Stephen Over, executive director of the Professional Ski Instructors of America and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors, appointed Katie Fry of Aspen, Colorado as new teams manager of the PSIA and AASI Demonstration Teams.
“Katie has all the tools for developing a cohesive approach to contemporary snowsports teaching among our teams,” Over said. “Not only is she an experienced team member and a long-time instructor, but she also has a strong sense of the role of teachers in todays snowsports industry and the importance of supporting the industrys growth initiatives.”
An eight-year veteran of the PSIA Alpine Demonstration Team, Fry-who is the first woman to hold the teams manager position-will be responsible for all aspects of managing the PSIA Alpine, PSIA Nordic, and AASI Snowboard Teams. One of her primary objectives will be to create a common focus among the teams, namely, how PSIA-AASI can meet the needs of its members as well as area management. In her new role, Fry will work closely with PSIA-AASIs leadership and the education department to develop and impart PSIA-AASIs core educational messages to members and the snowsports industry.
John Armstrong, PSIA-AASI president, described Fry as a person who has the organizational skills and enthusiasm required to bring together contributors from new points of view. “One of Katies many strengths is that she loves all snowsports and recognizes their growth potential in the collective sense,” he said. “Shell be able to generate a lot of support for PSIA-AASI education programs from all constituencies: alpine, nordic, and snowboarding.”
Fry replaces Dave Merriam, from Stowe, Vermont, who is retiring as head coach of the PSIA-AASI Demo Teams after eight years. “Katie will do a fantastic job,” said Merriam. “I look forward to helping her make a smooth transition this season, so that the passing of the torch is seamless.” Frys position as teams manager takes effect May 2004, as the new demo teams are being chosen.
“Im honored to be hired into the teams manager position, and Im excited for the opportunity to work with so many tremendous staff on all levels,” said Fry. “My hope is to cultivate a team culture that will help PSIA-AASI propel its vision of inspiring lifelong passion for the mountain experience well into the future.”
Skiing since 1971, Katie began to settle into teaching in 1987 when she first joined the Ski and Snowboard Schools of Aspen. Katie also enjoys competing, and raced in the US National Nor-Am series, three 24-Hours of Aspen endurance events, Powder 8 Championships, and World Technical Championships. Katies positive public image has landed her spots on ESPN ski programming and in the movie “Aspen Extreme.”
