Alaska’s Nordic skiing legend and Olympic gold medalist returns to lead the organization that sparked her cross-country skiing passion
ANCHORAGE – The Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage’s (NSAA) board of directors is excited to announce the hiring of Kikkan Randall, one of America’s most successful Nordic skiers, as its new Executive Director. Randall is an Alaska sports legend who grew up in Anchorage and whose love for Nordic skiing was ignited as a child in NSAA’s popular Junior Nordics program.
Her first day at NSAA is Monday, August 2.
“We are thrilled to have Kikkan return home to Alaska and serve as the NSAA’s Executive Director,” said Joey Caterinichio, NSAA’s board president. “Kikkan is a product of Alaska skiing who has participated in NSAA’s Junior Nordic program and brought home an Olympic gold medal. We couldn’t ask for a better role model for our community or leader for NSAA.”
Randall comes to NSAA with a foundation of leadership, business administration, nonprofit management, and community and volunteer engagement experience. She also brings her signature enthusiasm and energy to the new position. Randall has a unique personal connection to NSAA, its programs and events, and Anchorage’s world-class trail system, which NSAA helps maintain year-round.
“I’m really excited to be coming home to Anchorage to join NSAA,” said Randall. “I’m enthusiastic about this opportunity and I can’t think of a better position in which I can contribute my experiences from skiing and racing all over the world. Cross-country skiing is at the core of who I am. I can’t wait to reconnect with the community and increase the joy of and access to Nordic skiing and our trail system for generations to come.”
Randall’s hiring continues the positive momentum for NSAA, which has led two critical ski seasons in which it provided safe and healthy outdoor recreation, racing, events and programs for Southcentral residents, all Alaskans, and visitors, even at the height of the COVID pandemic. The organization expects Randall to elevate its events and programs offerings, strengthen relationships with community partners, sponsors and advocates, and continue the club’s already outstanding outreach with NSAA’s members and passionate volunteers.
“This past year, cross-country skiing participation and outdoor recreation increased by 30 percent in Anchorage and NSAA’s program participation increased in record numbers,” added Caterinichio. “This is the perfect time to add Kikkan’s enthusiasm and energy, and her real-world experience at every level of this sport, to our organization.”
Randall etched a storied international cross-country skiing career that peaked with her gold medal winning performance with teammate Jessie Diggins in the team sprint at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, Korea. The win made the duo America’s first cross-country skiing gold medalists.
For more than 50 years, NSAA has promoted healthy lifestyles and all forms of Nordic skiing, as well as introduced Alaskans to cross-country skiing through learn-to-ski programs, ski races and local, statewide, national, and international skiing events. NSAA also grooms and maintains more than 150 kilometers of trails in the Anchorage area. Learn more about NSAA, give a gift or register for a membership at www.anchoragenordicski.com.