SAM Magazine—Lakewood, Colo., Sept. 24, 2024—The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) has appointed Ski California president Mike Reitzell as its new president and CEO. Reitzell will replace Kelly Pawlak, who gave her notice in May that she would be stepping down as the leader of NSAA. 

"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 NSAA board chair and hiring committee leader Chip Seamans. "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 will be responsible for the organization’s operations, including government relations and lobbying activities, public relations, research, financial management, member education and administration. He will also drive NSAA’s strategic direction 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—the trade association representing ski areas in California and Nevada—Reitzell led the creation of the association’s multi-award-winning Mountain Safety Guide, widely used by Ski California member resorts to educate skiers and riders. He was also instrumental in developing the Ski California Lift Maintenance and Operations Education (LMOE) annual conference. 

Prior to leading Ski California, Reitzell was an attorney for 14 years in San Francisco and Lake Tahoe, representing many ski resorts in California and Nevada. 

“Although we’re sad to see Mike leave Ski California, our board and 36 member resorts are exceedingly proud that his departure is only coming because he’s been elevated into an even bigger role that supports our entire industry,” said Tom Fortune, Ski California board chair and former Vail Resorts VP and COO of Heavenly and the Tahoe Region. “During his tenure, Mike has made an indelible impact on our organization. … While we’ll miss Mike, we are excited that we still get to work with him at NSAA.”

Fortune said the Ski California board of directors will soon begin the search for Reitzell’s successor. Reitzell’s start date at NSAA will be determined by the timeline of that search process and transition. He will continue to lead Ski California until a successor is found and in place. In the interim, Pawlak and the NSAA team will continue to direct key NSAA initiatives and assist in the transition to Reitzell’s leadership.