A Big Thank You

Thank you to High Performance Director Chad Salmela

Photo: Chad Salmela giving technique feedback to Kevin Bolger and Zak Ketterson.

As we reflect on this incredible season, we also want to extend our deep gratitude to High Performance Director Chad Salmela, who is stepping away from his role after three impactful years with the team.

A quote from his athlete and Olympian Paul Schommer:

“Chad was the first coach to believe in me. His belief in me took me to places I never thought possible, and I will be forever grateful for Chad helping me realize my potential as an athlete.“

Chad brought professionalism, perspective, and a steady commitment to the program during a critical time in its development. His leadership helped guide Team Birkie through challenges and growth alike, leaving a lasting imprint on both the athletes and the organization.

In his own words:

"I understood from the outset the effect my taking on the head coach role at the time would have on the organization. I was happy to contribute whatever my time, energy, and reputation could lend to keeping it going.

I also saw all the pitfalls and limitations of the time I actually had to dedicate, as scary and formidable. Ultimately, it became unsustainable for me personally, as I stayed on for over a year longer than I had originally planned. I feel we did a relatively good job of maintaining that balance for most of my employment, but we had also been working to remove me from my position from the moment I took it on. At least I was. That was almost 3 years. I hadn't planned on that, but the nature of things put us there.

That I have quietly exited my involvement in the midst of the team's most successful season across the board, ending with the mixed relay win for our first team, and 5th place for our second team at spring Nationals, Team Birkie has proven it is on its feet and doesn't need me in any role any longer. Team Birkie's Olympic, World Championship, World Cup, National Championship, and Supertour presence has been one of the joys and prides of this 2026 season, which really had a lot of amazing moments and opportunities for me personally.

I have enjoyed the people the most. The scope, nature, and intensity of this type of work is immensely selfless and not for everyone. You'll know it's for you if you find yourself doing it for any amount of time. Good folks have come and gone during my time, and I thank all of them for the experiences I've gained from working with them. Some have left with hard feelings, others with more fond outlooks. I will be squarely in the fond category, while I understand some feel misunderstood and are conflicted. That's going to happen on a mission so tight in margins. That's just the nature of this underdog organization.

I've not experienced anyone who didn't have a good reason for coming or going in my tenure, and I've truly wished everyone well with whom I've engaged. I just think this is an incredibly tough job that requires an extraordinary amount of personal commitment and detachment from so many typical reasons people tend to take on jobs. The joy has to be the whole of the process for everyone involved, all the time. That's the nature of it, and it is exhausting and thankless work if you can't find the love in it from its essence. It's forgivable to miss that and say it's not for you, and move on. I respect that and always have. But those continuing to carry Team Birkie are a unique breed worth celebrating in their passion and tenacity in their rarest and thankless forms. They have my utmost love and respect.

I have fully been behind Team Birkie from the outset and continue to be in their court as I move on. I believe it gives American ski sport a model of athlete support the country needs to continue to push and discover for itself. I look forward to watching Team Birkie's continued success and will be cheering from wherever I happen to be watching."

While Chad is stepping away for personal reasons, his influence will continue to be felt in the systems, culture, and momentum he helped build. We thank him for his dedication and wish him the very best in what comes next.

Photo: Big thank you to Chad for supporting our Team and athletes since 2023.

Welcoming High Performance Coach & Service Director Randy Gibbs

Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome Randy Gibbs to Team Birkie as our new High Performance Coach and Service Director.

Randy brings a wealth of experience in elite-level ski service and athlete support, with a strong background in building high-functioning systems that allow athletes to perform at their best. He will lead wax support for the team in the coming years, a critical component of success at both national and international levels, and will be a key resource across all aspects of performance.

“I’m excited to join Team Birkie because the program sits at an important intersection of athlete development, elite performance, and community impact. My goal is to help strengthen the systems around the athletes so they can continue building on their national and international success.”

We’re thrilled to have Randy on board and look forward to the impact he will make.

Photo: Randy Gibbs in his element - race waxing.

SUMMER COLLEGE PROGRAM 2026

Team Birkie continues to invest in the next generation through its growing college program, led by Olympian and accomplished athlete Jake Brown.

This program offers college skiers the opportunity to train alongside the year-round elite team, creating a unique environment that blends development with high-performance exposure. With daily training integration and structured support, the college program is quickly becoming a key pathway for athletes looking to continue progressing at a high level while pursuing their education.

The college team athletes will be training side by side with our year-around team members as well as focus on what they all need to level up this summer.

If you are interested in a summer training program, read more about on our website and reach out with any questions you might have.

Photo: Jake Brown will be the college team program and he will bring an incredible background and knowledge from his own professional career.