Joseph Shepin
President
Hi! I’m current a senior studying computer science and was a member of the 2024 Bike America Team. As president, I oversee operations of the organization and provide riders with the resources they need to be successful.
Andres villarreal
vice president
Hi! My name is Andres Villarreal, and I was a rider on the 2025 Bike America Team. I am a junior studying neuroscience. As vice president, I am the main point of contact for riders, leading team meetings to help them learn about the logistics of the ride and our organization. I also lead training throughout the year, physically preparing the team for the summer.
Riddhima Patllollu
Director of Marketing
Hi :) I’m Riddhima, a junior studying information sciences and a rider from the 2024 Bike America Team. As marketing director for Illini 4000, I manage our social media and help promote our mission. I’m excited to spread the word about an organization that has impacted my life in so many incredible ways.
neal linden
director of fundraising
Howdy, I’m Neal and I was a rider on the 2024 Bike America Team. I am currently a junior studying mechanical engineering, as this year’s fundraising director I am responsible for coordinating team fundraising efforts to raise money for the patient support services and cancer research.
Sam Rosner
director of logistics
My name is Sam Rosner and I was a rider on the 2023 Bike America Team. I am a junior double majoring in physics and math. My job is to create the route the team takes, help the team find places to stay, and generally organize the technical details of getting the team safely across the country.
Maaike Niekerk
Director of the Portraits Project and dei
Hello! My name is Maaike, and I was a rider on the 2024 Bike America Team. I'm currently a senior in english with minors in music and journalism. As the Portraits director, I focus on helping the team add to our Portraits collection throughout the year. With DEI, I help our riders gain access to discount items through the Illini 4000 gear program! I love taking part in this organization and spreading awareness for our cause!
nicole tchorz
Director of information
Hey! I’m Nicole, and I was a rider on the 2025 Bike America Team. I am currently a sophomore studying electrical engineering, and as information director, I help keep our information secure and make sure our website is up-to-date so that all the lovely people at home know what we’re up to!
Kev Murphy
director of alumni relations and Social director
Hi all, my name is Kev Murphy and I was a rider on the 2024 Bike America Team. I am now a middle school social studies teacher. As alumni relations director, I keep us in contact with all of our lovely Illini 4000 alumni. And as social director, I help ensure the 2026 Bike America Team gets to know each other before the best summer of their lifetime!