SAM Magazine—Denver, Aug. 10, 2021—Alterra Mountain Company has promoted industry veteran Dee Byrne to the role of president and COO of Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows (SVAM), effective immediately. Byrne has served as SVAM vice president of skier services since 2017. She will now report to Mark Brownlie, Alterra chief operating officer—mountains. 

“In her time at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, Dee has repeatedly demonstrated her ability to lead by example during times of transition and challenge,” said Brownlie. “A respected leader inside and outside of the resort, Dee’s approach has helped to build trust, transparency and collaboration between resort teams, as well as within the greater Squaw and North Lake Tahoe community.”

Byrne has worked in the ski industry for more than 30 years. She joined SVAM in 2011 as the managing director of snowsports schools and ski teams and was promoted to vice president of skier services in 2017. In addition to her role at the resort, Byrne serves on multiple boards of directors and is an advisor to the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) on national and divisional levels. She received PSIA-AASI’s national “Distinguished Service Award” in April 2020.

“I am incredibly grateful that my path has led me to Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows as Tahoe and its people are very special,” said Byrne. “The opportunity to lead this iconic destination as we enter this transformational era is a great honor. We have an incredible and collaborative team, which includes the collective resources of Alterra Mountain Company, that will continue to provide support as we expand our commitment to delivering superior guest and employee experiences.”

Byrne and her wife, Carol, are avid hikers, tackling a long-distance trail every year. In the past, they have trekked the John Muir Trail in the Sierra Nevada range and the Wonderland Trail, which circumnavigates Mount Rainier.