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(Press release)
The National Nordic Foundation (NNF) is excited to announce the election of a new Chairman of the Board, Peter Ashley. Peter succeeds former Executive Director and long-time Board Chair, David Knoop who is moving into an unofficial advisory role with the organization. Over the past eight years, Knoop transformed the nearly-defunct National Cross Country Ski Education Foundation (NCCSEF) into a fundraising powerhouse that has contributed in excess of $1 million to developing nordic athletes since 2010.
“I can look back to eight years ago,” says Knoop, “and there was a real need for an organization to fill in the gaps between what the clubs were capable of and what the U.S.S.A./U.S. Ski Team was doing. We had a few bright spots like Kikkan Randall and Andy Newell, but overall, the ‘Development Pipeline’ was more theory than practice. The NNF arose out of a need to create funding and a sustained budget for development programs.” David, further reflecting on the subsequent eight years: “The NNF is a success story that I’m very grateful to have been a part of and enjoy with so many of you. I know that the NNF will continue to be successful with your support and I wish everyone all the best and hope to see you around enjoying the sport and lifestyle that we love.”
Peter Ashley, who has been on the NNF Board of Directors for the past two years brings a wealth of experience and connections from a lifetime in the skiing community. Among his many accomplishments, the Jackson, Wyo., native, spent nine seasons as a U.S. Ski Team coach before working over 20 years with Fischer Sports as National Sales and Marketing Manager for their Nordic Division.
“This is an exciting time to be involved with the NNF,” says Peter. “The past years’ results are a testament to the hard work of the nordic community over the last 20 years. I look forward to working with all the nordic clubs, coaches, athletes and the entire nordic community to continue and improve on the past years’ success. Soon we’ll announce the NNF funding of summer projects in 2017!”
Executive Director, Hennie Kashiwa’s role remains unchanged. “I am very excited for the NNF to have Peter’s wealth of experience both in skiing and as a leader,” says Kashiwa. “As we transition, however, it is critical to recognize the work that Dave Knoop put into the NNF. Without Dave, the NNF would simply not exist as it does today. Both personally and as a member of the skiing community, I’d like to thank Dave for the monumental impact he’s had on our sport.”
