SAM Magazine-Olympic Valley, Calif., Aug. 4, 2009-Squaw Valley USA has named Mike Livak as senior vice president and general manager, starting in early September. He will report to chairwoman and CEO Nancy W. Cushing. Livak succeeds Ernst Hager, who is retiring after working at Squaw Valley on and off since the early 1970s. Hager will continue to advise Squaw Valley on a consulting basis.

Livak, 41, has put in two previous stints with Squaw. From 1990 to 1996, he worked as a ski instructor. During the summers, Livak worked in construction, hotel food and beverage management, marina operations, and as a public swimming pool manager. Along the way, he became a certified emergency medical technician and attained level I avalanche certification. "I think my experience with seasonal work and the commitment that is necessary to build a life for oneself in the Truckee-Tahoe region provide me with a unique appreciation for all of our employees-many of whom work for Squaw Valley seasonally," he said.

After earning an MBA from UC Davis in 1998, Livak returned to Squaw Valley, working in administration, marketing, directing skier education programs, environmental improvement, planning, and performing a variety of management functions leading to the position of vice president. He has been a member of the Squaw Valley board of directors since 1999.

In 2006, he moved to Royal Gorge, which owns and operates North America's largest cross country ski resort, two mountain hotels, and two restaurants, as project manager and senior VP.

Now, his third time at Squaw is the charm. "Having had the opportunity to work closely with founder Alex Cushing, Nancy Cushing and previous general managers Hans Burkhart and Ernst Hager, as well as Squaw Valley's extended family of wonderful employees and guests, I am both humbled and inspired to direct the Squaw Valley team as we enter our historic 60th anniversary year and the 50th anniversary of the Olympic Games in Squaw Valley," Livak said.

As for Hager, "Squaw Valley has been an important part of my family's life for over three decades," said the retiring GM. "From my time as a U.S. Ski Team coach living here and raising my family, to my tenure as general manager, life at Squaw has been eventful and rewarding. I am looking forward to spending more time with family here in the Valley, and to pursuing a lifestyle that includes more skiing."

"We are endlessly grateful for the effort and dedication Ernst Hager has put in as general manager at Squaw Valley," said Nancy W. Cushing. "Fortunately for us, he remains a consultant so that we can make continued use of his expertise."

She added, "Mike Livak has spent a great deal of time playing and working in Squaw Valley. I speak for everyone here when I say we are extremely pleased he is rejoining the Squaw Valley family."

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