July 5, 2022

To the New England Nordic Ski Association Community,

NENSA is pleased to announce that Heidi Lange will be NENSA’s new Executive Director starting this month. Heidi lives in Lyme, NH and brings a wealth of experience in community work and non-profit fundraising to her new role at NENSA. She has been connected to NENSA for many years as Co-Head Coach of the Bill Koch League and as a member of the Nordic Committee at Ford Sayre Ski Club. Heidi also served as Vice President and Programming Director of the Upper Valley Rowing Foundation as well as working on multiple New Hampshire school boards and committees. Heidi has led Hanover High School’s Novice Crew team where she created an incredibly successful youth fundraising campaign that raised funds for The Prouty, the largest fundraising event in northern New England. More recently, she coached at Stratton Nordic Center and West River Sports in Vermont.

Heidi’s professional experience, proven leadership skills, successful fundraising efforts, and enthusiasm for the cross country skiing community will make her an effective Executive Director for NENSA and a passionate advocate for cross country skiing and skiers. The NENSA staff and Board is excited to work closely with Heidi to continue to advance NENSA’s mission and provide diverse, engaging programming to the New England ski community.

“I am looking forward to working with Heidi to bring cross country skiing to new communities and new heights,” said NENSA president Ellen Chandler. “Heidi understands NENSA’s operations and organization from the inside and out, as a coach, racer parent and participant; and her professional and civic experience align with NENSA’s needs seamlessly.”

“The value of NENSA’s mission has felt especially apparent to me during the covid pandemic when the skilled and dedicated Director and staff have worked creatively and resolutely to serve the New England ski community,” said incoming NENSA Executive Director Heidi Lange. “I have such belief in NENSA’s work and the powerful experiences and lessons possible for its participants at all levels. I am thrilled to be joining this team, building upon the many successes achieved under Amie’s leadership, and continuing to help NENSA grow and thrive.”

Heidi will succeed current Executive Director, Amie Smith at the end of this month. Amie has been NENSA’s Executive Director since 2016, and on staff since 2015, where she positioned NENSA as a leader in North American cross country skiing. Amie recruited and supported a strong and talented staff and developed donor relationships that leave NENSA in good financial standing. Amie will continue her involvement with NENSA and U.S. Ski & Snowboard as a Technical Delegate and will also help coach her local BKL club at Prospect Mountain in Woodford, VT, where she has also joined their Board of Directors.

“I was thrilled to hear that Heidi Lange was chosen as my successor. She will be a phenomenal next Executive Director for NENSA. Heidi cares deeply about our cross country ski community and that will shine through in all she does for NENSA moving forward.” said current Executive Director Amie Smith.

We thank Amie for her many years of excellent leadership and we are excited to welcome Heidi as NENSA’s new Executive Director.

With Regards,

The New England Nordic Ski Association Board of Directors