SVSEF Hires Cynthia Knight as Director of Development
The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation is pleased to announce that Cynthia Knight will be joining the SVSEF team as Director of Development, effective March 20. As it moves into the future with an eye on elevating each athlete’s experience, SVSEF needs to continue working towards programmatic improvements and venue upgrades. With Cynthia’s professional experience and depth of fundraising knowledge, the organization looks forward to making these goals a reality.
A graduate of Boston University and Golden Gate University School of Law, Cynthia has since garnered extensive fundraising proficiency, including an understanding of contractual complexities and estate giving. She comes to SVSEF with over 25 years of experience in educational, legal and business sectors; her roles have taken her across the country, as well as locally in the Wood River Valley. She was most recently a Major Gifts Officer at the Madeira School in McLean, Virginia, and has served in our community as president and board member of the Animal Shelter of the Wood River Valley and as a committee member on the City of Sun Valley’s Comprehensive Land Committee.
Cynthia has a deep understanding of the importance of snowsports within the community, having lived and raised her four children in the Wood River Valley. This appreciation for the unique culture of the valley is reflected in her comments when accepting the position: “the SVSEF mission spoke to what I believe in. I want to work with people who embrace the development of the whole child through snowsports. My family calls Sun Valley ‘home’ and all my children learned to ski at Sun Valley as youngsters and subsequently worked in the community. So, what could be a better fit than returning ‘home’ and working in a positive environment for something I truly believe in.”
Cynthia’s work with the organization will directly support over 675 athletes, ranging from second graders to high school graduates, as well as 22 full-time and 112 seasonal staff. All those involved with SVSEF support the organization’s mission of providing exceptional snowsport programs for the youth of the Wood River Valley, and Cynthia looks forward to becoming part of the team.
Executive Director Sam Adicoff spoke to the professionalism, energy and compatibility that the new Director of Development adds to SVSEF. “Cynthia brings a unique skill set to our organization: extensive professional fundraising and development experience, a passion for winter sports shared by her entire family, and strong ties to the Wood River Valley. We are lucky and excited to have her join SVSEF.”