July 09, 2014 (Park City, Utah) – Women’s Ski Jumping USA is excited to announce Melissa Brooke as the foundation’s new Executive Director. Brooke, of Park City, Utah, will support the top-ranked Visa Women’s Ski Jumping Team and the new Fly Girls Athlete Development Program as the foundation continues to grow and flourish thanks to the success and debut of women’s ski jumping in the Olympic Winter Games.

Melissa brings over 20 years of corporate communications, marketing and non-profit leadership experience to WSJ-USA. After spending the past few years as director of communications for a Fortune 500 company based in Baltimore, she recently returned to her western roots, now residing in Park City with her husband and two children.

“I am incredibly honored to help lead WSJ-USA into its next exciting chapter. This team has shown incredible tenacity and talent over the last several years, facing some pretty big obstacles on and off the hill while proving themselves as world-class athletes.” Brooke said. “Now we have the opportunity to expand our organization, providing determined young girls across the nation with the opportunity to soar to new heights.”

Brooke replaces Robbie Beck, of Park City, who was brought in two years ago to help lead WSJ-USA through the critical Olympic-debut period. Beck resigned in June and is working on new projects.

“Robbie has been invaluable to the organization and we’re grateful for her excellent service,” said Deedee Corradini, WSJ-USA president. “The next four years promise to be some of the most exciting in our team’s history and we’re thrilled to see Melissa take the reins and lead WSJ-USA into the future.”

Brooke and Alan Alborn, head coach and athletic program manager, will concentrate efforts on maintaining the excellent National Team program and growing the newly launched Fly Girls initiative, which aims to recruit more young girls into ski jumping, help identify and mentor rising stars in the sport, and continue to advocate for women in sports.

Brooke also will be working closely with existing sponsors and donors to the team as well as ramping up efforts to attract new supporters.

“We have one of the all-time most inspiring Olympic stories to share and we’re looking to align with companies and individuals who believe in our athletes and our values,” Brooke said.

WSJ-USA’s new chapter kicks off July 17 as part of the foundation’s gala from 6-9 pm at the Montage Deer Valley. For info and tickets, visit here.

“Our annual fundraiser is critical in the success of our athletes. We’ve already raised $25,000 online toward our overall event goal of $100,000, but to reach that we need the community to join us on July 17,” Brooke said.