PARK CITY, UT (Sept. 24) – The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association has streamlined its national alpine development program leadership to provide greater service to athletes in its clubs and regional programs. USSA Alpine Director has named longtime alpine administrator and development leader Michelle Demschar to oversee the structure as alpine domestic program director. Eric Harlow will continue to oversee USSA Eastern regional programs and has been promoted to USSA Eastern Region development director. Lester Keller will now oversee both USSA Western and USSA Rocky/Central regions as USSA Western/Rocky Central Regions development director. Coaches and managers in each region will report to their respective regional director.
HIGHLIGHTS
- The USSA has named Michelle Demschar as domestic alpine domestic program director. Demschar, who joined the USSA in 2011, moved into a development management role in 2013.
- Longtime development leader Lester Keller was named USSA Western/Rocky Central Regions development director. Eric Harlow has been promoted to USSA Eastern Region development director.
- The changes were made by USSA Alpine Director Patrick Riml to streamline the development staff structure and provide greater service to athletes in USSA clubs and regions.
- Demschar is a longtime race administrator and has served on boards of clubs in the USA and Canada, as well as serving as executive director of the Australian Ski Federation where she oversaw all sports.
USSA ALPINE DEVELOPMENT STAFF
Alpine Leadership
USSA Alpine Director – Patrick Riml
Domestic Alpine Program Director – Michelle Demschar
Regional Staff
Eastern Region Development Director – Eric Harlow
Eastern Region Alpine Development Coach – Martin Guyer
Eastern Region Youth Coordinator – Tom Ashworth
Eastern Region Manager – Patti Nichols
Western/Rocky Central Regions Development Director – Lester Keller
Western Region Alpine Development Coach – Karin Harjo
Western Region Manager – Gwynn Watkins
Western Region Youth Coordinator - TBA
Rocky/Central Region Alpine Development Coach – Ian Dunlop
Rocky Mountain Division Manager – Darlene Nolting
Central Division Manager – Brewster McVicker
National Training Group
U16 Coach – Thomas Erhard
U16 Coach – Michael Rogan
Men’s FIS Coach – Konrad Rickenbach
Men’s FIS Coach – Chad Wolk
Women’s FIS Coach - Frank Kelble
Women’s FIS Coach – Kris Shampeny
ATC/PT – Dave Quemmen
QUOTES
Patrick Riml, USSA Alpine Director
We are very fortunate to have a very strong and experienced staff team throughout our development program. These changes in our staff alignment will provide a smoother flow of responsibilities to provide greater service to our clubs and regional programs.