Trace Worthington, one of skiing's most accomplished athletes, has been named to head fundraising for the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team Foundation. In a move that brings a closer athletic tie into the sports' fundraising, U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association President and CEO Bill Marolt tapped the world champion as the organization's new Vice President, Foundation.
“Trace has always been one of our most passionate and forward thinking athletes,” said Marolt. “It's a great opportunity to bring a world-class athlete onto our management team. As an Olympian and world champion, he knows our sports from the perspective of those we are serving. As a business leader, he understands how to manage a successful company and the importance of developing advocacy through personal relationships.”
Worthington, who was recently named to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame, forged a stellar career as a freestyle champion in the 1990s winning 37 World Cups and two World Championship titles (aerials, combined). The two-time Olympian (1992, '94) was known for his pioneering – first athlete to land a quadruple-twisting triple flip in competition – and his promotion of the sport.
In 1997 he joined teammate Kris “Fuzz” Feddersen in starting Flying Ace Productions. The action sports company has produced hundreds of trampoline and aerial shows for major corporations around the world, promoting skiing and snowboarding to new audiences. The company's Ski SuperStars division matched famous ski champions with individuals and corporations.
Worthington also worked as one of network televisions premier commentators for winter sports on NBC, CBS, ESPN, and Versus. For the past decade he covered freestyle skiing, ski cross, snowboardcross, ski and snowboarding halfpipe, and celebrity events. Most notably, he covered three Winter Olympics for NBC.
“I'm deeply honored to join the Team at such an exciting time in its history. I have great respect for the leadership and vision of the Team,” said Worthington. “Anyone who has known me as an athlete or TV commentator knows my passion for athletes and sport. I've been privileged to get to know many of the Team's supporters and have seen the enthusiasm they have for helping to make dreams become reality for our athletes.”
Worthington will be responsible for the Team's private fundraising, which is a vital element in supporting athletic programs. The Foundation raises millions each year in an annual fund and endowments to directly support the most expansive and diverse programs of any Olympic sport from youth development to World and Olympic Champions.
“We have a strong Foundation staff team and great programs in place as we head into the Olympics in five months,” said Worthington. “But I also see some unique progression as we look to the future. Our programs are evolving with new action sports joining the traditional events, and to me that means more opportunities to attract more supporters as we head to the 2014 Olympics in Sochi.”
