Veteran Nonprofit and Outdoor Industry Marketer to Drive NAC’s Strategic Vision Ahead of 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Games
The National Ability Center (NAC), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals of all abilities through adaptive recreation and outdoor adventures, today announced the appointment of Jamie Starr as its new Marketing Director.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jamie to the National Ability Center,” said Willie Ford, CEO, National Ability Center. “With his diverse skill set as a marketing leader, deep roots in the outdoor industry and meaningful experience serving on nonprofit boards, Jamie brings a rare blend of expertise and passion to our team. There could not be a better leader to help us execute our strategic vision and prepare for the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Games right here in Utah.”
Starr brings nearly two decades of proven experience shaping some of the outdoor industry’s most influential and innovative brands. Before joining the National Ability Center, he served in marketing leadership roles with Backcountry, The North Face, DPS Skis, the Oberalp Group, and Spyder Active Sports. Across these roles, he has demonstrated a consistent ability to build powerful, community-connected brands that drive business results while advancing values-aligned initiatives—particularly in the areas of access, inclusion, and environmental responsibility.
“While I’ve spent years supporting and helping lead nonprofits, first as a lawyer and then through board service, joining the National Ability Center marks a meaningful evolution—bringing that mission-driven focus into a full-time role,” said Starr. “The NAC has long been a pillar of the Park City community, and the chance to help expand that impact nationally is both humbling and energizing. I’m honored to join the executive leadership team at such a pivotal moment—and to help guide the NAC’s next chapter as we look toward the 2034 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.”
In addition to his extensive experience as both a lawyer and marketing leader in the outdoor industry, Starr has demonstrated his long standing commitment to community engagement, environmental stewardship and outdoor advocacy through his board service with Western Resource Advocates, a respected nonprofit policy organization focused on protecting the West’s land, air, and water—a volunteer role he began in 2019 and continues today. His familiarity with mission driven organizations, coupled with his expertise in innovative marketing strategies, positions him well to amplify NAC’s impact and propel its mission into an exciting new era.
For additional information about the National Ability Center, visit discovernac.org.
About The National Ability Center:
The National Ability Center (NAC) provides world-class adaptive recreation and outdoor adventures for individuals, families and groups with varying physical, cognitive and developmental disabilities. Rooted in Park City, UT for nearly 40 years, with a satellite location in Moab, the NAC empowers over 5,500 competitive athletes, children, active-duty, veterans and others yearly. Through on-campus and community-based programming, with individual and group activities, participants build self-esteem, confidence and lifetime skills. The NAC hosts over 30,000 experiences and lessons each year including alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, cycling, swimming, rafting, archery, among others. In 2023, the 9,400 square foot McGrath Mountain Center opened to serve the NAC’s adaptive ski and snowboard programs, made possible by a historic 50-year land lease donated by Vail Resorts. With Vail’s EpicPromise as the National Ability Center’s largest annual community partner, the NAC is globally recognized as a leader in adaptive sports. For more information about the National Ability Center, visit discovernac.org. For a secure and simple way to donate to the NAC, text ABILITY to 512-920-5521 or visit discovernac.org/donate/.
