Vail Resorts Alumni Network: A Legacy of Leadership and Opportunity
The Vail Resorts alumni network represents a powerful community extending far beyond the slopes, fostering connection, support, and opportunity for its members. This network encompasses individuals who have participated in various Vail Resorts programs, as well as those connected to partner organizations. The impact of these programs extends far beyond the slopes. The sense of confidence, teamwork, and perseverance these young athletes have developed will stay with them for years to come. The network’s primary goals are to convene a group of younger alumni from diverse industries and perspectives to provide advice, knowledge, and feedback to current students on real-world situations through regular engagement.
Building a Strong Community
Vail Resorts recognizes that connection, support, and opportunity are the key ingredients for success. The SOS Alumni Network, Continuing the Circle, exemplifies this commitment by providing a platform for alumni to connect, collaborate, and engage with current participants, SOS partners, and each other. This network aims to empower the next generation of young leaders by offering avenues to discover new opportunities, revive old friendships, forge new ones, and network with their dream companies.
Vail Resorts solves for eligibility gaps by ensuring they continue to support adults and partner organization alumni with access to the sport and the outdoor industry.
Supporting Military Personnel
Vail Resorts extends its support to current and past members of the military through a special pass program. This pass allows members of the Armed Forces, Canadian Armed Forces, and the Australian Defence Force, along with their families, to ski at Vail Resorts for a highly discounted price. This initiative acknowledges the sacrifices made by military personnel and provides them with opportunities for recreation and relaxation.
Showcasing Alumni Success Stories
The Vail Resorts alumni network boasts a diverse array of talented individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields. These alumni serve as role models for current participants and demonstrate the value of the skills and experiences gained through Vail Resorts programs.
Read also: Legacy of Fordham University
Mary Carter: As PRE4CLE's communication director, Mary leads communication efforts, including coordinating its year-round, multi-media marketing campaign and supports its advocacy efforts through paid, owned, and earned media storytelling. Mary also works with local organizations across the city of Cleveland as a freelance copywriter and editor, focusing on projects that tell the story of micro-communities, underrepresented communities, and communities of color. Most recently, Mary has worked with Jews of Color Cleveland, Reframe History, The Hispanic Heritage Hub, and Pueblo Strategies. In the pursuit of giving back to her community, Mary serves as a member of the Scripps Young Alumni Council at Ohio University and is an Associate Board Member of Recovery Resources, a Cleveland-based non-profit organization working to help people triumph over mental illness, alcoholism, drug, and other addictions.
Rachael Cathey: A proud Scripps alumna with a bachelor’s degree in communication, focusing on Integrated Media Production.
Danny Cox: An entrepreneur, consultant, and passionate advocate for continuing education. After establishing a well-rounded foundation at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, he began his career in Chicago working for award-winning agencies such as Weber Shandwick and Razorfish, supporting clients including Delta Air Lines, Samsung Mobile, Google and others. In 2014, he relocated to the Reno/Tahoe area for an opportunity to lead the marketing team for one of Vail Resorts' Tahoe resorts, Northstar California.
Mary Davies: Works as a producer and executive producer for WNBC, NBC’s flagship local station in New York City. During her time at NBC New York she has produced Emmy, Regional & National Edward R. Murrow and Alfred I. duPont-Columbia University award-winning newscasts and breaking news coverage.
Josie Finley: Earned a Bachelor of Science in Communication with a major in Information Telecommunication Systems (ITS) from the Scripps College of Communication, along with a minor in Business and concentration in Management Information Systems (MIS). She was actively engaged with the Telecommunications Systems Management Association (TSMA,) where she contributed to organizing annual fundraisers that supported an educational trip to the Nationwide Arena, where she and her fellow students toured the IT infrastructure at the Blue Jackets Arena and then stayed for a game. In this role, Josie enjoys the perfect balance between technical execution and business leadership. Her portfolio includes managing projects that range from routine cabling adjustments to complex global infrastructure rollouts. One of the greatest benefits of this role is that it allows her to work remotely and she is able to collaborate with colleagues and stakeholders across multiple continents.
Read also: Baylor's Notable Alumni
Alyssa Goodenow: A life-long storyteller, a non-profit communications professional, a proud OHIO alumna and a passionate advocate for the welfare of humans and animals. In her role as Communications Coordinator at Mid-Ohio Food Collective, she captures the stories of individuals involved in a network of partners - from the inspiring narratives of the people it serves, the volunteers that dedicate their time to its mission, the donors who make it their mission to fight hunger and partner agencies who have selflessly decided to give back to their communities every single day. During her time at OHIO, Alyssa founded and was the president of Ohio University's cat-based student organization, All 9 Lives (A9L). A9L works with the Athens County Humane Society to better the lives of cats in Athens County. Because of her presidency, she was the recipient of the 2024 Outstanding Entrepreneurship Award through the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.
Brooklynn Kramer: A communications professional with a passion for telling stories that connect people to brands and communities. Over the past eight years, she has led content and engagement strategies for everything from healthcare to lifestyle and local culture, growing audiences and building authentic connections along the way, blending creativity with data to create content that not only looks good but also drives real results. She is the Ohio University Alumni network representative for Nashville and the chair for the Scripps Young Alumni Council.
Emma Kramer: A 2019 graduate of Ohio University’s Scripps College of Communication, where she studied Information Design in the School of Visual Communication and minored in Marketing. During her time in Athens, she discovered a passion for storytelling, sports, and strategic content creation. That passion has fueled a dynamic career across the NHL, MLS, NFL, and now the craft beer industry. She previously held leadership roles with Real Salt Lake and the Arizona Cardinals, where she built social strategy grounded in data and creativity. Today, Emma serves as the social media manager for Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., where she continues to lead bold, authentic brand storytelling.
Bridget Livengood: A strategic marketing and communications leader with a passion for purpose-driven storytelling. A 2010 graduate of the E.W. for research and treatment. In her role, Bridget leads brand strategy and marketing campaigns that connect donors to groundbreaking science and compassionate care. Bridget’s career spans journalism, brand marketing, and philanthropy communications, giving her a unique perspective at the intersection of mission and message.
Ashleigh Mavros: A storyteller at heart and strategist by trade, with over a decade of experience crafting clear, compelling communications that connect people to purpose. She currently serves as manager of OpEx Communications at McDonald’s, supporting the Global Technology function by shaping and sharing the company’s digital transformation narrative. Previously, Ashleigh led global internal communications at Avison Young, where she partnered with executive leadership across the globe to drive employee engagement and lead strategic change initiatives. She has also previously held communications roles at RedShelf, Geben Communication, and Fahlgren Mortine, with a consistent focus on simplifying the complex and connecting people to purpose. Ashleigh earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University (Class of 2014), majoring in Strategic Communication with a Spanish minor and Business specialization.
Read also: Columbia University Legacy
Arielle Patterson: A 2015 graduate of the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism.
Alexa Pressman: Graduated from Ohio University in 2016 with a Bachelor of Science in Communication degree. She studied in the School of Media Arts and Studies. Since then, she has been working in the live music industry, which took her to Nashville in 2022. Alexa is the ticketing director for a small venue management company where she supervises six box office managers at different venues.
Rob Razzante: (PhD, Arizona State University) is an experienced educator and international communication specialist who facilitates people’s growth through adult learning and professional development strategies. He is the founder of Redwood Communication LLC, a human and organizational development business. Starting in the fall of 2025 he is joining Belmont University as an Assistant Professor of Communication with a focus on corporate communication. As a communication coach, Rob works with executives and young professionals to enhance their communication skills through mindfulness. For example, his international coaching with Alan Carroll & Associates engages business professionals to enhance their clarity and confidence through mindful communication practices. As an organizational consultant, Rob worked with Cleveland Clinic Foundation in designing and delivering an employee-driven methodology to guide the organization’s strategic planning and implementation regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion. As a communication facilitator, Rob has experience cultivating dialogue and deliberation with The Institute for Civil Dialogue, StoryScope-A Story Circles Project, and Fighting to Understand.
Heather Wilson Schiltz: A motorsports communications and marketing consultant. As the CEO of High Gear Success, she helps motorsports companies, event organizers and racers get noticed, improve operations and increase revenue. A lifelong motorcyclist, Heather enjoys teaching others how to ride safely and responsibly. Beyond motorsports, she enjoys traveling with her husband and two golden retrievers. Heather holds a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Ohio University and has worked in the motorcycle industry for more than a decade.
Blake: Grew up in a family of seven - the oldest of five brothers. Four of them are Bobcats. Blake and his wife recently moved home to Ohio after three years living and adventuring in Colorado. While in Colorado, Blake served as the marketing and communications director for three pro sports teams simultaneously. Professionally, he enjoys connecting with new and interesting people, telling stories and growing within a community.
Karli Bell: A WNBA reporter and analyst located in Chicago.
Makenzie Bowker: An award-winning storyteller and social media leader whose work has earned some of the industry’s highest honors, including multiple Webby Awards, Telly Awards, and recognition as a 2025 Bold Brands Honoree by The Social Intelligence Lab. After graduating with honors from Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, she began her career at CNN as a writer and producer for CNN Social. Pinterest craft builder, and everything in between. While there, she was tapped to help build the network’s first-ever social discovery team. During her tenure, she covered two presidential campaigns, led social newsgathering workshops for staff, and regularly sourced and produced high-impact content that shaped CNN’s digital storytelling. Currently, Makenzie serves as the senior manager of social media and influencer strategy at City of Hope, where she has led transformative digital initiatives. Within her first 90 days, she implemented a new social-first content strategy and rebranding effort that drove a 180% increase in video views, a 53% growth in audience footprint, a 77% rise in impressions, and a 105% boost in engagements year-over-year. In her role, she leads a team of content producers and strategists while advising C-suite leaders and cross-functional partners on best practices and emerging trends. She has developed a comprehensive suite of strategy playbooks and governance documents covering influencer and user-generated content, social listening, employee advocacy, and community management. Prior to her role at City of Hope, Makenzie was managing editor of brand strategy and content marketing at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), which was later acquired by City of Hope. There, she conceptualized and published over 600 marketing and communications assets, including a new content series for patients and caregivers that helped increase site page views by 10% in just six months. She also launched a new awards program that reached over 60,000 people at its debut and doubled annual page views from social traffic and engagements. Makenzie’s earlier career includes a pivotal tenure at WebMD, where she rose through the ranks from social media editor to senior manager of social media and audience engagement. She led a team of editorial producers and strategists, increasing yearly page views from social traffic by 112% and social engagements by 125%. Her innovative mobile push notification strategy boosted clickthrough rates and page views by over 1,000%. She also launched WebMD’s presence on Reddit, producing over 25 AMAs with leading institutions such as Cleveland Clinic, Harvard, Emory, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and City of Hope. In her spare time, Makenzie advises brands and thought leaders as an independent consultant.
Scripps Young Alumni Council
The Scripps Young Alumni Council plays a vital role in connecting younger alumni with current students. The primary goal is to convene a group of younger alumni from diverse industries and perspectives to provide advice, knowledge and feedback to current students on real-world situations through regular engagement. Members of the Young Alumni Council will have opportunities to interact with students throughout the nine-month program during both virtual and in-person meetings, through student organization speaker opportunities, class speaking opportunities and mentoring. Those who serve on the council will also interact with and gain benefit through contact with the college's leadership and faculty and the Dean's Advisory Council, founded in 2000. The inaugural cohort of the Scripps Young Alumni Council visited Athens in September 2024 to engage with college leadership and students.
tags: #Vail #Resorts #alumni #network
