General Assembly & Full Members

The General Assembly is the supreme deliberative body of the ERMN network, composed of all Full Members, each holding equal voting rights. It serves as the highest decision-making authority, ensuring democratic governance and accountability within the organization.

The General Assembly meets at least once a year to oversee the strategic direction and overall governance of the Network. Its key responsibilities include:

  • approving the annual accounts, budget, and activity reports
  • electing the members of the Board of Directors and the Secretary
  • defining strategic guidelines and internal regulations
  • deciding on amendments to the Statutes and major organizational changes
  • ensuring transparency and accountability across all governing bodies

Meetings may be held in person or remotely (via videoconference or other digital means), and members may also vote electronically or by written resolution where permitted.The General Assembly ensures that all Full Members have an active voice in shaping the mission, governance, and future of the ERMN network.

Board of Directors & President

The Board of Directors is the executive governing body of the ERMN network, responsible for implementing its policies and managing its day-to-day operations. It is currently composed of 4 members, serving renewable three-year terms.

The Board of Directors holds broad executive powers and is responsible for:

  • Managing all activities necessary to achieve the Association’s aims
  • Overseeing the use of funds and assets, and presenting financial statements to the General Assembly
  • Proposing amendments to the Statutes and internal regulations
  •  Deciding on partnerships, networks, and participation in research or collaboration projects
  • Appointing the President from among its own members

The Board meets at least twice a year and may convene in person or remotely.

The President is elected by the Board of Directors from among its members and serves as the legal representative of the ERMN Network towards third parties and in legal proceedings.

The President plays a central institutional and operational role, including:

  • Representing the ERMN Network in all institutional and legal matters
  • Convening and chairing both the Board of Directors and the General Assembly
  • Signing contracts on behalf of the ERMN Network within statutory limits
  • Overseeing the execution of resolutions and the achievement of the ERMN Network ‘s goals

Together, the Board of Directors and the President ensure effective leadership, strategic execution, and transparent governance of the ERMN Network.

Andrea Lorenzini

PRESIDENT

Andrea Lorenzini is a Senior Transport Consultant with a background in Civil and Transport Engineering. He joined MemEx in 2017, engaged in passenger and freight transport, transport accessibility, rural and shared mobility services, smart cities, and urban logistics.

Andrea provides technical assistance to public authorities, organisations, and operators on urban and rural mobility and transport planning, focusing on inclusivity, sustainability, and intermodal transport. He has managed several European projects on sustainable mobility and logistics, including the SMARTA Project (2018-2020), and the SMARTA-NET Project (2022-2024). He has also worked on studies and projects, on EU transport policy, training, funding and financing, evaluation and impact assessment, and stakeholder engagement.

Alexandra Correia

BOARD DIRECTOR

With a degree in Sociology, a postgraduate qualification in Public Administration and Regional Development, a Master’s degree in Educational Sciences, a PhD in Geography and Territorial Planning, Alexandra is the President of Terras Dentro, a non for-profit organisation committed to support the integrated development of the Alcáçovas region in Portugal. Alexandra area of expertise is Regional and Local Development and she has more than 30 years’ experience coordinating and managing projects at local and regional level. She also promotes co-operation and networking at both regional and European level.

Karl-Heinz Schoon

BOARD DIRECTOR

Karl-Heinz Schoon is the founder of the non-profit organization GoForMusic gGmbH. He coordinates the volunteer Bürgerbus project and is the mobility officer in the Kusel district. He grew up in a rural area and lived in Berlin for 12 years, precisely during the time when the wall between East and West fell. He worked in the Berlin Senate Administration and served as the full-time mayor of the Schönenberg-Kübelberg association of municipalities in the rural Kusel district for 16 years. He holds a master’s degree in European administration management and one as mediator.

Declan Turnbull

BOARD DIRECTOR

Declan Turnbull is Head of Integration with Mayo County Council, based in the rural west of Ireland. He previously served as Chairperson of the Board of TFI Local Link Mayo, an organisation committed to improving access to passenger transport services across County Mayo.

TFI Local Link Mayo works collaboratively to support inclusive transport options and to enhance quality of life for individuals and communities, particularly those who are less advantaged, socially excluded, or isolated. In his current role, Declan oversees integration supports for migrants who have come to live in County Mayo, with a particular focus on ensuring access to mobility opportunities and helping people connect with services, communities, and everyday life across the county.

Secretariat & Team

The Secretariat is the ERMN Network’s technical body and plays a key role in driving day-to-day activities and supporting its strategic work. It is composed of a Coordinator and up to 20 members, appointed by the General Assembly based on their expertise in areas such as mobility and transport, networking, events, and public policy.

The Secretariat formulates proposals for the ERMN Network’s activities, coordinates research and demonstration initiatives, and promotes participation in European, national, and regional programs. It also supports the organisation of courses, seminars, conferences, and other outreach events, ensuring proper planning and delivery. In addition, it manages knowledge-sharing activities by organising a knowledge repository and facilitating exchange among members.

Operationally, the Secretariat supports the ERMN Network’s governance by coordinating administrative and organisational tasks, managing key communication channels (including the ERMN Network’s website), preparing proposals and advisory services, and appointing area and project managers. It also oversees reports and main publications and supports the two Assemblies, as well as the President and the Board of Directors. Finally, it prepares an annual report of its activities to be submitted to the General Assembly.

Secretariat members remain in office for three years and may be re-elected. To ensure effective operations, the ERMN Network may hire staff for Secretariat functions as needed, and member organisations may also volunteer to contribute on the basis of an agreed commitment, subject to ERMN Members’ approval.

ERMN Secretariat email: info@ermn-network.org

Brendan Finn

ERMN POLICY OFFICER (Honorary)

Brendan Finn is an independent transport consultant with over 40 years of experience in the public transport sector. Having started his career at Dublin Bus in Ireland, he has worked on a very wide range of assignments in Europe, Asia and Africa, dealing with governance, institutional arrangements, regulation and organisation of passenger transportation. He has worked for many years on rural transport issues and has been Project Manager of the EU-supported SMARTA-NET project on rural mobility (www.smarta-net.eu ).

Adéla Pixová

ERMN Membership Officer (Honorary)

Adéla Pixová is a project manager at LAG Sdružení Růže, a Czech organization focused on rural development, and an energy consultant, promoting community energy and renewable sources to build local energy self-sufficiency. She is also dedicated to overall rural community development. Actively involved in European projects, her efforts focus on improving mobility and access to essential public services in rural areas. She covers the role of ERMN Membership officer by:

  • coordinating the membership process and supports the onboarding and engagement of ERMN members
  • maintaining relations with members and contributes to activities aimed at strengthening and expanding the network.

Maria Siti

ERMN Events Officer (Honorary)

Maria Siti is a Rural and Surveying Engineer at NTUA (National Technical University of Athens) with an MSc Urban Planner/Designer and Sustainable Mobility Expert and with extensive experience in sustainable urban mobility, accessibility and transport planning. Her expertise includes Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs), urban accessibility, e-mobility and EV charging infrastructure, climate neutrality in transport, and policies aimed at reducing private car use. She covers the role of ERMN Events officer:

  • She coordinates the organisation and delivery of ERMN events, webinars, workshops and networking activities
  • ensures effective engagement of members, stakeholders and external speakers, from planning to follow-up.

Eleonora Ercoli

Administration Officer(Honorary)

Eleonora Ercoli is Project Manager at MemEx Srl since 2005. She has over 20 years of experience in the management and implementation of European-funded projects. Her expertise covers project and financial management as well as stakeholder engagement, organisation of international events and participatory activities. She has contributed to several European initiatives focusing on sustainable, rural and shared mobility and currently supports the activities of the European Rural Mobility Network (ERMN). She covers the role of ERMN Finance and Administration Officer by:

-supporting the financial management and day-to-day administration of the ERMN, including budgeting, invoicing and financial monitoring; – ensuring that administrative procedures are properly managed and documented.

Matilde Vezzani

ERMN Communications Officer (Honorary)

Matilde Vezzani is a Building Engineer-Architect and Communication Manager at MemEx Srl. Specialised in sustainable transport, urban planning and the design and redevelopment of public spaces. She has experience in studies and research on sustainable transport methodologies and contributes to European projects aimed at enhancing the resilience and sustainability of rural and urban areas. She also  has experience in communication and social media management, supporting the development and implementation of communication, dissemination and engagement activities for European projects and initiatives.

She covers the role of ERMN Communication Officer by

  • coordinating the ERMN’s communication activities, including website, newsletter, social media and other communication channels;
  • ensuring consistent messaging and visibility of the network, its activities and results.

Andrea Lorenzini

ERMN Project Officer (Honorary)

Beside being President of the ERMN, Andrea also acts as ERMN Project Officer, by:

  • supporting the development and management of ERMN projects, including the preparation of project proposals and coordination of project-related activities;
  • Identifying funding opportunities and contributing to building partnerships and developing new initiatives.

Contacts

Italy

Andrea Lorenzini :
andrea.lorenzini@memexitaly.it

Matilde Vezzani :
matilde.vezzani@memexitaly.it

Eleonora Ercoli :
eleonora.ercoli@memexitaly.it

Ireland

Brendan Finn :
brendanmfinn@yahoo.com

Sarah Togher :
sarah.togher@locallinkmayo.ie

Czechia

Adela Pixova :
pixova@mas.sdruzeniruze.cz

Portugal

Alexandra Correia :
alexandra.correia@terrasdentro.pt

José Carlos Bronze :
jose.bronze@gmail.com

Célia Pereira :
celia.ob.pereira@gmail.com

Germany

Karl-Heinz Schoon :
info@khschoon.de

Greece

Maria Siti :
sitim.atm@gmail.com