U.S. Ski & Snowboard fills two significant staff positions

U.S. Ski & Snowboard has named Anouk Patty, a business leader and passionate snow sports alumna and fan, as their new chief of sport. Their next alpine director is USSS alumnus Patrick Riml.

After recently assuming leadership, USSS CEO Sophie Goldschmidt wanted to make structural changes. Goldschmidt says, “Early on when I took this role, I realized the chief of sport was a position I wanted to bring back. I knew it would benefit me as a leader and the organization. I wanted to bring in fresh thinking and complementary experience. We currently have some fantastic experience and capability across our sports. Still, I think we will benefit from additional proven leadership capability, someone who is strategic and could help us develop a clearer direction and strategy. We need a person to help further elevate our sports and take them to a new level. From what I’ve observed to date, snow sports are quite insular compared to many of the sports I have been a part of; in general, I’ve noticed that snow sports can learn more from other sports and sectors, taking advantage of proven best practices from elsewhere to get ahead.” Goldschmidt continues, “Patty brings this kind of mindset and experience. Given the breadth of the roles she has had combined with a passion for our sports, she possesses the tools the position requires.”

Goldschmidt is an organizational expert with considerable experience in multiple sports who knows how she wants U.S. Ski & Snowboard to look and how it should behave. After analyzing the USSS organization, Goldschmidt committed herself to a thorough search for new leadership. After examining her observations and seeking opinions in the U.S. and around the globe, she thoroughly interviewed dozens of domestic and international candidates. She also worked with other credible stakeholders and leaders at all levels. Goldschmidt knows that no one person can be a silver bullet, but she is pleased with both hires and believes they will significantly contribute to an improved USSS.

New Chief of Sport Patty, a Harvard MBA, is a former alpine skier with the U.S. Ski Team, an NCAA champion, and a three-time All-American skier at Dartmouth College. She will manage the entire group of sports and high-performance development directors from all USSS sports. Goldschmidt says, “Patty brings the mindset and experience I want in that position. She has an extensive breadth of roles combined with a passion for our sports from the grassroots to elite levels.” Her responsibilities include the strategic planning of all USSS disciplines. Her membership on the Board of Directors at POWDR and her tenure on the Green Mountain Valley School Board shows a lifelong commitment to snow sports. Her most recent position in business development and strategic partnerships at Dropbox is one of many leadership roles she has had in business. She has also held senior positions with Hewlett-Packard, Intuit, Bain and J.P. Morgan. In addition, Patty has earned a certification from the Stanford Business School for leadership in innovation. Goldschmidt feels fortunate to have Patty’s experience and skills to meet the challenges at U.S. Ski & Snowboard.

Both Goldschmidt and Patty believe an organization must evolve to remain relevant and competitive.

USSS will be welcoming Patty’s arrival in Park City in mid-April, but she has already immersed herself in her new role. Goldschmidt adds, “We have a broad, diverse, critical group of stakeholders who support us in so many ways. The stakeholders include all of our athletes, the parents who support them, coaches, clubs, academies, universities, our board, the trustees, the USOPC, the FIS and others. Patty will be working with these critical stakeholder relationships; her previous experience will prove invaluable in this vital area.”

Currently, Austria’s alpine director, Patrick Riml, is returning as the U.S. alpine director. Goldschmidt realizes many will question both hires, but Riml will likely be the more controversial addition. Some will ask about the revolving door at the alpine director position. After the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics, American Jesse Hunt became alpine director, followed by Austrian Patrick Riml in 2011, followed by the return of Hunt in 2018, and now Riml will once again take the helm. However, the rotation of alpine directors shows that both men have had appealing qualities to multiple CEOs.

Goldschmidt says, “I am focused on making changes to get us to where we need to be. When I think about Patrick, it’s a combination. We are reinstating established authority and we know experience matters, especially in Alpine. With Patrick, we get that in spades. Patrick understands what it takes to produce world-class athletes; he has done it for years. In addition, his passion for the development level of the sport is very evident, and that is crucial to us. I am also encouraged to have someone who understands the unique U.S. system. We are looking at a holistic pipeline. For me, it’s about sustainable success.”

Goldschmidt is impressed by Riml’s past success in the U.S. and Austria. Without question, Riml has considerable respect within the Alpine Ski world. He possesses the connections to get USST athletes quality training worldwide. He has relationships with equipment manufacturers that can ensure its athletes have the best material prepared by expert technicians. In addition, his recent experience as alpine director for Austria and previously at Red Bull means he is acquainted with cutting-edge technology. Riml has always been known for his awareness of emerging skiers of all ages. His most vital asset is his passion for young racers and their development.

Like Patty’s, Riml’s responsibilities will include all levels of the sport from entry to our most elite professionals. Together they are charged with moving the sport forward in the United States from the development level to the World Cup.

Riml will start his position next week and will be attending U.S. Nationals in Sugarloaf, Maine. If you plan to attend the event, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself.

Goldschmidt acknowledges, “One thing that has become very clear is the presence of very different opinions. We do not expect everyone to agree with whom we have hired for these roles. We have put in many hours to make these decisions. Folks need to understand that I have spoken to the best people worldwide, and I hope everyone will give these changes a chance and be open-minded. These are not silver bullets. These changes are a structural and cultural shift and a new strategic direction. I believe that these two key new hires, combined with the amazing other talented staff we have, can deliver something special and help athletes to achieve their dreams.”

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