For decades, the
American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has been the backbone of motorcycling culture and advocacy in the United States. With its more than 216,000 members and multi-faceted focus on everything from street riding to racing, the AMA’s influence is never far from the action. Now, with the appointment of longtime employee and industry stalwart Joe Bromley to lead the newly formed Membership Development & Activity Department, the organization is doubling down on what matters most: its members, its organizers, and the thriving spirit of American motorcycling.
A Department with a Mission: Strengthening the Heart of the AMA
The mission of the new Membership Development & Activity Department is clear: cultivate stronger relationships with organizers, elevate the experience for riders, and energize AMA-owned and promoted events nationwide. In a sport where community is everything, and where lifelong friendships often begin on dusty pit roads or at the registration tent, this new direction is not just timely, it’s essential.
Joe Bromley, recently named to direct the initiative, brings the kind of resume you only find in a true industry insider. A Charter Life Member of the AMA, Bromley has untold miles under his belt, both as a rider and an event organizer. From multiple AMA amateur national championships to owning and operating a motorcycle dealership, and even serving on the AMA Board of Directors, Bromley understands the full spectrum of what makes events great, clubs successful, and members lifelong advocates for the sport.
Focus on Organizers: The Key to Member Growth
Bromley puts it best: “Our priority is our members, and many times memberships are established and maintained through an AMA-chartered club or promoter. This makes the organizer relationship critical to finding and retaining members.” With this philosophy at the core, the new department will focus on making club and promoter engagement seamless and rewarding.
New and veteran organizers alike will benefit from streamlined support, easier event sanctioning, and more direct lines of communication with the AMA home office in Pickerington, Ohio. By empowering these grassroots leaders, the AMA sets the stage for more accessible and exciting events that fuel both rider passion and membership growth nationwide.
A Proven Track Record and a Vision for the Future
Bromley’s experience is broad. He has held the titles of AMA Racing Director, charter and sanction program manager, and regional board member, positions that required sharp organizational skills, collaborative spirit, and a genuine love for all things motorcycling. As James Holter, AMA’s Chief Operating Officer, remarked, “Few have Joe’s depth of motorcycling experience. He’s a multi-time national champ, former dealer, and part of one of Pennsylvania’s best-known moto families.”
Bromley’s approach reflects the changing face of motorcycling, where recreational riding, diverse events, and direct club involvement are just as important as racing. He will oversee vital AMA-created activities such as Vintage Motorcycle Days, the AMA Hall of Fame Induction, and the Flat Track Grand Championship, cornerstone events that define the culture and community of the AMA.
A Team Approach: Building Communities from the Ground Up
In his new role, Bromley won’t be working alone. The department’s Membership Events and Program Manager Makenzi Martin, Organizer Services Manager Jensen Burkeen, and competition coordinators Emily Doane and Michael Galiher will bring broad expertise to the mission. These team members will support everything from local club days to massive national events, ensuring no detail is overlooked.
Moreover, the department is expanding, currently seeking a recreational riding and volunteer coordinator to help further knit the fabric of grassroots motorcycling. The entire team will work closely with other AMA departments, most notably Racing and Marketing & Communications, to improve member benefits, increase engagement, and grow the voice of motorcycling in America.
A Road Map for Fun, Safety, and Growth
Bromley summarizes the department’s goal perfectly: “If you participate in AMA-sanctioned events, you should have fun, feel safe and have your expectations exceeded in every way.” From better communication to volunteer support and streamlined event logistics, the focus will be on making the AMA member experience the best it has ever been.
As American motorcycling enters a new era, the fusion of decades-long experience and strategic innovation with a member-first attitude will help ensure the next generation of riders has even more opportunities, better events, and safer, more memorable experiences on two wheels.
The AMA’s decision to place Joe Bromley at the helm of this new department is a statement. Building tomorrow’s riding communities starts today, and with Bromley in charge, you can bet the future of riding, event organizing, and club life looks brighter than ever.
