The California Ski Industry Association (CSIA) Board of Directors appointed Michael Reitzell, an experienced attorney representing the ski and outdoor recreation industries, as the organization's new president.
In his role, Reitzell will be responsible for leading the well-established organization into a new era, providing leadership and oversight of the organization's strategy, operations and finances.
Reitzell is an accomplished attorney who has practiced in many facets of litigation and client service, including premises liability, products liability, commercial disputes and risk management, with emphasis on sports and recreation. He comes to CSIA from Duane Morris LLP, where for the past 14 years he has practiced in the San Francisco and Lake Tahoe offices. Reitzell graduated from the University of California, Davis School of Law in 2001 after receiving a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of Southern California in 1997.
“We believe Mike brings the right mix of experience, vision and drive to CSIA,” said Ron Cohen, CSIA Board Chairman and Chief Administrative Officer at Mammoth Resorts. “The executive committee served as the selection team through the search and hiring process, and Mike received unanimous support from all 29 member resorts.”
Reporting to the Board of Directors, Reitzell will be responsible for enacting and implementing a strategic vision for the non-profit trade association, which represents snow sports areas in California and Nevada, to strengthen and move it forward, while credibly representing and promoting California as a skiing and riding destination. He will champion and communicate the organization's mission and relevance, and engage and collaborate not only with the Board of Directors, but also with industry and government leaders and organizations.
“I am honored to have been selected as the new President of the California Ski Industry Association, and to be able to represent its member resorts,” said Reitzell. “My experience representing both California and Nevada ski areas, as well as recreation manufacturers, distributors and retailers has prepared me for this role, and will allow me to bring unique perspective to the position. As an avid skier who is passionate about the ski industry, this truly is a dream job.”
Reitzell will assume his position as President of CSIA in July 2015.
The California Ski Industry Association (CSIA) is a non-profit trade association representing 29 snow sports areas in California and Nevada. The association's role is to support California and Nevada resorts by coordinating state and national legislative activities, risk management and technical training on behalf of the ski industry. Each member resort maintains a seat on the Board of Directors, which governs the organization. Member resorts now account for over seven million annual skier visits, have a direct annual economic impact of nearly $1.5 billion, directly generate over $100 million per year in state and local taxes, and employ more than 16,000 people per year in full and seasonal part-time jobs.
