Joey Caterinichio and her kids at Jr Nationals © courtesy of Joey Caterinichio

July 23, 2015 – We caught up with Joey Caterinichio, who recently resigned from her Nordic Director position with the USSA, after taking over from her predecessor John Farra over three years ago. Caterinichio shares her beginnings in the sport and how she became involved with the USSA. She also reflects on her accomplishments as Nordic Director and the special moments she experienced while on the job. The USSA is now seeking a suitable candidate to fill the position. To view the job notice click here. SkiTrax wishes Caterinichio all the best as she embarks on a new chapter in her life.

Joey Caterinichio (right) and her husband © courtesy of Joey Caterinichio

I have been working with USSA for over three years and really have enjoyed the position.  I am a mom of three and have been working full time since graduation.

I was a ski racer in High School, College, post college. I then started a program in Alaska, coached and led Alaskan Skiing for over 15 years. I attended 18 Junior Nationals. I volunteered for USSA committees and served as chair for years. When John Farra left his position, the position was vacant for over a year. As the chair of the USSA coaches committee, I took the lead on several tasks while the position was open. When USSA decided to fill it I applied.

We have done a lot in three years. The Nation is in a great place not just with results but with wanting to work together as a Nation and support our governing body. I managed the international races such as World Championships, Olympics and World Juniors. I helped negotiated uniform deals and managed uniforms. Set the calendar for the US, worked with clubs, officials, coaches and athletes,  Bridging the US and Europe closer was important.

This year I was tasked with a task force to bring more members to USSA. I hosted several meetings both face to face and teleconference. We created a new membership strategy by lowering prices and teaming up with divisions to increase membership and support for USSA. This in turn also will lead to an increase in programs. With this in mind, we’ll need to expand my department to include more than one person. USSA would like to have these positions based out of Park City and it would be great to move there and stay with USSA but currently my family needs to be based in Alaska. I am thrilled at the potential growth for XC and will stay on and help USSA find the next individuals to grow XC to equal that of Alpine.

I have many favorite moments at USSA. Attending International events was great to learn and bring the information back home. My favorite moments was showing up my first year on the SuperTour circuit. The races needed improvement and expectations were low from timing to officiating. With the respective communities and input from coaches, I was able to help raise the bar to produce high-level events in the US.

We put the SuperTour into a block schedule and rotated it between sites, raised the number of homologated venues in the US, and increased the diversity in the US to help the sheer infrastructure that we need to produce athletes and support the clubs. It was the National level accomplishments I am most proud of.