ABOUT THE AWARD | RECENT HONOREES | NOMINATIONS | HALL OF FAME

The Award

The SAMMY Leadership Award honors individuals who are leading the way in the mountain resort industry through bold ideas, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to progress. These forward-thinking professionals are not just reacting to change—they are driving it. With an eye on the future, SAMMY honorees embody the innovation, leadership, and vision that move the industry ahead.

2026 Honorees 

Four standout leaders have earned a 2026 SAMMY Leadership Award, recognized for the way they lead—thoughtfully, actively, and with a clear focus on people. This year’s honorees are: Kari Brandt, Jay Dougherty, Jordan Elliott, and Ben Smith.

Chosen by their peers, these leaders are making a meaningful impact not only within their own operations, but across the mountain resort industry. They’re known for showing up, lifting others up, and leading with a balance of humility, intention, and follow-through

 Read more about our 2026 SAMMY Leadership Award Honorees.

Nominate a Leader for a SAMMY

The SAMMY is not a lifetime achievement award. We want to hear about proven leaders who are in it for the long haul and on an upward trajectory. Great leaders don’t operate in a silo, so SAMMY candidates should also be leaders who make a positive impact on the people they work with, the place they work, the community they live in, and the broader industry we are all a part of. Forward thinking is another quality SAMMY honorees share. These are the folks who are going to shape the future of this industry. 

Nominations are closed for 2026. We will reopen nominations for 2027 in May. 

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