Six-word bio: Native New Yorker; action sports enthusiast.

The Nomination:

“Molly applied for our Manager-in-Training program, but later decided that it would interfere with another project she was working on. After getting that off the ground, Molly approached us again for a position. Considering her experience and her goals, we hired her as a communications coordinator/snow reporter. She has been a superstar. In addition to her daily conditions-reporting duties, Molly is responsible for assisting with marketing projects. She assisted with media visits and was the on-site contact for a CNN Money piece that aired earlier this season. Molly writes editorial copy for some of Okemo’s print publications and has achieved local celebrity status as Okemo’s 2015 snow reporter in regular on-snow video mountain reports.”

—Bonnie McPherson, Public Relations Director

The Interview:

How did you get into this role/industry?

I had always loved working in marketing and PR, but hadn’t found the right industry to pursue it. A few years ago, during a trip to Snowbird, I remember riding the Little Cloud chair thinking: I need to figure out a way to do this forever.

What drives you in your career?

My peers in the industry drive me every day. Everyone in action sports is so passionate about what they do. Working with inspired and creative professionals makes it fun to go to work. As for my career, the adage that pushes me is: “If you can think it, you can absolutely create it.”

What do you love about working at a resort, and what you hope to accomplish?

I’d like to introduce as many people as I can to the awesome world of action sports. There’s no feeling in the world like the rush you get on a pair of skis. Resorts have the awesome job of spreading the stoke for these sports. My passion lies in helping people discover the outdoors so that they, too, can integrate it into their lifestyle.

What have you learned about the industry that you didn’t expect going in?

I learned how engaged and passionate visitors are for their respective resorts. They care deeply about the operations, the staff and the entire mountain. Becoming a part of traditions shared by families or groups of friends, and personally connecting with them, is what it's all about.

You started The Peaks Project, a learn-to program, as a college senior. How did that come about?

I've met incredible people within the industry who have dedicated their careers to ensuring that anyone who wants to participate in action sports can do so, regardless of circumstance. It inspired me to do something similar in New York City, my hometown, because I wanted to share snow sports with kids. Now entering its third year, The Peaks Project is a nonprofit organization that teaches underprivileged New York City kids to ski and snowboard.

What’s one thing about the new generation of resort visitors that you’d like to share with the older generation of ski industry employees?

In many ways, the new generation of resort visitors is no different than previous ones. The passion for winter sports is still there, and visitors want to be included in the resort community's traditions. Visitors and staff are what give a resort that special something. Passing along the excitement and enthusiasm each of us feels for winter sports from generation to generation is what will sustain the industry.