U.S. Ski & Snowboard fills two critical staff positions

The new USSS Chief of Sport is a business leader and passionate Snow Sports alumna and fan, Anouk Patty. The new USSS Alpine Director is a United States Ski and Snowboard alumnus, Patrick Riml.

After recently assuming leadership, USSS CEO Sophie Goldschmidt wanted to make structural changes. Goldschmidt says, “Early on when I took this role, I realized that Chief of Sport was a position I wanted to bring back. I knew it would benefit me as a leader as well as the organization. But I was keen not to bring back just more of the same. I wanted fresh thinking. We currently have a fantastic experience and capability across all our sports. Still, we needed proven leadership capability, someone who is strategic and could help develop a clear direction and strategy. We needed a person to elevate our sports and take them to a new level. It was evident that snow sports are quite insular as compared to many of the sports I have been a part of; snow sports rarely look outside themselves. I know we can always learn from other sports and sectors.” Goldschmidt continues, “Patty brings that kind of mindset and experience, given the breadth of the roles she has had, combined with a passion for our sports. In short, she possesses the tools the position requires.”

Goldschmidt is an organizational expert with considerable experience in multiple sports who knows how she wants United States Ski and Snowboard to look and behave. After analyzing the USSS organization, Goldschmidt committed herself to a thorough search for new leadership. After examining her observations and seeking opinions both in the U.S. and around the globe, she thoroughly interviewed dozens of domestic and international candidates, while consulting stakeholders and industry leaders. Goldschmidt knows that no one person can be a silver bullet. She knows that no one, including herself, is perfect. Still, she is pleased with both hires, believing they will significantly contribute to an improved USSS.

New Chief of Sport Patty, a Harvard MBA, is a former alpine skier with the U.S. Ski Team and Dartmouth College. Patty is responsible for the strategic planning of all USSS disciplines. She will manage the entire group of performance and development directors for the multiple USSS sports. Goldschmidt says, “Patty brings the mindset and experience I want in this position. She has an extensive breadth of experience combined with a passion for our sports.” 

Patty’s membership on the board of directors at POWDR and her tenure on the board of Green Mountain Valley School reveal her passion for snow sports. Her most recent position as Director of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at Dropbox is only one of many leadership roles she has had in business. Patty is also certified by the Stanford Business School for leadership in innovation. Goldschmidt and USSS will be leaning heavily on all of Patty’s skills to meet the organization’s challenges. Both Goldschmidt and Patty share the mindset that an organization must evolve to remain competitive. 

USSS will be welcoming Patty’s arrival in Park City in mid-April, but she has already immersed herself in her new role. 

Goldschmidt adds, “We have a broad, diverse and critical group of stakeholders who support us in so many ways. Stakeholders include all our athletes, the parents who support them, coaches, academies, clubs, universities, our board, the trustees, the USOPC, our sponsors, and the FIS. Patty will be dealing with these critical stakeholder relationships; her skill set will prove invaluable in this vital area.”

Patrick Riml has left his role as Austrian alpine director to return to the same position with United States Ski and Snowboard. Goldschmidt realizes there will be questions about both hires, but Riml will likely be the more controversial addition. The USSS alpine director position has been a revolving door that includes two people. After the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics, American, Jesse Hunt, became Alpine Director, followed by Austrian, Patrick Riml, in 2011. He was followed by the return of Hunt in 2018, and now Riml will once again take the helm. However, the rotation of Alpine Directors reveals the job’s difficulty and shows that both men have offered attractive qualities to multiple CEOs. 

Goldschmidt says, “I am focused on making changes to get us where we need to be. We are looking at a holistic pipeline. When I think about Patrick, it is a combination: we are reinstating established authority and we know experience matters, especially in Alpine. With Patrick, we get that in spades. He understands what it takes to produce world-class athletes; he has done it for years. In addition, his passion for the development level of the sport is very evident, which is crucial to me. I am also encouraged to have someone who understands the unique U.S. system. For me, it is about sustainable success.”

Goldschmidt is very impressed by Riml’s past success in the U.S. and Austria. Without question, Riml has the respect of the international alpine ski racing community. He possesses the connections required to get our national team athletes quality training worldwide. He has relationships with the equipment manufacturers to ensure our athletes have the best material, prepared by expert technicians. In addition, his recent experience at Red Bull and as alpine director for Austria means he is aware of cutting-edge technology. Riml has always been known for his awareness of emerging skiers of all ages. His most vital asset is his passion for young racers and their development.

Riml’s responsibilities will include all USSS alpine ski racing levels. Together, Riml and Patty have been hired to believe they can move United States Ski and Snowboard forward. 

Riml will start his new role next week and attend U.S. Nationals in Sugarloaf, Maine. If you plan on attending the event, don’t be afraid to introduce yourself.

Goldschmidt acknowledges, “One thing that has become very clear is the presence of very different opinions. We do not expect everyone to agree with our hires for these roles. We put in many hours to make these decisions. I need people to understand that I have spoken to the best coaches worldwide and hope people will give these changes a chance. These are not silver bullets. These changes mark a structural and cultural shift and a new strategic direction. I believe these two key new hires, combined with our talented staff, can deliver something special and help athletes achieve their dreams.”