Four outstanding individuals have been recognized with a 2024 SAMMY Leadership Award for their forward-thinking, boots-on-the-ground dedication, and caring and inspirational leadership. The four honorees are: Jeremy Cooper, vice president of mountain sports development, Boyne Resorts; Katie Ertl, senior vice president of mountain operations, Aspen Skiing Company; Ellen Galbraith, general manager and vice president, Stevens Pass, Wash.; and Matt Peterson, vice president of marketing, Palisades Tahoe, Calif.

These four peer-nominated leaders were lauded for not only what they do at their home resorts but also their impact on the industry and who they are as people.

A special thank you to SAMMY sponsors Leitner-Poma of America and Safehold Special Risk. They have proudly supported this important recognition of our current and future leaders since the SAMMY’s inception in 1998.

Jeremy Cooper, VP of Mountain Sports Development, Boyne Resorts

Jeremy Cooper got his start in the ski industry behind the controls of a snowcat at Vail Mountain, Colo., in 1998. This was the beginning of a lifelong vocation born out of a snow-filled childhood spent outdoors doing everything from sledding to building ski jumps. 

His relentless passion for snow led him to Mammoth Mountain, Calif., where his bourgeoning career as a terrain park builder and operator flourished. Jeremy went on to manage the park programs at June Mountain, Calif., and then at Park City Mountain Resort, Utah. His experience and dedication led him to his current role as vice president of mountain sports development for Boyne Resorts, where Jeremy oversees various facets of mountain operations, including terrain parks, and plays a crucial role in capital projects, particularly in snowmaking investments, for the company’s entire portfolio.

“Jeremy Cooper is known to so many within and outside our company as the consummate leader, always ready to give of his time, knowledge, passion, and positive energy,” said a nominator. “He's constantly on the road assisting in the training of our crews and helping out wherever and whenever needed.”

In addition to his responsibilities at Boyne Resorts, Jeremy contributes to the ski industry as an educator. He presents and writes on a wide range of topics, including terrain parks, grooming, summer operations, and mountain biking, and has worked with the National Ski Areas Association, the Midwest Ski Areas Association, the Canada West Ski Areas Association, and SAM. He also participates in ASTM committees F27 and F24. 

“When you need help, Jeremy is the man to call. Jeremy's knowledge base might be second to none, especially regarding the park and operations sides,” said a nominator. “I respect Jeremy for more than his experience and knowledge, though, because of his willingness to give back to this industry.”

Jeremy is also a dedicated manager, committed to teaching, coaching, and mentoring. Whether he's sharing his expertise in snowmaking, heavy machinery, or the art of snowcat operation and park building, Jeremy is always eager to pass on his knowledge and equally enthusiastic to learn from his peers.

“He gives a shit, always and in every situation,” said a nominator. “Nothing is below him, a true team player. He genuinely wants to make a difference whether with people, projects, or industry initiatives. He is the real deal.”

Jeremy's leadership philosophy revolves around mentorship and the exchange of knowledge. He believes in nurturing his teams and giving back to the broader industry community, offering guidance and support to those seeking advice. His career is a testament to his love for snow and his dedication to the growth and development of the ski industry.

“Jeremy’s the most approachable individual you'll ever meet,” said a nominator. “In my opinion, Jeremy is one of the unsung heroes of this industry, someone who has been progressing the scene while asking for little in return, simply because he loves it and wants to see it succeed.”

Katie Ertl, SVP of Mountain Operations, Aspen Skiing Company, Colo.

Aspen, Colo., local Katie Ertl grew up racing for Aspen Valley Ski Club and started teaching skiing at age 18 while attending the University of Colorado, where she earned a B.S. in kinesiology. She’s remained in the industry and with Aspen Skiing Company ever since.  

“Katie's successful leadership career within one of the most respected brands in skiing and snowboarding stands on its own,” said a nominator. “Her skiing is legendary, and passion isn’t a strong enough word for what she brings to her job.”

After graduating college, Katie began a full-time career as a ski instructor and race coach, working back-to-back winters for Aspen Skiing Company and at Mt. Hotham in Victoria, Australia. Her skills on the slopes landed her a role as Bryce Kellogg’s stunt double in the early ’90s cult-classic ski movie Aspen Extreme, and her strengths as an educator earned her a spot on the Alpine National Team of the Professional Ski Instructors Association and American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI). 

“Katie is a true, inspirational leader,” said a nominator. “She puts people first and cares about them. This is one of the many reasons people love her and embrace her as a leader.”

Katie served on the team for eight years and was then hired as the first female teams manager for the organization, a role in which she served from 2004-2012. Concurrently, she was rising through the ranks at Aspen Skiing Company. 

“Katie's leadership abilities are three-dimensional,” said a nominator. “She's got the chops to get things done, the vision to pull together the best people, and the deep love for our sport that makes her an absolute inspiration because you feel her passion for skiing and the mountain experience.”

In her career, Katie has valued opportunities for continued personal and professional growth. In 2005, she became managing director for the ski and snowboard schools at Aspen Snowmass, and in 2017, she was promoted to senior vice president of mountain operations for Aspen Skiing Company. As SVP of mountain operations, Katie oversees procurement and uniforms for the company as well as the mountain operations for Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass.

“Katie is an amazing leader and well respected by her teams. She brings a guest-focused mindset to all she does at the resort, whether that was during her time in snowsports or in her current role of mountain operations,” said a nominator. “In an area of resort management that is mostly dominated by crotchety old, white men, Katie stands out not only for her gender, but for her open-mindedness, hunger for improvement, and always putting the guest experience first.”

Ellen Galbraith, General Manager and VP, Stevens Pass, Wash.

Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, Ellen Galbraith moved to the Evergreen State—where she now lives as GM and VP of Stevens Pass—to attend the University of Washington. A former downhill racer, she started working in the industry as a race coach for the Alpental-Snoqualmie team during her college years, and served on the race crew at Snowbasin, Utah, for the 2002 Winter Olympic Games. She remains involved in racing as an alpine race official.

“Ellen leads with conviction and impact,” said a nominator. “It is her very human approach that wins folks over. She is unique and thoughtful in her leadership style. She brings people together and only sees possibilities where others may give up.”

Ellen joined Vail Resorts in 2003. She spent 16 years at Beaver Creek, Colo., climbing the ranks from race crew to manager of racing and then snow surfaces manager before moving to Northstar California, where she served as the senior director of mountain operations. 

“She is a remarkable leader and role model for women in the ski industry, and I feel incredibly lucky to learn from her example,” said a nominator.

After two years at Northstar, Ellen was named chief of staff for the president of Vail Resorts mountain division. After a rough start to the 2021-22 season at Stevens Pass, Ellen, who was supporting the resort from Colorado, volunteered to go up to Stevens Pass in person to assist interim GM Tom Fortune. In May of 2022, she was named general manager of the resort, making the homecoming (of sorts) more permanent. 

“Witnessing how Ellen has approached the turn-around at Stevens Pass has been remarkable,” said a nominator. “She has immense focus on results, and more importantly, knows how to build the relationships to achieve success. Ellen is deeply thoughtful with everything she does and often is the person to raise her hand and ask the question that everyone really wants to ask.”

By all accounts, her impact on Stevens Pass and its surrounding community has been tremendous. 

“Ellen stepped in to lead Stevens Pass at a moment of crisis. We had lost the support of our community. Ellen dove right in and immediately began to identify the pressure points, the areas we could make the biggest impacts,” said a nominator. “She is hands on, spending many Saturday mornings directing traffic in the lots. She has brought our community back together, the impacts of her leadership stretching beyond the confines of the resort.”

“Ellen’s leadership and engagement gave the Stevens Pass team and community hope, which everyone continues to rally around today,” a nominator agrees. “She has a long runway ahead, and we can expect more great things in the future.”

Matt Peterson, VP of Marketing, Palisades Tahoe, Calif.

Once a professional snowboarder, Matt Peterson traversed the globe's mountain ranges, showcasing his skills at the X-Games and through Warren Miller films. With his transition from the adrenaline of competitive snowboarding into ski area operations, Matt has emerged as a leader in brand marketing, creative business strategies, and environmental sustainability. 

“Matt is flat out awesome,” said a nominator. “He is a leader, he’s innovative, and he takes a complete team approach to everything he does. He’s led some of the most creative marketing campaigns anyone has seen. He knows how to adapt to the people around him and he makes them feel like they belong on the team.”

Early in his career, Matt co-founded snowboard design and manufacturing company Academy Snowboard Co. as well as a creative agency in Denver noted for data-driven marketing approaches, compelling content creation, and strategic brand positioning. After earning his bachelor’s degree in marketing, Matt joined Boreal Mountain Resort, Calif., as the director of marketing and communications. He was quickly tapped to become VP of marketing and brand management for Boreal, Woodward Tahoe, and Soda Springs. In July 2022, Matt joined Palisades Tahoe as the senior director of marketing and was promoted to vice president of marketing earlier this year. 

“Only certain people can maintain a level-headed, calm environment with an entire team and also push the limits at all times. Matt can do that,” said a nominator. “One bad marketing idea or social post, and the Palisades Tahoe ski community is apoplectic. He manages to work under those conditions, maintain a dedicated team, and run successful campaigns year after year.”

Marketing efforts created and implemented under Matt’s leadership have been recognized with multiple awards inside and outside of the industry and have propelled environmental sustainability and other innovations within the industry forward. 

“Matt's forward-thinking approach to marketing in a highly competitive Tahoe marketplace should be rewarded alone,” said a nominator, “but Matt’s efforts in specific areas like conversion and environmental sustainability are equally notable.”

Beyond his professional endeavors, Matt is dedicated to mountain adventure. He is the executive chair of Visit California’s snow committee and contributes to Ski California's growth committee, underscoring his commitment to the sector. In his personal life, Matt, his wife, and their two daughters spend as much time outside as possible.

“Matt is without a doubt one of the most innovative and thoughtful brand marketing leaders in our industry and beyond. Matt has uniquely complementary competencies of creativity and critical thinking that have led to him bringing big ideas to life. Matt is an inspirational leader to his teams, and I have watched him develop so many as a mentor in service of broader resort teams as well.”

For a look at our past SAMMY winners, VISIT OUR SAMMY HALL OF FAME.

Learn more about the SAMMY Awards here.