UVM's LaCasse joins USST Foundation as manager of major gift solicitation

UVM’s LaCasse joins USST Foundation as manager of major gift solicitation{mosimage}USSA — Chip LaCasse, who retired this spring after 33 years as director of skiing at the University of Vermont — a tenure that included six NCAA championships — has been named East Coast manager of major gift solicitation for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team Foundation.

Trisha Worthington, foundation vice president, announced the appointment of LaCasse, who has also worked in development at UVM for more than 20 years, and said he would operate out of an office in Burlington, Vermont. “Chip’s development experience in the East, and especially in New England, is invaluable for us as we look to expand our major gifts program,” she said. “We’re thrilled to have him join our fundraising team.”

LaCasse, a native of Lebanon, N.H., is a graduate of the University of Colorado, where he earned a B.S. in physical education administration and a master’s degree. In addition to being director of skiing, where he began fundraising programs for the team, LaCasse began working for the University of Vermont Annual Fund in 1980, and also took on other fundraising projects.

“This is perfect timing,” said LaCasse. “It’s a great challenge and it’s got me excited. I’m really looking forward to it. With the 2002 Olympics and then the world championships success from our skiers and snowboarders, this is a particularly exciting time to be raising money. I’m stoked to be part of it.”

LaCasse and his wife Mary, who live in Colchester, Vermont, have a grown son and daughter.

The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team Foundation is the non-profit, fundraising arm of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Teams. The team receives no federal funding or subsidy money and operates solely through private donations from individuals, corporations and foundations.