What is your top priority as president? It is essential that we grow membership and update our image to appeal to future generations. Growth en- compasses not only attracting people to try our sport, but also developing programs to support our clubs so they can attract and retain members. We must also offer opportunities to our competitive skaters to stay in the sport when they finish competing, continue to grow our adult membership and position figure skating as a core activity of a healthy lifestyle.
What steps should the organization take toward
these goals? Investing in our clubs and developing programs they can offer is a top priority, as they are the foundation of our association. Continuing to support and invest in synchronized skating, which has been wonderful for re- tention and which gives us a team activity to promote, is also critical. We also have had great success with events such as Teatre on Ice, Solo Dance and Showcase, which provide opportunities for our skaters to continue to participate. We will continue to develop such programs — for example, freestyle events that focus on creativity, skating skills and interpretation. Tis could be expanded to dance and possibly team events as well. With adults, I think we are just beginning to scratch the surface of possibility and I see a real opportunity to grow our adult membership and related events.
10 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2014
Speaking
of synchronized skating, you are in sup-
port of working toward its inclusion in the Olympic Win- ter Games. What steps should be taken to help promote this endeavor? Te U.S. is definitely on the forefront of supporting
synchronized skating’s inclusion in the Olympics — just think of the possibilities it opens up in our country for college programs and recognition. It potentially could match women’s hockey in popularity someday. Whatev- er support the ISU needs to convince the International Olympic Committee, we will commit to make it happen. What are some of the challenges facing the sport in
general? Today there are so many other sports and activities
that our youth can participate in that we must update the image of U.S. Figure Skating and make it easier to participate in our programs. Likewise at the ISU level, we must continue to fight for our sport’s credibility while consistently winning medals at the championship level. You have a unique perspective as an Olympic and
World judge. How will that benefit you in your role as president?
I think it gives me a much broader perspective and it has taught me how to take an analytical view toward any challenge, even under great pressure. It has also made me realize how connected all aspects of our sport are. For example, our Olympic skaters created a lot of excitement,
PHOTO BY PETER ZAPALO
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