JACKSON HOLE, WYO – Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) announced its out-going president Jerry Blann received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Ski Area Association (NSAA) last week at the annual conference in Marco Island, Florida. Blann, who has most recently served as the president of JHMR for nearly 23 years, had an illustrious ski industry career, for which he was recognized amongst his peers last week.
Kelly Pawlak, president of NSAA, said, “We are so pleased to present Jerry Blann with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Not only did he push Jackson Hole forward, but he helped many resorts across the country due to his diligent and successful efforts with the National Ski Areas Association.
The award is the highest honor the association gives out, and a tradition since 1968.
For Blann, skiing was in his blood. He grew up in Mt Bachelor Oregon, went to college on skiing scholarship at Denver University and from there took a job with Aspen Skiing Company. He was the president of Aspen Skiing Company by the age of 36. After 18 years in Aspen, Blann went to Bear Mountain in California, and then onto develop Lake Catamount ski community south of Steamboat Springs, Colorado before he found himself in Jackson Hole in 1995.
“I am so honored to be recognized with this award from the NSAA. It means a great deal to me at this time as a long and special chapter in my life as president of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort comes to a close,” Blann stated. “I will miss the day to day of working for the Kemmerer Family and with all the incredible staff at JHMR, but I am looking forward to skiing more and spending time with my family.”
Blann will step down next season, leaving way for Mary Kate Buckley to take over at JHMR beginning next month.
