Industry News
LAKEWOOD, CO [September 24, 2024] – The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) announced today that it has appointed ski industry veteran Mike Reitzell as its new President and Chief Executive Officer. Reitzell brings over 20 years of experience in the ski industry to the role, including the last nine years as President of Ski California.
“Mike’s passion for the ski industry and his impressive achievements on behalf of Ski California make him the perfect fit for this role,” said Chip Seamans, NSAA Board Chair and Hiring Committee Leader. “Mike has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the industry through innovative programs and a collaborative approach, which have elevated Ski California to new heights. We look forward to the positive impact he will have on the national stage as he brings his strategic vision and leadership to NSAA.”
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As NSAA President and CEO, Reitzell will be responsible for the organization’s operations, including government relations and lobbying activities, public relations, research, financial management, member education and administration. He will drive NSAA’s strategic direction and, in collaboration with the Board of Directors, support a broad spectrum of members. “I am humbled by the opportunity to be the next leader of NSAA and also incredibly excited about the future and what the NSAA team and our member resorts will be able to accomplish together,” said Reitzell.
“It has been my honor to lead Ski California, and I’m immensely proud of what our member resorts in California and Nevada have accomplished.” During his tenure at Ski California, Reitzell led the creation of the industry association’s multi-awardwinning Mountain Safety Guide, including a complete series of safety education videos widely used by Ski California member resorts to educate skiers and riders. Reitzell was also instrumental in the development and expansion of the Ski California Lift Maintenance and Operations Education (LMOE) annual conference.
Prior to leading Ski California, Reitzell was an attorney for 14 years in San Francisco and Lake Tahoe, representing many ski resorts in California and Nevada. An avid skier since age five, he grew up skiing and captained his ski team to two Southern California Collegiate Ski Conference championships at USC and teamed his law degree with his passion for skiing. Reitzell’s official start date will be determined based on the transition needed to bring in a new leader at Ski California.
He will continue to lead Ski California until a successor is found and in place. Reitzell 2 replaces Kelly Pawlak, who has been an impactful and influential leader for the last 7 years. She and the NSAA team will continue to direct key industry initiatives and assist in the transition.
“Although we’re sad to see Mike leave Ski California, our board and 36 member resorts are exceedingly proud that his departure is only coming because he’s been elevated into an even bigger role that supports our entire industry. During his tenure, Mike has made an indelible impact on our organization. He is directly responsible for guiding the development of our award-winning Mountain Safety Guide and making it easy for all of us to share a universal safety message with our guests, advancing continuing education efforts for our teams with the Lift Maintenance and Operations Education (LMOE) Conference, and supporting our industry through advocacy at all levels of government. While we’ll miss Mike, we are excited that we still get to work with him at NSAA. Our board will soon begin the search process to identify the next person to lead Ski California. Until that person is in place, Mike will continue to lead the organization through this transition,” Tom Fortune, Ski California board chair and former Vail Resorts VP and COO Heavenly and Tahoe Region said in a statement.
About the National Ski Areas Association The National Ski Areas Association is a non-profit trade association serving the interests of ski/snowboard area owners and operators in the United States. NSAA’s mission is to support its members in their pursuit to operate thriving and sustainable businesses while delivering exceptional experiences.
