Jim Boyne, executive director of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, announced Thursday that he was stepping from his position, but he is not leaving the club. Boyne is going to take a volunteer position as president of the Winter Sports Club’s board. (Photograph by John F. Russell)

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS — Jim Boyne resigned from his position as executive director of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club during the nonprofit’s annual meeting on Thursday night, and Sarah Floyd has been named as his successor.

Boyne joked Friday that he was stepping up, not down.

“It’s such an honor to be a part of the history of the Winter Sports Club,” Boyne said. “It’s not goodbye. I’m taking on a different role that’s going to be better for me personally, and frankly, creating a great opportunity for Sarah to put her stamp on this.”

Floyd had been serving as associate executive director. Jon Nolting will move from athletic director to take on Floyd’s former position.

“I’m assuming a new role,” said Boyne, who will take a volunteer position as president on the Winter Sports Club’s board of directors. “I think this is a seamless transition for the club, and for the community. I’ve been honored for the last five years to work with a great team of people. Our team has amazed me at how they have transformed themselves, and we have transformed the Winter Sports Club into something I think is better for the future.”

Boyne said his decision was based on the strength of the Winter Sports Club and his desire to visit extended family in Chicago during the winter. He plans to play an active role with the board where he thinks his unique skill set will be beneficial.

“Where I can help is on those strategic things like helping facilitate the Howelsen Hill operating agreement with the city, working on the Alpine slide and a potential new chair lift,” Boyne said. “The Winter Sports Club is in my heart, and it’s been a privilege to see it first hand. It’s never one person that does everything.”

Floyd said she is excited about the future, and she credits Boyne and Rick DeVos, who served as the club’s executive director before Boyne, for giving her the skills and experience to be successful in the position.

“It’s a good thing for the club, and it’s good for Jim,” Floyd said of the transition. “The timing is much better for me at this point, and the team that we have in place is so incredibly strong.

“We have never had better cooperation,” Floyd added. “We have great relationships with the city of Steamboat Springs and Steamboat Resort, and that is significant.”

Floyd started working with the Winter Sports Club in 1987 as a coach. She stepped into the position of athletic director in 1999 and then became associate executive director a few years ago.

“I had the opportunity to work with Rick DeVos closely and Jim Boyne closely,” Floyd said. “I got to see two very different, very successful styles. The importance of the leadership that has come before me is undeniable. They both have done such terrific work, and I’ve learned from both of them.”

Matt Tredway, the current board president, also believes the timing is right and thinks the leadership changes are a reflection of just how strong the Winter Sports Club is.

Sarah Floyd will take over as executive director of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. (Matt Stensland/file)

“She has had five years to be groomed,” Tredway said of Floyd. “She has a nice worldly view of the Winter Sports Club.”

Tredway said Boyne brought financial stability to the Winter Sports Club and built strong relationships with the community.

“There are so many,” Floyd said when asked about Boyne’s impacts on the club. “We have done a successful capital campaign under Jim’s tenure, our employees have health benefits, we have completely revamped our entire vehicle pool, we have gone to online registrations, we have a full-time marketing and public relations person, and we have increased the level of professionalism of this organization the last five years in a remarkable fashion.”

To reach John F. Russell, call 970-871-4209, email jrussell@SteamboatPilot.com or follow him on Twitter @Framp1966.