Weindruch Replaces Retiring Doyle at Ski and Snowboard Association

National Sporting Goods Association (NSGA) Director of Communications Larry Weindruch has been appointed to serve as the second president of the National Ski & Snowboard Retailers Association (NSSRA), succeeding Thomas B. Doyle, who is retiring this fall. Doyle, NSGA vice president of information & research, has been NSSRA president since its inception in 1987. NSGA has managed NSSRA during that time.

His appointment takes effect September 1, allowing for a smooth transition prior to Doyle’s retirement in late October.

Weindruch, a 25-year veteran of the sporting goods industry, serves as Managing Director of the NSGA Team Dealer Division and is responsible for NSGA’s print and electronic publications, its member advocacy program and its public relations activities.

“Larry’s background in the sporting goods industry and knowledge of the issues confronting independent ski and snowboard retailers will allow him to hit the ground running,” said NSSRA Chairman Paul Prutzman, president of Pinnacle Sports, Reading, Pa. “He has worked with Tom Doyle for more than 11 years and is familiar with NSSRA’s structure and operations.

“Plus, he will have access to Tom’s extensive knowledge of the snowsports industry during his remaining months on the job,” Prutzman added.

“Larry has proven himself willing and able to tackle new assignments, and we feel he is the right person for the job,” said NSGA President & CEO Matt Carlson. “He is passionate about the sporting goods industry and has the respect of his colleagues.”

Weindruch graduated from St. Ambrose University with a degree in economics and business administration. In 2008, he achieved the designation of Certified Association Executive (CAE) from the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). Prior to joining the NSGA staff in 1985, Weindruch served as director of operations for the Professional Bowlers Association and as an editor for Inside Sports magazine. His career also includes award-winning tenures as a full-time sportswriter and free-lance newspaper reporter.

Doyle announced his retirement earlier this month after 39 years in the sporting goods industry.

NSSRA currently has approximately 250 members. In addition to the memberships from individual ski shops, the Association includes supporting membership of vendors, as well as master memberships of Snowsports Merchandising Corporation (SMC) and Sports Specialists Ltd. (SSL).