PARK CITY, UT (May 2016) – The National Ability has brought Kevin Stickelman on as its new chief operating officer. Stickelman brings to the NAC's leading adaptive sports and recreation programs nearly 20 years experience in outdoor recreation and ski area management.
As an amputee himself, Stickelman's introduction into the ski business and adaptive programs began at age 11 when he took part in an adaptive skiing field trip in the Midwest. From that point on, he has lived his life embracing the principles of self-esteem and confidence that are vital to the NAC's mission. His career path over the course of 20 years has provided him a balance between recreational operations and non-profit involvement, ensuring a solid skill set for his role as chief operating officer.
“Kevin's understanding of the NAC's core operating values and the wealth of knowledge he brings from similar industries made him the standout candidate for this position,” said Gail Loveland, National Ability Center's executive director. “His drive and passion for our program, as well as his insight with regard to fiscal responsibility needed to direct a non-profit organization, will prove instrumental in enhancing what we offer the adaptive sports and recreation community.”
Stickelman comes to the National Ability Center following his role as the president/general manager of Powdr Corp's Lee Canyon ski resort in Las Vegas since 2010. There, he was responsible for all aspects of ski area operations, budgeting, financial performance, strategic planning, maintenance, human resources, training, capital projects and relationships with resort partners and government agencies. From 2006 to 2010, Stickelman was a member of the executive team for Powdr Corp's Mt Bachelor Resort. As their director of guest experiences, he oversaw all resort revenue centers, including ski school, rentals, Nordic, tickets, food & beverage, daycare, summer operations and events. He led a year-round and seasonal staff of 500+ employees. Prior to these, Stickelman worked at various resorts in such capacities as director of skier services, director of ski school and summer activities, ski school supervisor/race coach, backcountry manager and ski patrol.
“The programs offered by the National Ability Center provide powerful, life-changing experiences for individuals, which is why I was so strongly drawn to this new position,” said Stickelman. “By taking part in a similar program, my path in life was forever altered for the better. I want to help grow that type of impact and share the compelling stories of those who benefit from the National Ability Center's outstanding programs.”
Stickelman studied general engineering at the University of Utah and Kansas State University. He also studied outdoor education at the University of New Mexico and is a level 3 certified Alpine Instructor with the Professional Ski Instructors of America. He earned a Ski Area Management Magazine SAMMY Leadership Award in 2014 and a Vegas Inc. 40 under 40 award for business leadership in 2012. Volunteering has played a substantial role in Stickelman's life and he has served as a committee member for Scouter's Cup for the Las Vegas Area Council BSA, an executive board member for Crater Lake Council BSA and on the board of directors for Oregon Adaptive Sports.
For more information on the National Ability Center's appointment of Kevin Stickelman, please contact Christa Graff with Graff Public Relations, LLC, at 435.640.7921 or christa@graffpr.com. Additional information about the National Ability Center is available at www.discovernac.org.
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About the National Ability Center
The National Ability Center empowers individuals of all abilities by building self-esteem, confidence and lifetime skills through sport, recreation and educational programs. Located in Park City, Utah, it is one of the leading community programs in the country that provides sports and recreational opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The National Ability Center is recognized as a chapter of Disabled Sports USA and a US Paralympic Sports Club. World-class facilities and program excellence have also elevated the National Ability Center to be a premier provider and partner in the delivery of programs directly supported by the Wounded Warrior Project and the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship. The National Ability Center provides more than 28,000 experiences each year. For more information, visit www.discovernac.org.
