California Ski Association President Bob Roberts to Retire

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SAM Magazine—Mill Valley, Calif., March 30, 2015—Bob Roberts, president and CEO of the California Ski Industry Association (CSIA), is retiring effective June 2015. Roberts has been at his post for 40 years. The CSIA executive committee is currently interviewing candidates, with plans to name a new director in the weeks to come.

“It's been a great run. It's always been about the relationships, the great people and the variety of challenges we've shared, that have made my life's work so enjoyable and rewarding,” Roberts said. SAM Magazine—Mill Valley, Calif., March 30, 2015—Bob Roberts, president and CEO of the California Ski Industry Association (CSIA), is retiring effective June 2015. Roberts has been at his post for 40 years. The CSIA executive committee is currently interviewing candidates, with plans to name a new director in the weeks to come.

Roberts entered the ski industry in 1969 as operator of Mt. Shasta Ski Are, which he ran until 1975. He was actively involved in legislative affairs of the industry and the Sierra Ski Areas Association (SSAA), predecessor to CSIA. In June 1975, the SSAA board asked Roberts to organize SSAA into a more formal organization, which became CSIA.

“It was a part-time role in the early years, but when the issues became so large and burdensome to the resort owners, it was clear CSIA needed full-time attention,” Roberts said.

As head of CSIA, Roberts was a founding member of the California Travel and Tourism Commission, and served as vice chair and head of the marketing committee for six years. During his tenure, the commission produced the IMAX film “Adventures in Wild California” and engineered an award-winning marketing co-op with Virgin Atlantic Airways. Through it all, Roberts has unswervingly promoted and defended the winter resort industry in the state legislature.

“The industry would not be where it's at today in terms of status among the state's political leadership had it not been for Bob's ability to navigate the halls of Sacramento like few have done,” said Dick Kun, former CEO and chair of Snow Summit Ski Corp.