Amie Smith

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John Caldwell Award:  One of NENSA’s finest traditions is presenting the John Caldwell Award.  This award annually recognizes a single individual, or entity, which embodies the spirit, dedication, innovation, and pride of John Caldwell. 

NENSA is thrilled to honor John Ogden and Ed Despard, from Bullitt Timing, with the John Caldwell Award this year, as they truly embody the spirit of this annual award.  

Ed and John, and the company they created – Bullitt Timing – has not only raised the bar for timing races – but surpassed it in all they have done to make timing fair, consistent, reliable, and accessible.

“It is with great pleasure that I can share a few ‘insider’ thoughts about Bullitt Timing, a very small company with a huge heart, endless energy and constant innovation.” says Mary Ann Levins, long-time NENSA event & timing support and race secretary.  “For decades, New England Nordic skiing has been well aware of John Ogden’s passion and enthusiasm for the sport, but what simmered under those wild wigs at the NEBKL Festivals was a man determined to solve some of the problems that plagued the quality of our events.”

Thus, Bullitt timing was born!  John’s ‘CAN DO’ energy now teamed with Ed Despard’s casually stunning abilities with computer software, hardware and basically anything to do with the tech aspects of event timing, put this little company on the fast track to becoming an indispensable part of New England Nordic ski racing.

These two men are the epitome of growth mindsets.  Spend five minutes in their Snap On tool truck retrofitted to be a timing brain trust and you will find that they are not resting on their accomplishments but rather talking about how they can be better; how they can offer more to the racers.  Always thinking, they brought on a third tech/timing savvy assistant, Steve Burt.  Steve brings a calm capability that really shines when things get ‘lively’.  If you have spent any time in a timing building (or truck), things can get ‘lively’.  These three men repeatedly produce a world class product and they do it with huge hearts and great passion.  Congratulations to Bullitt Timing on the well-deserved John Caldwell Award.  New England Nordic Skiing and the greater racing community are so fortunate that you decided to tirelessly invest your many talents in improving a critical component of our events.”

Kait Miller, NENSA Youth & Introductory Program Director shares –

“I’ve experienced what Bullitt Timing brings to an event from both the athlete and event organizer side. Bullitt entered the scene while I was still competing professionally, and they quickly raised the bar on event timing to a whole new level. Both as an athlete and an event organizer, having Bullitt at an event meant I did not have to worry about timing. I could lay my trust in them to provide timely and accurate seed lists, start lists, and results. It is so evident by the quality of their work and their constant innovation how much Ed and John care about the ski community. And while they are operating at a very high level, they are always open to feedback and are always looking for ways to improve what they do. At events, they are the first to arrive and the last to leave. And in addition to being master timers and data managers, Ed and John are also kind and fun humans and I’m grateful to work alongside them.” 

“Bullitt Timing really stepped onto the scene right about the time I joined NENSA,” says Justin Beckwith, NENSA’s Competitive Program Director.  “Besides bringing a whole gamut of new technology — John and Ed bring undeniable passion to all their pursuits.  They just love being a part of events.  The success of many of our new programs, specifically rollerskiing are in many ways possible because of our partnership.  Whether its data management, loaning equipment or helping with manual labor at events — Bullitt Timing has always been there for NENSA and the skiers of New England!” 

Ollie Burruss, Race Director at Craftsbury sums it up by adding –

“It’s hard for me to encapsulate how invaluable Bullitt Timing has been to racing at the Outdoor Center and in New England writ large. I had the honor of hiring John and Ed for what I believe was their first paid gig, an Eastern Cup Opener back in 2016. John was chatting with me in the timing shed when the race started, casually reaching back to click something on his laptop after the first racer left the gate without missing a beat in his story. Since then, Bullitt has joined us for Eastern Cups, Marathon Ski Festivals, and even the 2019 US Cross Country Championships. I honestly cannot imagine hosting a big race without them. Ed, John, Steve, Mary Anne, and everyone else who keeps Bullitt running (I see you Alex and Andrea!) have played an enormous role in raising the bar for competitive skiing nationwide, not just here in New England. Timing is a funny thing. Most of the time if you have to think much about the timing at a race, that’s a bad thing. I love that Bullitt is being recognized with this award and getting the shine they deserve, but I think the true marker of their success is how little racers, coaches, and fans have to think about them at a race. Just head to the live timing, check the results, and go on with your day. No fuss, just accurate information delivered by some of the loveliest folks in our community. “

BRAVO to Bullitt Timing, and to John Ogden and Ed Despard for your game changing addition to the New England ski community.  We here at NENSA are so proud to give you this award, as an entity which embodies the spirit, dedication, innovation, and pride of John Caldwell.  Congratulations!

Fischer Sports has signed a three-year Associate Sponsorship with NENSA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 18, 2022

NENSA is thrilled to announce that our longtime sponsor, Fischer Sports, has upped their commitment to NENSA and our year round programing by increasing their annual support to the Associate Level, and signing a 3 year sponsorship agreement with us. 

This first year of increased financial support has enabled NENSA to purchase a trailer that will house and transport all our equipment to and from our NENSA events and programs. Making its debut last week at our NENSA Eastern Regional Elite Group (REG) Camp and the Lost Nation Roll & clinics in Craftsbury VT, the trailer has already been a game changer for both storage and protection of our rollerskis and ramps. 

Fischer Sports has been a huge supporter of our annual Women’s Day—supplying demo equipment to our participants for the day and swag for our raffle. We look forward to Fischer’s increased visibility and support at many of our events and races this coming season.

“Increasing our commitment to NENSA was an easy decision,” says Fischer Skis U.S. Nordic Director, Steve Reeder. “The support they provide to the New England skiing community is unrivaled, and we’re thrilled to help the organization with their year-round efforts to promote the sport.”

“NENSA has benefited from Fischer Sport’s support for many years. It was a pleasure to work with Steve and Brian on this new three-year sponsorship, comments Amie Smith, NENSA’s executive director.“The increased financial support to NENSA is so appreciated and needed! Our organization has been providing increased programming, events and race opportunities steadily over the past number of years, and this step up in sponsorship helps us meet that staffing and programming increase.” 

About Fischer Skis:

Fischer’s vision is to be the winter athlete’s brand of choice through outstanding products, created for everlasting moments and new levels of individual performance. The privately held company employs nearly 2000 individuals who all share a passion for and dedication to winter sports. Fischer Sports GmbH was founded in 1924 in Ried im Innkreis, Austria, where the global headquarters is still located. Manufacturing takes place there and in Ukraine. For more information, visit www.fischersports.com

About NENSA:

NENSA Vision and Mission Statement:

Be a vibrant cross country skiing organization that inspires and empowers lifelong learning, development and community-building through the sport of cross country skiing. Mission: Share the joy of gliding on snow through educational, recreational, introductory and competitive programs to nurture and sustain an active cross country ski community for all ages and levels throughout the East.

NENSA Statement of Purpose:

The New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) is the umbrella organization for Nordic skiing events in the region. We are a member-supported service organization that promotes the culture of cross-country skiing by creating opportunities for youth, athletes, coaches, officials and skiers of all levels. NENSA provides the support structure necessary to bring cross-country skiers to their highest potential at regional, national and international events.

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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

Heidi can be reached at [email protected]

NENSA is thrilled to be included in these Grant Awards from the Killington World Cup Foundation (KWCF) for our 2022-23 season.  Our grant from KWCF will help fund our Nordic Rocks program which provides elementary school students with an opportunity to experience cross country skiing during the school day with their teachers and classmates, and to learn the health and lifestyle benefits associated with exercise and outdoor fun.

NENSA assists Nordic Rocks school with a skiing curriculum, equipment acquisition, and teaching support. The curriculum is easy to follow and offers teachers learning ideas with both outdoor and indoor activities.

The Killington World Cup Foundation (KWCF) awarded 31 grants totaling $289,000 to Northeast area nonprofits in eight states. KWCF also donated $160,000 to support athlete housing at the Killington Cup. These grants were made possible as a result of the 2021 Homelight Killington Cup. In the last four years KWCF has donated almost $2,000,000 in incremental resources to the winter sports infrastructure and youth snow sport programs in the region. 

The Killington World Cup Foundation grants ranged from $1,500 to $25,000. All of the grant recipients are registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or have a fiscal sponsor. Awarded projects included: supporting and expanding youth community snowsport  programs in rural North Carolina and Maine, helping to grow the program for the Share Winter/Association of Africans living in Vermont, and providing trail expansion and equipment for Nordic, Adaptive, Alpine, Snowboarding and Ski Jumping youth organizations. Over half of this year’s grantees are new to the Killington World Cup Foundation. Grants were awarded June 15, 2022 and funding begins September 15, 2022.

“The KWCF is critical to not only the success of the Killington World Cup events each year, but it has changed the lives of so many young ski racers across the Northeast with its goal of benefitting local and regional youth development programs. KWCF continues to provide opportunity and critical help to clubs to help them support the dreams of their athletes,” states Doug Lewis.

“Thank you so much for the generous grant! We look forward to continuing our work to support local children in our area and providing access to snow sports. This would not be possible without the support of KWCF.” – 2022 Grantee

“Thank you very much for the terrific news on our grant from KWCF supporting Phase 2 of the Andover Outing Club’s year-round Ski Jumping Initiative! That’s a huge help as we continue to move forward and gain momentum with Phase 2. This initiative is so important to our youth ski jumpers here in the northeast!” 

Grant applications were reviewed by a committee that included: Tiger Shaw, CEO Wasatch Peaks Ranch Club; Tom Karam, founder of T2 Foundation and a U.S. Ski & Snowboard trustee; Grace Macomber Bird, Volunteer, Kelly Brush Foundation; Harry Ryan, Facey, Goss & McPhee, P.C.; Victoria Hone,Facey, Goss & McPhee, P.C;  John Casella, Chairman and CEO of Casella Waste Management; Kenneth Graham, Founder and Chairman of Inverness Graham and U.S. Ski & Snowboard Board of Directors; and Phill Gross, Managing Director, Adage Capital Management and U.S. Ski & Snowboard Board of Directors.

A list of all of 2022’s grant recipients as well as details for organizations interested in applying for future KWCF grants can be found at kwcfgivesback.org.

About the Killington World Cup Foundation:

KWCF was created to support the Women’s World Cup at Killington and to benefit local and regional youth development programs. KWCF will consider and award grants to qualifying 501(c)(3) organizations to facilitate training infrastructure in the Northeast and SARA region (ME/NH/VT/CT/NY/MA/RI/NJ/PA/NC/VA/WV) and to increase participation in competitive winter sports programs throughout the Northeast. Fundraising is a year-round effort. For more information, visit kwcfgivesback.org.

About NENSA:

The New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) is the umbrella organization for Nordic skiing events in the region. We are a member-supported service organization that promotes the culture of cross-country skiing by creating opportunities for youth, athletes, coaches, officials and skiers of all levels. NENSA provides the support structure necessary to bring cross-country skiers to their highest potential at regional, national and international events.

The New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) is looking for its next Executive Director to lead this vibrant and thriving XC Ski Non-Profit Organization.  Founded in 1995, NENSA is a member-supported service organization that promotes the culture of cross-country skiing by creating opportunities for youth, athletes, coaches, officials and skiers of all levels. NENSA also provides the support structure necessary to bring cross-country skiers to their highest potential at regional, national and international events.

Executive Director | Job Posting

The New England Nordic Ski Association is seeking its next Executive Director.  This role requires strong, inspired leadership with a collaborative spirit to galvanize and to work with our ski community as well as our staff and Board of Directors.  This position is key in supporting, overseeing and advancing NENSA’s four non-profit pillars of income: Sponsors & Grants, Donations, Membership and Programming. This person will work closely with the staff – the Competitive Program Director, Youth & Introductory Program Director, Operations Manager, and Event Support/TD Coordinator, as well as community stakeholders including members, sponsors, donors, clubs, venues, U.S. Ski & Snowboard and various NENSA and US Ski & Snowboard committees. Great people skills are a must.  The Executive Director is an empowered leadership position, requiring energy, vision, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask, in advancing all of NENSA’s programming and mission.

To deliver the mission of NENSA as the regional governing body for cross country skiing in the U.S., the Executive Director will:

• Promote cross country skiing as a healthy and inclusive recreational sport.
• Provide development opportunities for skiers of all abilities and levels, including volunteer and professional development to support the sport. 
• Produce high quality competitive events for elite and recreational skiers.
• Ensure compliance of NENSA with US Ski & Snowboard and be NENSA’s Representative to US Ski & Snowboard Congress.

Essential Functions – Including, but not limited to, management of the following areas:

Staff:

• Overall support and management of the staff and contracted/associated professionals (timers, technical delegates, etc).

Sponsorships & Grants:

• Responsible for maintaining and expanding all current sponsors as well as finding and securing new sponsorship opportunities.

Annual Fundraising:

• NENSA’s Annual Fund (ongoing) – maintaining donor relationships and cultivating new ones
• Auction or other fundraising events

Finance and Administration:

• Oversight and accountability of the FY budget throughout the year in concert with the Treasurer, Finance Committee and contracted bookkeeper. 
• Annual financial review with independent auditor and Treasurer.
• Oversight and renewal of insurance policies.

Promotion & Membership:

• Oversee all marketing and communications including but not limited to website, NENSA eNewsletter, and social media.

Board Management:

• Work with a volunteer Board of Directors who oversee and support the operation and fulfill the obligations of 501(c)(3) status.

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelors/Associates Degree or commensurate educational background.
• Passion and familiarity with the sport of cross country skiing and the ideals of the NENSA mission
• Excellent written and verbal communication and human relations skills
• Proficiency and comfort working in both office and field settings with appropriate technology: Google App suite (or comparable), cloud based competition and data applications.
• Demonstrated ability to work remotely in fast paced multidisciplinary team environment
• Must be eligible to work in the USA, hold a valid driver’s license, and qualify to hold a US Ski & Snowboard coaching/volunteer license (with background check). 

Conditions:

• Regular work from home office with occasional travel to headquarters in Maine 
• Regional travel in and around New England for our programming & with staff
• Occasional national travel
• Some work will be done outdoors in varying and winter weather conditions
• Able to thoughtfully handle potentially politically sensitive issues (such as COVID masking and vaccinations, climate change initiatives and trans-gender racing). 

The Executive Director is a full time, year round position. This position reports to the President of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee.

• Salary based on experience
• Simple 401k match
• Phone & internet stipend for home office
• A modest health care stipend
• Executive Committee approved travel expenses reimbursed

NENSA is an equal opportunity employer. All staff and coaches undergo background checks. Start date is negotiable, but we seek to fill this role as soon as possible.  Applications should be submitted by May 15, 2022.  Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, resume, and three references to Ellen Chandler & the Search Committee via email at: [email protected]

April 7, 2022

To the New England Nordic Ski Association Community,

Amie W. Smith, Executive Director of the New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA), has shared with the Board her decision to leave her position to explore other creative pursuits. Amie has been Executive Director since 2016 and through her efforts NENSA has become a leader in North American skiing for its engaging and diverse youth programming, competitive success at all levels, and strong industry partnerships. She leaves NENSA with a strong and talented staff in place, and in good financial stability.

Amie has been connected to NENSA for decades, starting as a “racer parent” and youth coach as her girls grew up in the Eastern Massachusetts Bill Koch League and Cambridge Sports Union and through their years of collegiate racing. She was volunteer Trip Leader for the New England team to Junior Nationals in 2014 and 2015 before officially joining NENSA as the Director of Competitive Programs in June of that year. Her professional leadership and ebullient personality have successfully guided NENSA through challenging times, not the least of which has been two years of the pandemic. NENSA Board Chair Carol Van Dyke says Amie will be greatly missed and “Her attention to detail, dedication to NENSA’s mission, mentorship especially to women, her passion for the sport, and her positive approach to all issues uplifted everyone to do their best and she leaves the organization in a far stronger position than what it was at the start of her tenure.”

We are grateful that Amie will stay on to help with the transition over the next four months.  She will continue to be involved with NENSA as a Technical Delegate and coaching with her local BKL Club at Prospect Mountain. The sport and industry of cross-country skiing are grateful for her years of service.

The Board of Directors of NENSA will open a national search that invites qualified individuals to apply for this position later in April.

With Regards,

The New England Nordic Ski Association Board of Directors

Congrats for making the 2022 New England Junior National Team!  Here is the link to the page to complete all the forms: https://nensa.net/jn-packetpayment/

Please be sure to complete all 7 items before this Thursday 2/24 at 9pm.  Thank you!

Questions:  Contact Amie Smith, NE Team Leader at [email protected] or Justin Beckwith, Competitive Program Director at [email protected]

Check out all the latest news in this weeks issue of KickZone ~ enjoy!

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• Diggins Wins Bronze on Historic Night for U.S. Cross Country
• SWIX Responsible Waxing project ~ including 4 chances to win $1k-$5k in SWIX wax ~ a drawing each week this month of February.
• Recap of an incredible weekend of NENSA Eastern Cup, US Ski & Snowboard Supertour and UVM Carnival racing in Craftsbury last weekend
• Dublin XC is looking for volunteers for the final Eastern Cup in Dublin NH 2/19-2/20
• Get ready…starting tomorrow you can purchase NENSA’s brand new custom fabric SKIDA hats & neck warmers and support NENSA too!
• Cross Country Skier (magazine) Tour de Trail ~ Join them in Lake Placid this weekend for free demos, fun and a raffle!
• Responsible Fluoro Wax Disposal at the BKL Festival
• From our Partners & In the News:
• From U.S. Ski & Snowboard ~ A must see video of Julia Kern giving a tour of the US Wax Bus and life on the road. Plus, recaps of the Olympics XC Skiathlon and Sprint races.
• From SIDAS: 5 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT BODY TEMPERATURE REGULATION
• Ode to the New England Ski Community from GRP/Salomon athlete Michaela Keller-Miller