PARK CITY, UT (Aug. 10, 2015) – The U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) has named former Mt. Hood Ski Education Foundation Program Director Bill Gunesch to its alpine staff as the Western Region Development Director. Gunesch, who previously served as a women’s world cup and Olympic coach, brings a wealth of coaching and leadership experience to his new role. He has directed the Mt. Hood program for over 25 years while co-founding the Mt. Hood Ski Education Foundation.
The Western Region is one of three USSA regions established under the authority of the Alpine Sport Committee, and is responsible for the regulation of alpine ski competition across the five divisions of Alaska, Far West, Intermountain, Northern and Pacific Northwest. As director, Gunesch will oversee development throughout the region, including the competition system and athletic advancement. He will also work with the sport education director to further coaches’ education and club development, and will provide leadership to the regional governance structure.
“For many years I’ve actively worked with the Western Region as an ACC volunteer,” said Gunesch. “I look forward to working closely with the region’s coaches and leaders to continue to advance the West’s proven success with elite athlete development.”
Within the USSA governance structure, Bill has been an active member in a range of capacities on the Pacific Northwest Ski Association Alpine Competition Committee, the Western Region ACC and the USSA Alpine Sport Committee. He maintains a FIS Technical Delegate license and has been the recipient of numerous awards, including USSA’s Domestic Alpine Coach of the Year.
“We are thrilled to have Bill join our staff,” said USSA Alpine Development Director Chip Knight. “With his depth of experience in coaching and leadership roles, he will be able to pull the region together around high-quality programming that will advance athletic development toward the national and international levels.”
