The biggest difference people will notice this winter is that Director of Business Operations Don Sharpe has left Mount Washington after almost 17 years for another opportunity in British Columbia. Sharpe’s departure allowed for other people to move up or take on different responsibilities. “Everybody’s pretty excited at our end, because we’ve created internal opportunities,” Mount Washington Resort General Manager Peter Gibson said.
Mike Manara has moved into the Main Lodge from the Snow School Building, and taken on the new title of Director, Sport and Guest Services. He will continue to manage the Snow School and Demo Centre as well as the Rental Shop in the winter, and mountain biking in the summer. His new responsibilities include being in charge of new retail (both Alpine and Nordic) opportunities, uniforms (the process has been streamlined to include all departments), special event management and group sales (such as school groups). There’s a renewed energy around the Resort,” says Manara. “We all are proud of this place. With Pacific Group Resorts purchasing this place, there’s a renewed sense of pride.” Manara will also oversee all summer activities, from mountain biking to events, trails and hiking.
Sheila Rivers is now Marketing Manager, after spending a number of years as Marketing Assistant.
Tim Defert, who has always been in charge of food and beverage as Director of Hospitality, has also taken on the Call Centre, season’s passes and off-site sales. He continues to be in charge of weddings and catering.
Jen Young is the new Ski School Director, taking over from Manara. Young has been with Mount Washington for 15 years, and was the first female Level 4 produced at the Resort, Gibson said proudly. “Most ski schools are male-driven and having a female ski school director is positive.”
One of the most unique moves involves James Clarke, whose expertise has gone from slopes to soufflés and more. Clarke was the Slope Supervisor in charge of winter and summer grooming as well as snow removal. He is also a Red Seal Chef, and has taken over as Head Chef at the Resort.
Rich Meads has been promoted to Slope Supervisor.
Also on the maintenance side of operations, Dan Caley moved from Lift Maintenance Supervisor to Maintenance Manager.
The biggest move is yet to come…
With General Manager Peter Gibson’s announcement that he will retire at the end of the 2017-18 winter season, Resort owner Pacific Group Resorts has started the process to find his replacement.