The Far West Ski Foundation (FWSF) believes in snowsports as healthful outdoor fitness and recreational activity for the whole family. The FWSF is currently staffed by volunteers, with a collective several centuries of volunteer experience in: club, council, regional and national leadership; racing, both recreational as well as sanctioned; National Ski Patrol (NSP), and the United States Adaptive Recreation Center (USARC).
The Far West Ski Foundation was founded in 1964 by seven prominent members of the skiing community. The founders included: Byron Nishkian, Sutter Kunkel, R. M. Heublein, Henry Jacobsen, Stanley J. Walton Jr., Kendall Manock and Len Speicher. The Foundation was aimed exclusively at preparing ski racers from California and Nevada for the 1968 Olympics and further international competition.
In 2009, the scope of the 1964 FWSF was expanded, with approval by the IRS and California Secretary of State in 2010. The new scope included four major missions: Building for the Future, Rehabilitation and Renewal, Sustaining Snowsports, and Preserving the Legacy. These missions allowed initial program support for: scholarships for young student athletes; support to rehabilitation and adaptive sports centers; women’s ski jumping, recognizing the heroic efforts of Deedee Corradini to get the women’s discipline into the 2010 winter Olympics; and preserving the legacy of snowsports through ski museums and libraries. It also provided the opportunity for additional future support for programs such as: increased support of athletes in international competition; snowsports disciplines such as Nordic skiing and snowboarding; safety; climate change initiatives; diversity on the slopes; and snowsports history research projects.
Far West Ski Foundation may receive tax deductible contributions in furtherance of its missions and objectives. Such funds are then directed to the focused missions of the Foundation. FWSF is an autonomous, public benefit non-profit corporation operating under the laws of the State of California and in compliance with law and regulations under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. The Federal tax ID is 94-1540125.
Board of Directors
Alan Christian
President
president@farwestskifoundation.org
Danville, CA
With a BS in Chemical Engineering, worked for Monsanto and then founded Christian Power Equipment, Inc. Competed in ski racing at the University of Colorado and at the highest levels in Far West Ski Association, United States Ski and Snowboard, and Far West Masters. Past Chairman of the FWSA Board of Trustees and led the awards program for 13 years.
John Watson
Past PresidentSustaining Snowsportspastpresident@farwestskifoundation.org
Fallbrook, CA
Has 50 years experience as an aerospace engineer, in air operations analysis and ballistic missile defense, and a Naval aviator. Advanced degrees in geosciences. As President of FWSF, oversaw modernization of its missions. Served over 50 years in support of snowsports and its associated organizations from club to national level since 1966.
Jane Wyckoff
Vice Presidentvicepresident@farwestskifoundation.org
Little Elk, TX
Former educator in the California public school system and business data analyst. Involved in snowsports organizations for over 50 years. A Past President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees – Far West Ski Association, Assistant Patrol Leader – NSPS, and Board of Directors – California Handicapped Skier’s Foundation (USARC).
John Reinhardt
Treasurertreasurer@farwestskifoundation.org
Portland, OR
A retired CPA with more than 50 years in public accounting. Past member of the Accounting Standards Executive Committee of the AICPA. Tax advisor to Far West Ski Association, past officer/director of Northwest Ski Club Council and Northwest Snowsports Foundation, founder of Cabernet Ski & Sail Club, and a former recreational ski racer.
Norbert Knapp
Secretarysecretary@farwestskifoundation.org
Los Angeles, CA
An inventory control manager who worked for several California companies, including the City of Beverly Hills Vehicle Services. A skier for over 50 years, he has held offices from Trip Chairman to President for Grindelwald Ski Club and the Los Angeles Council of Ski Clubs. Served as a Far West Ski Association Host Convention Chairman.
Joseph Harvis
Technologytechnology@farwestskifoundation.org
Milne Hill, NJ
Software developer who specialized in the insurance and financial services industries. Involved in organized amateur snowsports for almost 40 years, serving in a wide variety of offices. Past President of the National Ski Council Federation (NSCF) and currently Vice President of Communications for the Far West Ski Association.
David Krupp
Building for the Futurescholarships@farwestskifoundation.org
Stevenson Ranch, CA
A Financial Advisor with LPL with his main focus on portfolio design and implementation. He is a former President of The Los Angeles Council of Ski Clubs and Far West Ski Association Trustee. Currently in his eighth year as Chairman of the FWSA Athletic Scholarship Program, responsible for candidate selection and fund raising activities.
Gloria Raminha
Rehabilitation and Renewaladaptive@farwestskifoundation.org
Bakersfield, CA
Career as a Petroleum Measurement Specialist with Chevron Pipe Line Company for 34 years. Became active in organized skiing in the late 1970’s through Avalanche Ski & Sports Club in Central California. Served for many years as the Vice President of North American Travel and is the Immediate Past President of the Far West Ski Association.
Richard Shawkeyrshawkey@farwestskifoundation.org
Arnold, CA
Was the Analysis Directorate at ESL Inc, following 21 years of service in the U.S. Navy. An avid racer, he is a former Race Director for the Bear Valley Ski Club, Chairman of Open League Racing in the Far West Racing Association, and was the Chairman of the Far West Ski Association’s Athletic Scholarship Program for 6 years.
Randy Lewrlew@farwestskifoundation.org
Battle Ground, WA
Financial, accounting, and information systems professional who worked for market leading companies in the wine and food processing industries. He has over 30 years’ experience in organized skiing and is currently Treasurer of Far West Ski Association, having also served as President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Sandra Blackwellsblackwell@farwestskifoundation.org
Star, ID
Developed expertise in legal documentation as a former Administrative Assistant at a Southern California law firm. Past President of Single Ski Club of Los Angeles and current President of the Los Angeles Council of Ski Clubs. Assists the FWSF Treasurer to ensure compliance with California Secretary of State mandates and required filings.