Claudia Yamamoto Is New PNSA Executive Director

The Pacific Northwest Ski Association (PNSA), a division of U.S. Ski & Snowboard, is excited to announce Claudia Yamamoto of Quincy, WA, has been selected as its new Executive Director. Claudia will succeed Paul Mahre, who served as Executive Director for the past 10 years.

Claudioa brings a wealth oif experience and talent to the position. She was a former highl level competitor with Mission Ridge Ski Training Academy and Crystal Mountain Alpine Club. She is a USSA Level III alpine coach, PSIA/AASI ALevel III Certified Instructor, past AAC chair [1988-89] and Mission Ridge Ski Resort marketing manager [1986-91].

Claudia spent many eyars coaching for Mission Ridge ski club at the YSL and U16 levels. She was the Auction Chair and Rce Administrator for that program. She is a parent of two very successful ski racing athletes which helps give her an all round view of ski racing; atthlete/coach/parent..

Claudia has spent the past three years workjing on a contract/hourly baiss for PNSA co ordinating the Elite PAss program, the PNSA team travel and co-ordinating the PNSA annual coinvention. SHe also has a srtrong background in data management and working with growers in the agriculture business.

Curt Hammond, President of PNSA said “With Claudia’s background, knowledge of PNSA, and her energy level, we are very excited to have her lead our division,” 

Claudia will begin transitioning into her new role over the next few months, with Paul Mahre staying on in an advisory role through November.

“I am extremely excited and humbled to be asked to lead PNSA, an organization that has been part of my entire life as a competitor, coach, official and parent of athletes,” Yamamoto said. “I have big foot steps to fill as Paul has been such a rock for PNSA the past 10 years, as well as a great mentor the past 3 as I’ve learned my roles with the division.  I wish him the best as he moves forward with his journey in life.”

The Pacific Northwest Ski Association (PNSA) is a non-profit organization and operates for the benefit of all PNSA and United States Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) members in the Pacific Northwest division. Ski competition in the Pacific Northwest, including Oregon, Washington, and northern Idaho is organized and conducted by PNSA. PNSA and its’ competitions are organized under the guidelines of the International Ski Federation (FIS) and USSA.