By Doug Hare EBS STAFF WRITER
BIG SKY – On Sept. 19, Big Sky
Resort announced a major initiative to expand and strengthen their leadership
team. Driven by recent expansion of facilities, lifts, services and visitation,
Big Sky Resort President Taylor Middleton announced through a press release
over a dozen new roles or internal promotions filled by longtime Big Sky Resort
team members.
Troy Nedved has been promoted to
General Manager of Operations, assuming all responsibilities for the day-to-day
operations of Big Sky Resort. Most recently Vice President of Mountain
Services, Nedved’s career at Big Sky Resort spans 23 years, during which he has
demonstrated strong team-building and leadership skills in Mountain Sports,
Guest Services, Base Camp and serving on the Resort’s executive team.
Previously, Nedved worked 22 summers
for the National Park Service in Yellowstone conducting wildlife and forestry
management. A PSIA Examiner Certified instructor, he is an avid skier and
athlete. In his new role as general manager, Nedved will lead all operations
teams at the resort, including mountain operations, mountain services, mountain
sports, lodging, food and beverage, IT, human resources, and the rental and
retail divisions.
Nedved is dedicated to
differentiating the resort among its Rocky Mountain peers, and ensuring it
maintains its authenticity through anticipated growth.“To lead and craft the
direction of Big Sky Resort—it’s a unique opportunity given the position of
this resort at this time. We have the ability to make something really
special,” Nedved said. “We’re not going cookie cutter with the character of
this place—it’s unique to Montana and unique to the industry. We have the
ability to mold this resort into something that is different from all the
rest.”
Tom Marshall has been promoted to Vice
President of Mountain Operations where he is responsible for overseeing ski
operations, summer improvement activities and outside operations. Marshall, a
PSIA Examiner certified instructor and past member of the PSIA Nordic Demo
Team, is a lifelong skier and 20-year resident of Big Sky. He graduated in
engineering and land surveying from Dartmouth College. Most recently, Tom
managed Mountain Sports at Madison and was the Madison Base Area Manager.
Mike Unruh, previously Vice
President of Mountain Operations for 12 years, and before that the Mountain
Manager at Copper Mountain, Colorado, was recently promoted to Senior Vice
President of Mountain Operations for all Boyne Resorts. Unruh will continue to
reside in Bozeman/Big Sky.
Christine Baker has been promoted to
Director of Mountain Sports. She is responsible for the rapidly growing ski
instruction and guiding programs, and Base Camp operations including biking,
zip lines and Lone Peak Expeditions. After graduating from the University of
Michigan in Education, she moved to Big Sky and continued her professional
development with PSIA Examiner Level instruction certification and membership
on the ACCT National Certification Committee for Zip Lines and Adventure Parks.
She first skied Big Sky at the age of five and has only missed two winters
since.
Neil Johnson has been promoted to
Director of Mountain Services, leading the winter guest arrival experience
including Ticketing, Mountain Hosts, Mountain Services and implementation of
the new RFID ticketing system. Johnson has worked in various hospitality roles
at Big Sky Resort for 17 years. Neil is a PSIA Examiner certified instructor
and an avid skier and mountain biker.
John Knapton has been promoted to
Director of Mountain Projects and Equipment. An expert in project management
and heavy equipment operations, Knapton was one of the first employees at
Moonlight Basin where he worked in ski patrol and served as Mountain Manager.
Most recently Mountain Manager for Big Sky Resort, he has 23 years of
experience on Lone Mountain.
Adam West has been promoted to
Director of Mountain Operations where he will lead lift operations, park, and
snow surface management. West has a knack for creativity in planning events and
features like Pond Skim and Snobar, and for managing a large and growing team
of snow grooming operators charged with creating exceptional ski surfaces every
day, regardless of weather.
Michelle Frederick has been promoted
to Lodging Director, where she is leading all lodging operations including the
Huntley Lodge, Summit, Village Center, White Water Inn and Vacation Rentals. Frederick
started her Big Sky career at Moonlight Basin managing promotions. After
joining Big Sky Resort, she transitioned into lodging operations as Owner
Services Director. Frederick has a degree in international business and is a
licensed lodging professional.
Frederick’s new role was previously
held by Barb Rooney, who led resort lodging for 25 years and is now focused on
her expanding role as Senior Vice President of Lodging, Spa, and Owner Services
for all Boyne Resorts. Rooney continues to reside in Big Sky.
Dylan Hall, a 13-year team member
with experience in retail operations, resort sales, golf and expanding new
retailing opportunities, was recently promoted to Vice President of Retail
& Golf.
Brian Berry, with eight years of
experience at Big Sky Resort in personnel operations and a key player in the
resort’s growing seasonal workforce housing expansion, is a SHRM Certified Human
Resources Professional. Berry has been promoted to Vice President of Human
Resources.
Ryan Ayres was recently promoted to
Ski Patrol Director. He brings 20 years of experience patrolling on Lone
Mountain and managing summer improvement projects to his new role trying to
fill Bob Dixon’s ski boots.
Nancy Sheil, with nearly 15 years of
experience as a Big Sky Resort ski patroller, blaster and supervisor has been
promoted to Assistant Ski Patrol Director.
As Big Sky Resort President and
Chief Operating Officer, Taylor Middleton has handed General Manager
responsibilities to Troy Nedved to expand the resort’s leadership structure and
support continued growth. This move positions him to maintain high-level
oversight of Big Sky Resort’s operational and budgetary performance, and focus
more on planning and long-term growth strategies.
