John Kelly Named Taos Ski Valley COO

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SAM Magazine—Taos Ski Valley, N.M., April 13, 2023—Taos Ski Valley promoted vice president of operations John Kelly to chief operating officer. John Kelly Winter.HN As COO, Kelly will expand his purview to oversee all aspects of the day-to-day operation of the resort, with a focus on enhancing the year-round Taos experience.

Among Kelly’s initial projects will be overseeing the replacement of two chairlifts this summer: the Pioneer lift and Lift 4. He will also work on programs and initiatives to build out the resort experience on-mountain and off, including pre-arrival and après ski offerings.

He will report to Taos Ski Valley CEO David Norden. Norden will step back from day-to-day operational activities to focus on strategic direction and the resort’s B-Corp commitment to environmental and social efforts as well as take on additional responsibilities with the resort’s parent company.

“Over the past 15 years, John has earned the respect of his colleagues and the ski industry, and I’m thrilled to have him elevate into this leadership role for the entire resort,” said Norden. “He is a capable and enthusiastic leader who will keep us moving forward every day while also ensuring Taos Ski Valley stays true to its ‘better, not bigger’ mantra.”

Kelly has been with Taos Ski Valley since 2015, during which time he has overseen on-mountain and base area operations as well as skier services. Upon graduation from the University of Tennessee in 2004 with a finance degree, Kelly began his tenure in the ski industry at Deer Valley, Utah, as a lift operator. He then moved to Telluride Ski Resort, where he gained more responsibility over 10 seasons while also earning his MBA from Colorado State University, before joining Taos Ski Valley as director of operations.

“I’m thrilled to take on this leadership role,” said Kelly. “My connections with the local community, my deep respect for our staff, passholders, and guests, and most of all, my passion for skiing and this mountain will influence me every day.”