I’d like to start by thanking the members, the board, and the staff team for their warm welcome to the Canadian Ski Instructors’ Alliance.
Since April 17, I’ve been immersed in the organization – meeting with the board, the staff, and the members and I must say that I love the passion that each of you bring to the CSIA. There is a reason that the CSIA has been in existence for 87 years, and that reason is you, the members. You are dedicated to ensuring that this organization continues to deliver the very best in ski instruction certification programs, and that members are respected around the world for their talent.
The team here at CSIA is amazing! I have had the opportunity to meet with each of the 24 team members to learn more about them and the role that they play. Did you know that several of the office staff have been with the organization for 15 years or more? Their knowledge of the programs, members, and services that we offer is rich and deep. The passion and dedication that they bring to their jobs each and every day is impressive and a testament to the value of this organization.
Our on-snow team is equally impressive. Some are self described “ski bums” but they all have talents that contribute to the success of each ski season beyond what they do on the ski hill. Whether its creative endeavours, technological prowess, and amazing organizational skills, these are people who give above and beyond to CSIA year-round.
To ensure that this team continues to be successful, especially in light of a changing landscape, I’ve made some quick changes within the team. Changes that put the right people in the right place to continue to build our programming.
It was an easy choice to ask JF Beaulieu to step in as Senior Director, Programs and Education and Head Coach of the Interski 2027 Team. His credibility and reputation are recognized both here in Canada and internationally. I know that he will lead our on-snow team to be the best in the world delivering the best product. He will work with Jason Young, our Manager of Products & Education and the rest of the team to make sure that CSIA programs continue to be recognized as the best in the world.
It was also an easy choice to ask Betsy Linnell to move into the role of Director, Marketing and Communications. While she has led a great team as the Programs Manager for the past several years, we now get to call on her marketing and communications expertise to help us tell the CSIA story in a more meaningful way. She’s already rolled up her sleeves and is diving into the work alongside her new team.
There is a lot of work to do this summer, and we are just getting started. This week the whole team met in Bromont to plan for next season. Stay tuned as we start to roll out news about what’s coming next.