Page 8 - Winter 2018 Journal

Changing of the Guard

GETTING TO KNOW NSAA’S NEW PRESIDENT/CEO,

KELLY PAWLAK

NSAA’S NEW PRESIDENT/CEO, Kelly Pawlak, is well versed in directors. Our short-
what it takes to run a ski area. The former vice president and and long-term strat-
general manager at Mount Snow, Vt., Pawlak has worked in egy will be based
just about every department at the resort since first taking on that feedback.
a job in Mount Snow’s group sales department back in
1985. She went on to work in the marketing department, NJ: Are there any
human resources, and as operations VP before being named significant changes
GM in 2005. you think the
That depth and breadth of experience in ski area opera- industry needs to
tions will serve her well as she steps into one of the ski indus- make collectively to
try’s top jobs, taking the reins from Michael Berry, who is ensure the viability
retiring after 25 years. She is the first woman to serve as of skiing and snow-
NSAA’s president/CEO. boarding for future NSAA President/CEO Kelly Pawlak
The NSAA Journal recently checked in with Pawlak to generations?
get her views on challenges facing NSAA and the ski indus- KP: I am still in the hunt-and-gather stage, but from my
try at large, and what she’s learned over the years that will experience working at Mount Snow I believe we all need
help her in her new role as the association’s president. to work on diversifying both the sport and our work-
force. I am positive that diversification will breed inno-
NJ: What prompted you to apply for the position of vation and that will help us solve the tough problems.
NSAA president?
KP: It was time. I never intended to stay at Mount Snow NJ: What’s the biggest thing you learned from
for 30-plus years, it just happened. I was always excited being a GM?
for the next project or job responsibility, and working KP: It took me a while and I am still working on it, but
with ski industry people is the best. I have always tolerance is important. Understanding that everyone is dif-
wanted to try living out West, so when this opportunity ferent, guests and staff. Not everyone is going to agree with
became available I gave it serious thought. It is one of you, work at your pace or style. Every time I took the time
the hardest decisions I’ve ever made. to get to know the guest or staff better, it was beneficial.

NJ: The ski industry as a lot of challenges, including cli- NJ: Have you had any mentors or role models who have
mate change, an aging workforce, resort consolidation, influenced you, and what have you learned from them?
participation growth, resort belt-tightening, and liability KP: I just listed seven in my head and could keep
exposure. How do you think NSAA will need to address going, but to keep this brief I’ll share two. My father,
these factors in the coming years? who taught me to always give 100 percent. Meri Spicer,
KP: As you know, most ski areas and NSAA are already one of my first bosses at Mount Snow, who taught me
working hard on many of these challenges. In the com- the importance of preparedness. Always look ahead on
ing months I will be listening closely and come to better your schedule and prepare for the next hour, day, week,
understand the priorities of our membership and board of month. Whether you’re planning for a snowstorm or a

6 | NSAA JOURNAL | WINTER 2018