Ski President Stepping Down After Sochi Games

VAIL, Colo. (AP) — Bill Marolt simply thought it was time for a new leader with fresh ideas to take over the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association.

That's why, after 18 years in charge, Marolt will step down as CEO and president of USSA following the Sochi Olympics.

To take his place, the organization is bringing on board former Olympian Tiger Shaw, who will start on Oct. 1 as chief operating officer before switching over to leading USSA after the Winter Games.

Marolt will still serve as vice president of the International Ski Federation and as a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee's board of directors. He plans to help the organization with fundraising, too.

"In one sense, it's hard to leave. But in another sense, it's exhilarating and exciting," Marolt said in a phone interview. "I think it's going to be fun to be part of it and to watch Tiger come on board, take it and run with it."

Shaw brings a business acumen to the position after serving as a senior director for a response services company. He also was a two-time Olympian and nine-time U.S. champion.

"He understands ski racing and he understands our organization," said Marolt, who has been a skier, coach and leader for USSA over his career. "I think that's really important that you have a good clear and deep understanding. We're not a huge company, but it's complicated, what we do is complicated.

"Tiger has the personality and the poise and the confidence to really be an effective leader. I think that our staff and the organization will respond."

Shaw said the primary goal is to "continue our long term vision of becoming the Best in the World in Olympic skiing and snowboarding."

- By Pat Graham, AP Sports Writer

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)