USSA Foundation VP Alfano resigns to join USOC

PARK CITY, Utah — Janine Alfano, recently made vice president of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Foundation, has submitted for her resignation to take the top fundraising job at the United States Olympic Committee.
PARK CITY, Utah — Janine Alfano, recently made vice president of the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Foundation, has submitted for her resignation to take the top fundraising job at the United States Olympic Committee.
    Alfano, who had been in her position for five months, cited family health reasons as helping to facilitate the decision to take a position with the Colorado Springs-based USOC. The Alfano family resides in the Denver area.
    “I am sorry to see Janine leave but also have respect for the difficult decision she had to make in putting her family first. I know you will join me in wishing her well in her new position,” Bill Marolt, USSA president and chief executive, said in an e-mail to foundation trustees.
    Alfano succeeded Trisha Worthington as foundation head five months ago. Worthington had been the architect of the highly successful fundraising arm of USSA that generates more than $5 million annually. Alfano had been expected to lead the foundation at least through the 2010 Olympic Winter Games, having been with the foundation for the past 12 years.
    Her departure was a surprise to both the organization and to its trustees.
    Since the spring of 2006, USSA has been hit by a number of experienced management departures. Alan Ashley, long-term athletic vice president, left for a position with the USOC. Andy Walshe, who had been the architect of a very sophisticated sport science department, left USSA in the spring to join Red Bull. Annette Royle, USSA’s veteran event vice president, left the association in October. Tricia Worthington resigned in the spring to create a new foundation for Park City’s Cumming family, owners of the Powdr Corp, which operates a number of ski areas nationwide.
    A search for a replacement is under way, Marolt said.
    Alfano could not be reached for comment.