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  2. About the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation
  3. 2024-2025 ABSF Board of Director Elections
  4. Bill Banker

Bill Banker

Hometown:
Hayward, WI

Years of ABSF Membership:
over two years

Occupation:
Cybersecurity Controls Assessor DOE

Why are you interested in being a member of the ABSF Board of Directors? 

I’ve done 6 Birkies and 2 Kortes. I’m a native “Midwesterner” and have returned “home” after many years away. I have been XC skiing up here since the early 80s with Telemark’s ski trails as I was born and grew up in northern Illinois, attended college in Des Moines IA, and worked briefly in MPLS after college before electing to embark on a military career….After retiring from the military and beginning a second career in cybersecurity I have taken advantage of full time remote work and have moved permanently to the Hayward (since Nov 2021). I want to ensure that the Birkie and all the events it has become associated with, continues to be a resource for outdoor sports enthusiasts and an economic resource for the greater Hayward area.

What knowledge and skills do you possess that can benefit the organization?

US Army active duty officer – 22.5 years Special Forces, Computer Simulations for Operations and Training

Several degrees including 3 graduate degrees (MS Comp Sci, MS Info Sec, MBA)

Lifetime of competitive athletics…running, XC skiing, Long Distance Adventure Racing.Xfit, …and still training and competing

My family has been coming to NW Wisconsin since 1941 for vacation (property owned west of Minong) and so I have spent considerable amount of time in the area throughout my life

How do you see yourself helping to fulfill the ABSF vision, mission and values? 

I have lead by example my entire life (inclulcated early within my Army career) and so through my athletic accomplishments, continued athleticism, continuing pursuit of knowledge and self improvement, I have made and continue to make valuable contributions to any organization I become part of. I believe that the Birkie is a valuable regional resource which is internationally recognized through it’s skiing and cycling events. The continued investment and development of infrastucture in support of these two sports will continue to expand upon the reputation of the Birkie as a World Class recreational resource providing great value to many different communities of interest.