The 35-year-old will take over a position at the national governing body that consolidates key responsibilities in operations, communications and funding development.

Studebaker-Hall, an Idaho native, grew up as an athlete and was a member of the United States biathlon team from 2007 to 2014, competing at both the Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics. 

She presently serves on the US Biathlon Association Board of Directors and on the Athlete Advisory Council of the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).

Since her retirement as an athlete in 2014, she served as a cross-country skiing coach at the University of Alaska Anchorage and as cross-country skiing programme manager and head coach at Utah’s Olympic venue at Soldier Hollow.

"Sara stood out for her strong background in biathlon at all levels, as an athlete, coach, programme leader, World Cup organiser and as a proven leader on the USOPC’s Athlete Advisory Council," Max Cobb, the President and chief executive of US Biathlon, said.

"Her new role completes our vision for a fully-formed organisation ready to grow biathlon nationwide."

Over the past two years, US Biathlon has made extensive changes to its athletic programmes. 

World champion Lowell Bailey now serves as high-performance director, with Tim Burke and Danika Frisbie fostering athlete development and coaches' education. 

Studebaker-Hall’s role will develop vital financial support for the burgeoning athletic programmes that are starting to show promise with breakthrough international performances.

As director of operations, her role will be diverse. 

She will oversee organisational administration, including compliance with SafeSport and US Anti-Doping Agency programmes. 

Her communications responsibility will include telling the story of US Biathlon and its athletes to the public as well as management of multi-faceted stakeholder communications. 

She will also oversee sponsorship, fund development and public support for US Biathlon programmes.

"Over the past few years, US Biathlon has had great, positive momentum," Studebaker-Hall said.

"I look forward to bringing my background as an athlete, coach and programme leader to help support our athletes and continue to grow the organisation."

Studebaker-Hall will be based in Utah, near Soldier Hollow which continues to be an important training and competition venue. 

She played a key role there last February with the International Biathlon Union World Cup. 

US Biathlon, which is headquartered in New Gloucester, also has its high-performance programme based at the Olympic venue in Lake Placid.

"Our presence at the Olympic venues in Lake Placid and Soldier Hollow is important for us," Cobb added.

"As the sport continues to grow in the western region, it is important to have staff on the ground who can ensure we maximise potential development."

Studebaker-Hall is due to begin her role in late February.