SAM Magazine-Mt. Hood, OR, October 25, 2006-The founder of Mt. Hood Meadows Resort, Franklin Drake, has announced that he is turning management of the resort over to his two protegees. Drake, who was the president/CEO of Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort in addition to the founder of the ski area, has managed the mountain since its inception in 1966 .

He will be replaced by Dave Riley and Matthew Drake. Riley, who has held the position of vice president and general manager since 1993, has been promoted to the position of president and COO. Drake, who has been secretary of the corporation since 1989, has been appointed to the position of Chairman and CEO. Franklin Drake will remain on the Board of Directors.

The announcement is the culmination of a succession plan that has been under progress for the past two years. "Under this plan, the public will enjoy dedicated experienced leadership capable of providing excellent customer service, safety, and responsible operation and development for the foreseeable future," says Drake. "The resort's success is a credit to dedicated key managers and employees attracted to the resort over the years, strong partnership with the Forest Service and continual input and involvement from skiers as well as the environmental community all of which have merged to help create this wonderful alpine recreation area of which I am very proud."

The announcement marks the end of an era. Drake was the last founder of ski resort in Washington and Oregon to still serve in an operating role.

During the 2005/2006 ski season, the ski area set an all-time record with 503,095 winter visitors.

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