Greetings!
Over the last seven seasons of skimo racing in the PNW, I've had the great opportunity to meet many of you at our events. You've shared with me the heart thumping thrill of racing, the hard work that goes into volunteering, and the joy that community driven shared experiences on snow can bring to us all. When I first launched SnowGoat Skimo in 2018; it was just my now wife Maudie Jordan as Volunteer Coordinator and Westy Ford as Course Manager. We started off with just two races: the brand new Crystal Skimo Race and taking the reins of Alpental Vertfest over from NWAC. I didn't know how to run a business but knew I wanted to see more uphill oriented ski races here after the 2015 Patrol Race hooked me into the sport. As we grew, I realized we needed to restructure as a nonprofit and became a Skimo Northwest "Race Collective", where each race has a passionate local caretaker to act as RD and a central Head RD to keep us all rowing in the same direction. Thankfully some smart individuals who joined our board recommended we also add uphill resort advocacy and youth development to our mission as well, which are quickly becoming as central to our role in the community as race organizing. This season we have eight races (sneaker intel, we are close to releasing a mid March race date at a new venue!), and have an advocacy presence at seven ski resorts as well, and a staff of 22 core volunteers. We've come a long way!
Sadly though I must admit when it is time to move on. I've spent a decade in event management; the first ever race I helped organize was the original Tahoe 200 Mile Endurance Run in 2014. Also, dirtbags sometimes need to grow up, and my focus needs to shift towards my family life. I feel grateful for the opportunity of helping provide fun, challenging, and safe skimo events in the area, following in the footsteps of Lowell Skoog, Brandon Kern, Martin Volken, and many before me. It takes an army of passionate volunteers to make them happen, and I'm proud of all that we've done. To our Race Directing team, our Board of Directors, brand partners (especially Outdoor Research who has been with us from the beginning!) and all those who have helped, thank you so much for helping make all these experiences possible. Because of our rock star team, I was able to finally put on my first SnowGoat Skimo bib at the latest Wildside race and just race for fun!
I will be resigning as the Executive Director at the conclusion of this season, but we are starting our search for the replacement now. However, I will remain as the Kulshan Randonnée Race Director and retain my position on the Board of Directors, so I won't totally be gone. If you've ever contemplated taking more of a leadership role in an organization, this is a great opportunity. I've greatly enjoyed my time facilitating these races and it has been incredibly fulfilling. On to the next adventure!
Executive Director Job Posting
Passionate about community organizing? Good visionary to understand what an organization needs to be successful and know what it takes to lead them there? Interested in becoming the face of Skimo Northwest? Please check out our link to our ED Job Description and Application at our link below, as well as other open roles within the organization!
