JACKSON HOLE, WYO – Jackson Hole Mountain Resort (JHMR) announced today Mary Kate Buckley will be its new president effective June 1. Buckley replaces Jerry Blann who announced his departure after heading JHMR for 22 years.
Owners of the resort, the Kemmerer family, conducted an exhaustive search to fill the role and said they were pleased to bring Mary Kate onboard, citing her strong ties to Jackson Hole and her extensive business experience.
“Mary Kate is an engaged community member who understands the Jackson Hole business challenges and opportunities,” said Jay Kemmerer, JHMR owner and board chair. “Her extensive experience leading diverse organizations, and driving business and brand strategies in global markets will help Jackson Hole stay relevant and true to character in the increasingly competitive ski industry.”
Buckley has served on the board of JHMR for the past three years at Kemmerer’s behest. Kemmerer said he was impressed with her quick study, strategic mind, and passion for skiing.
After receiving her Masters in international management and marketing at NYU’s Stern School of Business, Buckley worked for Grey Advertising in NYC for two years. Beginning in 1987, she took on various roles at the Walt Disney Company for 11 years, extending the company brand to new markets in Asia and Europe.
Buckley then worked for Nike from 1998-2009 where she helped the footwear company grow in the Americas Region (Latin America and Canada). She also led Nike’s $2 billion apparel business for Europe, Middle East and Africa.
Buckley has strong ties to the valley. She first visited Jackson Hole in 1985 as an avid skier and returned to ski every year as a visitor until 2005, when she purchased a home in Teton Village. She has earned membership into Jackson Hole’s 100 Ski Day Club, achieved by skiing 100+ days at JHMR in a ski season.
Buckley became a permanent resident in 2009 and has served on the JHMR board of directors since 2014. Currently, she is a co-owner of Azienda Agricola Urlari, a premium boutique winery in Tuscany that she co-founded in 2004. She is a trustee of Silicon Couloir, Jackson’s entrepreneurial advisory firm.
“I have enjoyed working with Mary Kate on the board,” Blann added. “She will inherit an incredible resort and a great management team poised to continue its industry leading brand presence.”
