JACKSON HOLE, WYO – Jerry Blann announced his planned departure this morning as president of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR). In the 22 years under Blann’s leadership, the resort has excelled in an industry experiencing declining and diminishing successes for stand-alone operations like JHMR.
Blann said part of the reason he is ready to leave the post is to spend more time with his family—traveling and skiing.
“There is an irony when you work in the tourism industry that you have little time to actually enjoy the benefits,” Blann admitted. “I’ve worked hard with a passion for the ski industry and have extraordinary admiration for an incredible team at JHMR. Proud does not begin to describe it, but gratitude certainly does. I’m thankful to all those with whom I have the opportunity to work with over the years.”
Blann’s remarkable 47-year career in the ski and tourism industries included 25 years in California and Colorado before joining JHMR as president in 1995. Prior to arriving in Jackson, Blann was president of Aspen Skiing Company where he worked for 18 years. He also served as president of Bear Mountain in California.
Wyoming Governor Matt Mead said, “I would be surprised if any ski resort president has done more for a mountain resort than Jerry over these last 22 years. His leadership at the Village, in the community and across the state is as awe-inspiring as the mountain itself. I say a big Wyoming thank you to a friend and great leader.”
Michael Berry, president of the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) commented, “Jerry is a leader in the ski industry. Looking across the ski resort landscape very few places have had the incremental success that Jackson Hole Mountain Resort has had under Jerry’s leadership. The mountain improvements, greater accessibility and much more visibility in the market place have allowed Jackson to increase visitation in a way that has caught the attention of his peers.”
Jackson Hole, as well as the industry, has changed and improved dramatically over the course of Blann’s career. Among the highlights:
- JHMR skier visits increased from the 200,000’s to nearly 600,000, transforming the historically slow winter period of the economy in Teton County.
- The unprecedented capital improvements and guest centric mission established Jackson Hole as a premier resort player in the current consolidation taking place in the ski industry.
- Led over $200 Million in capital improvements throughout Blann’s tenure, including the replacement of Jackson’s iconic Tram in 2006-2008.
- A combination of enhancements and continuous guest focus led to numerous acknowledgements of Jackson Hole internationally as a top destination ski resort, including Ski Magazine #1 and Forbes #1.
- Blann spearheaded the Teton Village Master Plan and conceived the Teton Village Association, and later the Teton Village Resort District, to enable Teton Village governance and ability to compete as a top resort destination.
- Together with community members he created the JH-AIR non-profit to support community air service goals in winter.
- Blann serves on Boards of Jackson Hole Airport, Teton Village Association, JH-AIR and the Wyoming Business Council.
- Governor Matt Mead presented Blann with the state’s Big Wyo Award in 2016, an honor of Wyoming’s top achiever in tourism and business.
Under Jerry’s leadership, JHMR achieved the following environmentally focused recognitions:
- Golden Eagle Award (highest industry environmental award) in 1995 and 2011
- Silver Eagle Award Excellence Visual Impact 2005; Energy Conservation 2003
- First in Friends of Pathways Commuter Choice Challenge – 3 straight years
- Chamber of Commerce “Green to Green Award”- 2012
Jay Kemmerer, JHMR’s owner and chairman stated, “The Kemmerer Family has been honored to have Jerry’s leadership for nearly 23 years. His steady hand over many years has been greatly appreciated. We congratulate his stewardship and wisdom to lead one of Wyoming’s greatest assets. He has been a true friend and a pleasure to work with. Following the 2018 ski season we want to celebrate his past and cheers his future.”
The Kemmerer Family expects to make an announcement on Blann’s successor.
Source : Jackson Hole Mountain Resort Press Release
