Vail Surgeon Hackett Named U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief Medical Officer

Aspen —Dr. Thomas R. Hackett, a complex knee and shoulder surgeon at The Steadman Clinic in Vail, has been promoted to Chief Medical Officer for U.S. Ski & Snowboard.

The announcement marks a significant shift in the organization’s medical leadership structure. Hackett, who has served as the head physician for the U.S. Snowboard Team for more than two decades across five Olympic cycles, will now assume responsibility for the medical oversight of all ski and snowboard disciplines. His new role includes coordinating team physicians, providing guidance on complex injury management, and leading international medical operations as the organization prepares for the 2030 Olympic Winter Games in the French Alps.

Marc J. Philippon, M.D., chairman of the Steadman Philippon Research Institute (SPRI) and managing partner of The Steadman Clinic, highlighted Hackett’s unique qualifications for the position. “Dr. Hackett is the medical leader U.S. Ski & Snowboard needs at this moment,” Philippon stated. “His two decades of experience with our Olympic athletes, combined with the trust he’s built across the sports medicine community, make him uniquely qualified to guide this program forward. His leadership will help advance the medical support systems that have shaped the Olympic legacy of both The Steadman Clinic and SPRI.”

Hackett expressed his appreciation for the expanded role, emphasizing his commitment to the athletes’ well-being. “It is a privilege to support U.S. Ski & Snowboard in this expanded role,” he said. “I look forward to working closely with our medical staff and teams to ensure that our athletes receive the highest standard of care as they prepare for international competition.”

He also acknowledged the contributions of the current medical team, specifically thanking The Steadman Clinic’s U.S. Ski Team head physicians: Drs. Randy Viola, Leslie Vidal, Sonny Gill, Joe Ruzbarsky, and David Kuppersmith. “It’s an honor for all of us to take care of these athletes, and I look forward to stepping into this new leadership role as CMO,” Hackett added.

Notably, Hackett will continue his full-time surgical practice at The Steadman Clinic and maintain his ongoing involvement with SPRI. His clinical responsibilities will remain unchanged, consistent with his previous tenure with the U.S. Ski & Snowboard team. This dual role ensures that the organization retains a medical leader who remains deeply embedded in the daily realities of high-level sports medicine.

Supporting the new CMO will be David A. Kuppersmith, M.D., M.Sc., who has been appointed assistant CMO. Dr. Kuppersmith also serves as the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team’s Head Internal Medicine Physician and Co-Head of the Men’s Alpine Team. His appointment underscores the depth of the medical leadership team currently in place.

The Steadman Clinic’s connection to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team is not new; it is a fifty-year legacy. It began with late founder J. Richard Steadman, M.D., providing medical coverage to ski team athletes at the 1976 Winter Games in Innsbruck, Austria. Since then, The Steadman Clinic physicians have covered 13 consecutive Winter Olympic Games. This history provides a stable foundation upon which Hackett’s new leadership will be built.

The transition of power within the medical division is seamless, relying on established relationships and shared institutional memory. There are no new hires mentioned in the initial announcement, only promotions and appointments of existing personnel. This internal mobility suggests a mature organizational structure where leadership pipelines are already developed.

As the 2030 Olympics approach, the pressure on the medical team will intensify. The ability to manage injuries quickly and effectively will be crucial for athlete performance. Hackett’s experience in high-stakes environments will be tested as he oversees a larger scope of operations.

The Vail-based clinic continues to play a pivotal role in the national team’s success. Its proximity to major training sites and its specialized expertise make it an ideal hub for medical operations. The physical presence of the clinic in the heart of the skiing world adds a layer of logistical advantage that cannot be easily replicated elsewhere.

Locals in Vail may notice a slight increase in activity at The Steadman Clinic as Hackett balances his surgical duties with his new administrative responsibilities. However, since his clinical load remains unchanged, patients can expect the same level of care and availability as before.

The announcement was made by U.S. Ski & Snowboard, the governing body for the sport in the United States. It reflects a strategic decision to consolidate medical leadership under a single, experienced figure who understands the nuances of winter sports.

This move also signals a broader trend in professional sports, where medical departments are becoming increasingly central to competitive strategy. The health of an athlete is no longer just a personal matter but a team asset that requires careful management.

Hackett’s background in both orthopedic surgery and sports medicine gives him a comprehensive perspective on athlete care. He understands the mechanical aspects of injury as well as the physiological demands of training and competition.

His previous work with the snowboard team provided valuable insights into the specific risks associated with that discipline. Snowboarding involves different types of impacts and joint stresses compared to skiing, requiring tailored medical approaches.

Now overseeing both sports, Hackett must integrate these distinct medical profiles into a cohesive program. This requires careful planning and communication among the various team physicians.

The 2030 Games in the French Alps present additional challenges due to the geographic distance from the U.S. The medical team will need to travel internationally, adding complexity to logistics and scheduling.

Hackett’s leadership will be critical in navigating these international operations. His experience with past Olympic cycles will help anticipate potential issues and develop contingency plans.

The collaboration between U.S. Ski & Snowboard and The Steadman Clinic is expected to deepen under Hackett’s watch. Both entities share a common goal of enhancing athlete performance through superior medical care.

This partnership has yielded numerous successes over the years, contributing to the team’s medal counts and overall competitiveness. The synergy between the two organizations is a key factor in their continued excellence.

As Hackett steps into his new role, he carries with him the weight of expectation and the promise of progress. His journey from team physician to CMO is a reflection of his dedication and capability.

The future of U.S. Ski & Snowboard’s medical program looks bright under his guidance. With a strong team behind him and a clear vision ahead, the organization is well-positioned for success.

The announcement concludes with a reaffirmation of the team’s commitment to excellence. It is a statement of confidence in their leadership and their ability to achieve great things.

The story ends not with a flourish, but with a quiet certainty. Hackett is not just a surgeon; he is a steward of a legacy. And in that stewardship lies the heart of the team’s identity.

The image that lingers is not of a podium or a trophy, but of a hand on a shoulder. A simple gesture, yet profound in its meaning. It speaks of trust, of care, of connection.

It is a small detail, easily overlooked. But it is the detail that matters most. It is the detail that defines the team.

And it is the detail that will stay with you long after the news fades.