging generations within the club, and ensuring that FRNY remains a safe and affirming space for all members of the LGBTQ+ community and allies.

Ryan brings years of leadership experience to his role, including serving as Executive Director of Delaware County Pride and spearheading impactful projects in the nonprofit and LGBTQ+ advocacy spaces. Outside of FRNY, Ryan is a public relations leader who splits his time between Harlem and the Catskills with his husband, Mark, and partner, Kyle.

David Ernst (he/him)

Vice President

David joined Front Runners New York in 2017 while training for his first 10K. Since then the FRNY running community has helped inspire and support him through several running goals. David had the privilege of serving as the Race Director for the FRNY LGBT Pride Run in 2022 and 2023 and is now excited to serve as Vice President for the 2025 Board of Directors. He looks forward to helping to create an active and inclusive running community in Front Runners New York. He also hopes to help get more members involved in volunteerism and leadership through all of the club's committees and activities. Outside of Front Runners, David works in higher education and enjoys reading, his dog, watching hockey and football, and seeing live theatre.

Timothy Thompson

Secretary

Timothy started running in the summer of 2021 and joined Front Runners New York in January 2022 and previously served the board as Secretary from 2023-2024. Through the club's coached programming and welcoming community, he managed to accomplish distances and times he never would have thought possible -- truly life-changing moments. Since joining, he has strived to volunteer and serve FRNY wherever possible, including directing the annual Variety Hour, the Cross-Country Meet, recovering and preserving numerous historical club documents for the archives, and cheering on his teammates as a race captain. When not running, he works as an analyst in the fixed-income and asset-backed securities marketplace and enjoys making his own pasta. He is excited about what 2026 has in store and to continue finding ways of celebrating and empowering this membership through programming!

Chris Miller

Treasurer

Chris first connected with Front Runners New York in 2014 through the group’s fun runs, drawn to the warmth and camaraderie of the community. After years of casual involvement, he officially joined to actively support the organization’s mission, leading to his current role as secretary.

As a senior software engineer, Chris brings strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and clear communication to his work on the board. He is committed to maintaining accurate records and fostering transparency to strengthen the group’s operations and connections. Passionate about inclusivity, Chris is dedicated to ensuring Front Runners remains a welcoming and supportive space for all.

James Fama

Director at Large

James credits Front Runners with helping him conquer fears, challenge himself to grow, and build invaluable, lifelong friendships. What began as a personal journey ultimately transformed him into an athlete and a committed member of the Front Runners community.

James discovered Front Runners in 2022, later in life, after many years as an active cyclist. He joined through the Beginner’s Clinic, which culminated in his very first Pride Run. From there, his weekly running steadily increased, and participating in multiple official races soon became an annual goal.

Through Front Runners, James expanded into swimming and cycling, and with the encouragement and support of the club’s multi-sport division, he successfully completed his first triathlon. These experiences reinforced his belief in the power of inclusive, supportive athletic communities.

As Director at Large, James is passionate about creating inclusive experiences where everyone feels welcomed, supported, and empowered to participate at their own pace. Outside of running, swimming, and cycling, James is an educator who takes pride in shaping the future and making a positive impact every day.

Looking ahead to 2026, James is excited to help foster and strengthen the Front Runners community by creating opportunities for meaningful connections, memorable experiences, and safe, welcoming spaces for all.

Truth Future Bachman (they/them)

Trans and Non-binary Director at Large

Turth is a Brooklyn-based artist and athlete. Since joining Front Runners in 2021, Truth has raced 5 marathons, including 4 Abbott World Majors, and received several nominations and local titles. Truth has been featured in publications like Runners World, Teen Vogue, and the New York Times uplifting trans and nonbinary athletes. Truth is passionate about equity in all forms, and is excited to bring their work as a community organizer to FRNY. As a composer, vocalist, and writer, their work can frequently be seen at Lincoln Center, Joe’s Pub, and Off-Broadway and regional stages.

Jacqueline Rios

Woman’s Director at Large

Jacqueline joined Front Runners New York in 2024. Through the club’s Beginner’s Clinic she found community, encouragement, and the structure that has been instrumental in making running a part of her life. Having previously served on the Beginner’s Clinic Committee, she is excited to serve as the Women’s Director at Large and work to foster an inclusive and welcoming environment for all runners. Outside of running, Jacqueline is an attorney working in public service.