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David John A.

Riley Gifford

David Riley is one of those people whose understanding of A longtime fixture in the Washington State ski industry,
how things work and whose dedication to making them bet- John Gifford has been a strong advocate of collaboration at
ter has contributed to innovation in the ski industry. all levels within the industry and has contributed to numer-
After graduating from college at Bowling Green, Ohio, ous NSAA initiatives over the years.
Riley’s first career was in manufacturing, starting as a research After graduating from Washington State University in
and development engineer for a Gulf and Western Company. 1974, Gifford began his ski industry career as a part-time ski
He spent the next 27 years managing manufacturing plants, instructor at Bluewood Ski Area in southeastern Washington,
accumulating vast knowledge about processes that he would where he taught for seven years.
eventually transfer to his ski industry role. During that time Gifford worked at Stevens Pass Mountain Resort for 15
he was very involved in the operation of the HoliMont ski years first as director of marketing and sales then was promoted
area (member and volunteer since 1980) and grew to love the to general manager in 2001. While at Stevens, he served on the
industry. He was part of a two-man team that developed and board of directors of both NSAA and Pacific Northwest Ski
patented snowmaking innovations, including the SMI polecat Areas Association (PNSAA). He retired as president of PNSAA
fan gun. At the time they were looking for energy savings and at the end of 2019, a role he took after leaving Stevens Pass
although it took four years, when they finished the prototype in 2012. He was also a member of the NSAA Government
they drove it to SMI and, as they say, the rest is history. Affairs, Public Lands, and Environmental committees. Gifford
In 2000 Riley left manufacturing to take the position of also served on the board of directors for the Washington Big
general manager at HoliMont. He served in that role until Tent Outdoor Recreation Coalition.
retiring in 2018. He also was the chairman of Ski Areas of John’s words of wisdom: “In my career I focused on
New York (SANY). relationships and communications. No matter what I was
David’s words of wisdom: “Early in my career I had doing, building strong, respectful, and collaborative rela-
the good fortune to be mentored by a man who became the tionships with others was essential. Equally as important
defining influence in my management style. I learned not was communications—making sure everyone is on the same
to play the role of auditor. Rather than look for what peo- page, striving for the same positive outcome, and keeping
ple were doing wrong, I should look for what they were those involved informed.
doing right and recognize them for their achievements. Treat Being a boater my favorite quote is ‘The pessimist
employees with courtesy and respect and they will treat the complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to
customer the same way. Empower and value the team and change; the realist adjusts the sails.’ I used it as a guiding
support their diversity, guide with coaching rather than man- principle especially when facing the continuous changing
dates. Work should be rewarding and fun.” dynamic of work.”
David’s favorite band/musician: “I like blues, like the Favorite band/musician: “I have had many favorite
Allman Brothers. Little-known fact: In 1970, I played the bands/musicians over the years depending on the era
guitar and my band opened for REO Speedwagon!” of my life. With that said, I guess my favorite all time is
The Beach Boys.”
“Time changes everything except something

within us which is always surprised by change.” —THOMAS HARDY

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