Michael Mendrick
Interim CEO
Describe your role:
To support and collaborate with the national staff, teams, committees and board of directors as well as our regional leaders and membership at large during this transitional period while the search for a permanent executive is conducted.
PSIA-AASI History
Executive Director/CEO of the PSIA-AASI Eastern Division 2001 – 2021.
What would you say to someone interested in learning to ski or snowboard?
It’s never been easier to learn and enjoy sliding on snow. Back in 2015 we came up with the slogan, “We make winter more fun!” and I really believe that to be true.
What’s your favorite snowsports memory?
Skiing “The Bowl” at Big Sky at the 2022 National Academy with former CEO Nick Herrin, my wife Becky and son Jeremy. Like nothing we’d ever experienced on snow!
Dave Schuiling
Director of Education
Describe your role:
Director of Education and Professional Development
Education & Certificates:
Alpine III, Snowboard III, Telemark III, Children’s Specialist 2, Freestyle Specialist 2
What would you say to someone interested in learning to ski or snowboard?
Your future begins uphill, but the downhill spiral is worth the journey every time.
What’s your favorite snowsports memory?
She said “yes” in the East Drain, Telluride, CO
Tom Spiess
Chief Financial Officer
What would you say to someone interested in learning to ski or snowboard?
You’ve really got to try this. You’ll never regret it.
What’s your favorite snowsports memory?
The first run I took with my daughters after they got out of ski school — they were dying to show me all the stuff they had learned.
Katherine Fuller
Director of Marketing and Communications
Describe your role:
I oversee national marketing, branding, and public relations efforts. I strive for authenticity in that work and want our members, partners, and future pros to feel understood, represented, and welcome. I also do a lot of talking about how much fun this is.
Education & Certifications:
Undergraduate degrees in journalism and political science, plus a master’s in marketing and public relations with a concentration in nonprofit management. Real-world education: seven years at the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) and five seasons at Arapahoe Basin Ski Area.
What would you say to someone interested in learning to ski or snowboard?
Give yourself a chance and try it at least twice.
What’s your favorite snowsports memory?
I switched from snowboarding to skiing in my early 30s. My first taste of powder on skis came after skinning up Keystone with a few friends. Our reward for the early morning effort was floating through a few inches of untracked fresh snow on a handful of ungroomed runs. It was extra special to have earned those turns in good company and, despite my awful form and struggling to turn, I remember laughing with joy the whole way down.
Micheala Clark
Director of Operations
Describe your role:
I oversee member services operations for the Lakewood office. My role is to establish strong relationships with all our regions to ensure the same member experience across the United States.
What would you say to someone interested in learning to ski or snowboard?
Take a lesson! I learned to ski by taking lessons. The endless encouragement and support from my instructors made learning something new so enjoyable!
Laura Duff
Event and Meeting Manager
Describe your role:
I work closely with our education department, task forces, and subject matter experts to drive consistent education, professional development, and credentialing for PSIA-AASI. My focus is on the coordination and development of education projects, resources, e-learning, manuals, and training with an emphasis on webinar creation, management, and deployment.
Education & Certifications:
Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Loyola Marymount University
What would you say to someone interested in learning to ski or snowboard?
Just do it! Don’t take yourself too seriously, smile, breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy learning something new. If all else fails, there’s always après-ski!
What’s your favorite snowsports memory?
Any day on the mountain with my dad was a great day; quality father-daughter time.
Max Felix
Merchandise Manager and Sponsorship Specialist
Describe your role:
I’m responsible for planning the merchandise selection for the PSIA-AASI Accessories Catalog, managing the PSIA-AASI product warehouse in Lakewood, CO, and I’m the primary contact for official suppliers and sponsors that have product represented in the catalog.
What would you say to someone interested in learning to ski or snowboard?
It is a life-shaping sport that can provide a lifetime of adventure and fun for you, your family, and friends.
Ryan Bramhall
Member Services Representative
Describe your role:
I help answer member questions.
Education & Certifications:
Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Psychology with a double concentration in English from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
What would you say to someone interested in learning to ski or snowboard?
You should try it! You get to learn a new skill, spend time outside in gorgeous nature, and, to be honest, it’s just ton of fun.
What’s your favorite snowsports memory?
Anytime I’m out with friends and hitting the slopes, it’s always a good time.
Christian Green
Executive Editor
Describe your role:
I am the executive editor of 32 Degrees Magazine; create, manage, and edit website content; and assist with producing educational manuals, handbooks, and newsletters.
What’s your favorite snowsports memory?
Skiing with my dad in the Poconos for the first time and taking him out as we got off the chairlift.
Lizette Hayes
Member Services Representative
Describe your role:
I assist members and help answer their questions.
Education & Certifications:
Bachelor of the Arts in psychology and Bachelor of Science in nursing.
What’s your favorite snowsports memory?
My husband teaching me how to snowboard when we were first dating. I fell many times, but I had fun trying something completely new.
What would you say to someone interested in learning to ski or snowboard?
Go for it! It’s never too late to start, and you’ll never know how much fun you’ll have until you try.
Claire Jolly
Accountant
Describe your role:
I process sales and purchase orders and assist with month-end reconciliation.
Education & Certifications:
Master of Accountancy, University of Tulsa. Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, University of Tulsa.
What would you say to someone interested in learning to ski or snowboard?
Go for it! It’s never too late to start, and you’ll never know how much fun you’ll have until you try.
CJ Lambrecht
E-Commerce and Partnerships Supervisor
Education:
Montana State University (Bachelor’s degree in business management, with a minor in international business)
What would you say to someone interested in learning to ski or snowboard?
Might as well; you should try everything at least once.
Favorite snowsports memory:
It’s tough to pick a specific memory, but I would say in general my favorite snowsports memories come from all the days skiing Bridger with my college roommates before (or instead of) class. From the short lift lines to the long powder lines, there are no bad memories of that place.
Kelly Levitas
Digital Learning Manager
Describe your role:
I focus on the management, development, and execution of snowsports digital education projects, e-learning, web-based programs, training, and resources. I also provide technical leadership and administration of PSIA-AASI’s e-learning courses and The Matrix including design, development, implementation, technical support/training, and maintenance of digital content. I work with the Director of Education, divisional staff, and content experts to drive education, credentialing, and professional development excellence and consistency.
Education & Certifications:
Bachelor of Science: Early Childhood Education
Master of Arts: Curriculum and Instruction and Special Education
Master of Arts: Learning Design and Technology (e-learning).
What would you say to someone interested in learning to ski or snowboard?
Why not give it a try?
Erika Martinez
Member Services Representative
Describe your role:
I help members with any questions they have.
Education & Certifications:
Bachelor of Science in Business Management
What would you say to someone interested in learning to ski or snowboard?
It’s always great to try something new!
What’s your favorite snowsports memory?
The 2021-22 season will be my first time on the slopes!
Jesse Morse
Information Technology Analyst
Describe your role:
I handle a variety of IT-related tasks for the organization, including web design, software engineering, database management, report-building, and troubleshooting problems. I also provide support for the Member Services team and the various divisions if they have any IT problems.
Education & Certifications:
Alpine Level III, Children’s Specialist 2, Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics
Favorite snowsports memory:
Waking up to 22″ of new snow in Telluride on a night where 2-4″ was forecasted, and literally choking on powder while making my first run.
Chip Powers
Accounting Manager
Describe your role:
I provide accounting support to the education, marketing, member services, and merchandising departments. I also work with the nine PSIA-AASI divisions to provide shared accounting reporting and assistance.
Education & Certificates:
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration, Colorado State University
What would you say to someone interested in learning to ski or snowboard?
It’s the most fun you can have outdoors during the winter.
What’s your favorite snowsports memory?
Being with friends and watching my son launch off the cornices into untracked powder.
Angelo Ross
Education Development Manager
Describe your role:
I manage the day-to-day and long-term development of our educational content, curriculum, and resources.
Education & Certifications:
B.S. in biology, M.S. in education from Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, PA. PSIA-AASI certified Alpine Level 3, Snowboard Level 1, Cross Country Level 1, Telemark Level 1, CS2, FS1, Eastern Alpine Examiner and Children’s Examiner; National Ski Patrol member, toboggan instructor.
What would you say to someone interested in learning to ski or snowboard?
Learn from experienced pros and take it anywhere you want, from mellow weekend fun to a rewarding, challenging career.
What’s your favorite snowsports memory?
Too many to recall but trips with my wife, working with our membership, and going to events like Eastern Pro Jam/Master’s Academy, National Academy, Tele Hoedowns, and Interski all stand out.
Laurel Walker
Communications Specialist
Describe your position:
I work with our written communication channels. Whether I’m editing and reviewing 32 Degrees, writing educational pieces on our website, or ensuring member emails provide members with what they need, I love contributing to our organization through the written word.
Education and Certifications:
B.A. Earth Science, M.S. Geology, Wilderness First Responder (WFR), CPR certified
What would you say to someone interested in learning to ski and snowboard:
Don’t be intimidated by your friends or family that already know how. Take a lesson, embrace being a beginner, and dive right in!
What’s your favorite snowsports memory:
Growing up, my mom and I would go out on midnight cross country ski tours on my birthday. My favorite ones were when there was a full moon, and we could break fresh tracks. There’s something about softly gliding through fresh snow in the quiet of the night that is hard to beat. Plus, having these memories with my mom is something I will cherish forever.
Andy Stein
Digital Marketing Manager
Describe your role:
I create graphics and content for events, updates, new offerings, and to increase awareness of our brand. I help maintain our digital presence and handle email communications. My work connects members to the educational materials we offer.
Education & Certificates:
I’m a degreed meteorologist. I got my B.S. degree from UNC-Charlotte. I’ve worked as a meteorologist on TV and a communicator for non-profits for almost a decade now.
What would you say to someone interested in learning to ski or snowboard?
If you want to experience something fun and adrenaline-filled while being outside, skiing or snowboarding is a great way to explore nature.
What’s your favorite snowsports memory?
I was skiing the backbowls of Vail, Colorado one year during a big snowstorm. I love riding through the trees and popping out on a nice, wide-open run. I was doing just that during this snowstorm and because it was snowing so heavy, I couldn’t see that where I popped out of the trees was a 15-foot cliff. Well, I flew off that cliff unknowingly about to get the most air in my life and thankfully landed in a pile of deep powder cushioning the blow of my less-than-perfect landing. It was the perfect mixture of adrenaline and fear.
