PARK CITY, UT (Oct. 5, 2015) – The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) has announced the promotion of Grand Prix Tour Director Eric Webster to senior director of events. He has worked full time with the USSA for over 10 years, serving as Grand Prix tour director since 2004. In his new role, Webster will be responsible for the management and implementation of all the USSA’s elite event properties.

“Web has been an integral part of making U.S. Grand Prix freeskiing and snowboarding events which are some of the best in the world,” said USSA Vice President, Events Calum Clark. “His leadership will be invaluable as we continue to produce and host world class events across the United States.”

PARK CITY, UT (Sept. 21, 2015) – The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) has named longtime snowboarding coach Jon Casson to its sport education department as the new coach development manager. Casson will work alongside Director of Sport Education Brian Krill to educate, certify and recognize USSA’s clubs and coaches.

Throughout his 17-year career as a professional snowboarding coach and program leader, Casson has been involved with almost all aspects of the sport, including coaches’ education, organizational leadership and strategic planning. He spent 15 years with the snowboard program at Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC), which has been honored with the USSA’s Snowboard Program of the Year award four times. Casson has also served as the chairman of USSA’s Snowboard Sport Committee since 2010 and served on the board of the United States of America Snowboard Association (USASA) for seven years.

PARK CITY, UT (Aug. 25, 2015) – Long-time NASTAR Director of Operations Bill Madsen has joined the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) to continue to manage NASTAR’s operations alongside USSA’s events department. Earlier this summer, the U.S. Ski Team and NASTAR announced their plans to enter into an agreement under which the U.S. Ski Team will assume operational management of NASTAR.

“Bill has done a remarkable job managing NASTAR and the USSA is committed to maintaining that level of professionalism moving forward,” said USSA President and CEO Tiger Shaw. “He will be an invaluable asset to the USSA events team as we gear up for another season of NASTAR racing. ”

PARK CITY, UT (Aug. 19, 2015) – The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) has named former Schweitzer Alpine Racing School Head FIS Coach Jeff Pickering to its alpine staff as the Western Region development coach.

With extensive experience at the FIS and international levels, Pickering has been an integral part of USSA in recent years, holding positions as the women’s Europa Cup assistant coach and the western region coach. In addition to his recent role with Schweitzer, he has served in leadership roles as program director at Big Mountain and head FIS coach at Mt. Hood Academy. 

“We are excited to have Jeff join the Western Region staff,” said USSA Alpine Development Director Chip Knight. “With his recent experience at the international level, he knows what it takes to get to the top levels of our sport. His background in the region will also serve him well as he strives to bring coaches and athletes from across the West together to work toward a common goal.”