Spokane, Washington (PRWEB) May 02, 2016
The SSRA Board of Directors has hired Dan Henry to lead SSRA as executive director starting June 1, 2016. Dan brings over 15 years of alpine coaching experience in all age groups and a spectrum of ability groups, including elite level athletes who have gone on to compete collegiately at NorAm and the World Cup. Most recently, Dan has been the interim program director for Team Alpental Snoqualmie and serves the leadership of PNSA as a representative to the Western Region and USSA. Prior to Dan’s alpine career, he had several years of management experience in various aspects of the real estate industry.
“Dan Henry has all the skills and traits necessary to continue building on the success of Spokane Ski Racing Association (SSRA). His combination of technical coaching experience, athlete development (at all ages), business acumen, organizational and leadership ability make him the right person to continue the 57 year old legacy of SSRA. We are very happy to have him join SSRA as our new Executive Director and Head Coach,” said Jan Simpson, Hiring Committee Representative and 10 year veteran SSRA “Ski Mom”.
Mt. Spokane is located only 30 minutes from North Spokane and is home to SSRA, the mountain’s only ski racing team. SSRA is committed to providing leadership and resources for the SSRA athletes so they can reach their full potential as confident individuals and skiers. SSRA receives tremendous support from the Spokane community, Mt. Spokane operations and parent volunteers. Every year, SSRA sends athletes to the Junior Olympics and top division/regional races. SSRA athletes have won gold medals and overall titles at these events in 1994, 1995, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2012 against athletes from across the Pacific Northwest, Western Region and beyond.
“SSRA is a high quality program with an outstanding reputation within PNSA. I am excited to be a part of SSRA and will work hard to provide an environment where athletes can develop technical skills necessary to become great free skiers and racers, and life skills that will help them become productive and well balanced young adults,” stated Dan Henry. “I am excited to join SSRA, who has a committed and experienced staff, incredible mountain support and great volunteers. I’m also looking forward to working with the staff and the mountain, and getting to know all of the athletes and their parents.”
Rob Goranson, who led the Hiring Committee, stated that, “During all discussions with Dan, it was apparent that he always puts the kids first no matter what. Dan stated that his specific goal in ski racing is to give every kid what they need to reach their potential and to ensure that he never excludes anyone. I believe Dan will be a perfect fit for SSRA with proven skills in working with racing at all levels from clubs to various work with PNSA. Dan is familiar with our club and has close personal ties to many people within our overall region. I am excited to welcome Dan into the SSRA family.”
About SSRA
The Spokane Ski Racing Association (SSRA) 501(c)3 is a non-profit ski team for athletes 5 years and up who want to become expert, all-mountain, life-long skiers, while having fun learning to compete in the Olympic disciplines of alpine ski racing. SSRA was established in 1959 and has a proud and successful competitive history. Excelling in skiing is only part of our mission. SSRA's programs help youth from the greater Spokane area develop important values and life skills. Cooperation, teamwork, dedication, goal-orientation, hard work, honesty, persistence, positive attitude, punctuality, and time-management are taught with intention. Through coach mentoring, each athlete's personal development is paramount. SSRA embraces principles of the United States Ski & Snowboard Association's National Alpine Training System. Long-term athlete development and welfare are central tenets to program activities and goals.
