The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) has appointed ski industry veteran Mike Reitzell as its new president and CEO. 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.”
As NSAA president and CEO, Reitzell is responsible for the organization’s operations, including government relations and lobbying, public relations, research, financial management, member education, and administration. He will drive the association’s direction and support a broad spectrum of members in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
“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 helped create the industry association’s Mountain Safety Guide, which included a series of safety education videos 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.
Before Ski California, Reitzell was an attorney for 14 years in San Francisco and Lake Tahoe, respectively, representing ski resorts in California and Nevada. An avid skier since childhood, he captained his ski team at USC to two Southern California collegiate ski conference championships.
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 the company finds his successor.
Reitzell replaces Kelly Pawlak, who has been an “impactful and influential leader” for the NSAA for the past seven years.
Images courtesy NSAA/Mike Reitzell
