Teton Adaptive Sports’ board of directors is pleased to announce that Ryan McDonald has been elected as chair of the board, effective immediately. McDonald takes over for Liz McCune whose two-year term ended December 31, 2019.
The mission of TAS is to promote, support and develop outdoor sports and recreation opportunities for people with disabilities living in and visiting the Greater Teton Area. TAS is excited to welcome McDonald to chair the board to continue to accomplish the goal of making sports more inclusive and accessible in Jackson Hole and beyond.
McDonald has served as a TAS board member since fall 2018 where he leads the TAS governance committee working on a number of high-priority projects such as board recruitment, business and policy development and strategic planning for long term growth and sustainability of the organization.
A native of Jackson Hole, McDonald first became involved in TAS in 2016 as a sled hockey volunteer. “My mother, Dede McDonald, was always involved in non-profit organizations that served the local community of people with disabilities and I was inspired by her involvement and wanted to share the same rewarding feeling while honoring her legacy.”
McDonald is entering his 14th year of federal service as an Army Acquisitions Professional and Experimental Test Pilot. As an active military leader he is extremely interested in finding ways to partner with veteran focused organizations to ensure our heroes living with ability challenges are incorporated in TAS programming.
“We are extremely lucky to have Ryan’s leadership entering our 15th year as we continue to refine the TAS three-year plan and expand our reach by training local sports partners how to work with people with disabilities,” executive director Christy Fox explained. “In his short term with TAS he’s already accomplished a lot with Liz as a guide.”
McCune will continue to serve as a board member and will be instrumental in guiding future TAS growth and programming. “We are very grateful to Liz for her work the past two years and well before she was even on the board when she envisioned the sled hockey program and helped to bring it to fruition. She is a brilliant woman. As a devoted mom, an executive at Silver Star and a passionate community member her work as a volunteer board member as we celebrate our 15th anniversary will continue alongside Ryan,” said Fox.
About Teton Adaptive Sports:
Starting in 2005 TAS supported adaptive sports in Teton County, Wyo. and Teton County, Idaho by purchasing and sharing specialized equipment, sending passionate instructors to adaptive training and subsidizing the cost of outdoor sports.
Today, TAS facilitates year round programming in climbing, cycling, mountain biking, hiking, paddling, alpine and cross country skiing and ice skating/sled hockey with a staff committed to improving the quality of life for local athletes with disabilities and those visiting the area.