NEWS OF NOTE M
LINEUP
MARK DORSEY STEPS DOWN AS PSIA-AASI CEO, TOM SPIESS NAMED INTERIM CEO
ark Dorsey, who served PSIA-AASI as chief executive officer since 2006, stepped down this summer to accept a similar position with the Construction
Specifications Institute in Alexandria, Virginia.
Te PSIA-AASI Board of Directors named PSIA-AASI Chief Financial Officer Tom Spiess
the interim CEO and a board-
appointed search committee has been formed to find and vet a new CEO. “Tis is a terrific opportunity for Mark,
and we wish him the best in his new venture,” said PSIA-AASI Board Chair Ed Younglove. “It is difficult to summarize all the ways Mark has contributed to PSIA- AASI in his 26 years with us. During his tenure our membership has grown to record numbers, and the quality of educational materials, member services, and benefits have increased tremendously. We will miss him, but I have no doubt his connection to the organization will continue.” Dorsey, who is a Level III alpine
instructor, joined the PSIA-AASI staff as marketing director in 1989 and was named CEO in 2006, succeeding Stephen Over in that position. During Dorsey’s time as executive director, membership grew to an all-time high of 32,241, which he attributes, in part, to the association’s success in providing quality resources and educational materials that enable the professional and personal development of PSIA-AASI members. “It has been a very difficult decision to
leave PSIA-AASI, as it has been an honor to serve the association’s passionate 32,000 members as CEO for these last nine years,” said Dorsey. “I appreciate the support and dedication of PSIA-AASI’s volunteers and the amazing staff with whom I have had the privilege to serve. While I am extremely proud of our joint success, I look forward to seeing what more PSIA- AASI can and will accomplish in the years to come.” In his 26 years in a leadership role with PSIA-AASI, Dorsey witnessed everything
14 | 32 DEGREES • FALL 2015
from the snowboarding boom to the birth of shaped skis. Asked to highlight how PSIA-AASI harnessed ongoing innovation during his tenure, he credited staff, volunteer leaders, and PSIA-AASI’s members for their role in the following
hallmarks: Q An ongoing commitment to strong relationships with sponsors as well as industry organizations such as NSAA, SIA, and USSA.
QTe formation of AASI and the resulting growth of snowboarders as members.
QTe inclusion of snowboarding, telemark, cross country, and adaptive instruction under one roof, as exemplified by the content in 32 Degrees.
Q Te behind-the-scenes work to tie record- keeping together, across the country, for the first time, to deliver more and better services – such as the ability to renew dues online.
QTrowing PSIA-AASI’s 50th birthday
QCreating the first grant program to support adaptive schools and instructors, reaching a population of non-member instructors in a new and innovative way, and seeing this work nationally recognized from outside the industry.
bash and publishing American Snow to chronicle PSIA-AASI’s impact on snowsports.
QTe groundbreaking digital-first content and integration of video, exemplified by the new manuals and 32 Degrees.
“Tere is always room for improvement, however there is no question there are better offerings and industry connection than ever before,” Dorsey said. “I am most
proud of being able to serve members and be a part of helping them inspire lifelong skiers and riders. Last, I am thrilled that the organization is in good hands with the staff that is in place. It is time for the next generation of leadership to take the reins.” Former PSIA-AASI Board Chair Eric
Sheckleton said, “Te members of PSIA- AASI benefited greatly from the time Mark Dorsey spent serving the association. His exceptional understanding association
of management,
coupled with his experience as a ski instructor and division volunteer, made him an effective CEO for our association. Mark’s vision kept the association from stagnating by fostering new programs, services, sponsorship, and education
delivery methods, which helped us reach record levels of membership. He should be proud of the legacy he leaves behind.” Sheckleton’s predecessor, John Armstrong, added, “I came on the scene in 1991 when Mark was marketing
director. We all
learned a lot from him about what it takes to sell PSIA-AASI and obtain member benefits such as those offered by Subaru and Patagonia. As time went on he became a valuable second to Steve Over, and, when Steve was leaving and Mark applied it was easy for me to recommend him to the board. Mark moved up into the CEO role with ease and composure. He has influenced PSIA-AASI in a very positive manner.” Offering parting words for PSIA-AASI colleagues, Dorsey encouraged members to recognize that they have the power to change lives, one person at a time. “Whether engendering a sensation that feels like flying, or just taking in a breathtaking vista, instructors are guides to adventure and the great outdoors,” he said. “Rather than get fixated on the right and wrong of a turn, focus on the feelings and freedom of that turn – right, wrong, or otherwise. Sure, improve the turn, but don’t forget why were even bothering with it in the first place.”
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