USSA President and CEO Bill Marolt announces retirement

Bill Marolt, the longtime president and CEO of the U.S Ski and Snowboard Association, will depart from the position in spring 2014, he announced on Monday, Nov. 26.

Marolt, 69, called his decision “part of a long planned succession” in a letter on Monday. “Our board has had an ad hoc succession commission in place for several years,” he wrote. “It has now established a formal search committee to find a successor who can take the USSA to the next level.”

In 1996, Marolt joined USSA after serving as athletic director at the University of Colorado and initiated a quest for U.S. snowsport athletes to become “best in the the world.” Though many at the time sneered at the statement, results at Vancouver 2010, not to mention on the World Cup and at World Championships, proved the mission a success. Marolt promised that a roadmap is in place for the next Games and beyond. “Today our eyes remain squarely focused on preparing for Sochi 2014,” he wrote, “ensuring that we have a world-class support system for developing athletes and building a stronger financial base for the USSA.”

Marolt pointed to USSA Chairman Dexter Paine and U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team Foundation President John Cumming, along with the 2010-adopted Long Term Strategic Plan, as support systems for the transition. Marolt said he plans to continues as vice president on the FIS Council, executive committee board member of the 2015 FIS Alpine Ski World Championships in Vail/Beaver Creek and with the U.S. Olympic Committee.

Between now and spring 2014, Marolt said, he will focus on preparing athletes for Sochi, building an athletic development system in partnership with local clubs and investing in infrastructure for elite and development programs.

“This is an amazing time for our sports,” wrote Marolt. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished as a team and I look forward to continuing to lead through 2014 providing athletes today and in the future with an opportunity to achieve their Olympic dreams.”

By Eric Williams

Photo: USSA/Sarah Brunson