Jeff Byrne Presented International Skiing History Association Lifetime Achievement Award

The International Skiing History Association presented its 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award to Jeff Byrne at its annual gala on March 28 at the Lake Placid Conference Center in New York as the former senior vice president of the Olympic Authority was recognized for his commitment and numerous lifelong activities promoting skiing and ski education.

In 1988, Byrne was named director of alpine skiing and winter sports for Special Olympics International, where he managed all aspects of winter sports programming for nearly a decade. Byrne accepted the position of senior vice president of the Olympic Authority in 1997 and served in the role for over 20 years, helping maintain facilities, promote winter sport and bolster athlete development.

“I’m humbled, grateful, and excited to be recognized in this manner,” Byrne said. “To get an award like this by an organization of people who really know skiing is very special, and to have so many good friends here tonight, former coworkers, and employees of the Olympic Authority who are taking on the next generation of responsibilities is an honor, too.”

Ahead of the Goodwill Games in 2000, Byrne played an instrumental role in upgrading the venues, including the construction of the new combined bobsled, skeleton, and luge track at Mt Van Hoevenberg.

“It’s rewarding to have helped make an impact in continuing the legacy and to know our venues today are bringing in events like the IBSF World Championships and all the World Cup events and so much more,” he said.

Byrne also served as a board member for the Turning Point Foundation, Snowmass Academy and the Warren County, NY, Economic Development Corporation. He held roles with the International Ski Federation Youth and Children Alpine and Cross-Country Working Groups, the Alpine Sport Resource Team of Special Olympics International and U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association’s Education and Development Committees.