Our most valuable staff are our MVSTA Groomers who all take so much pride in our ski trail product. Thank you (front row) Steve Taylor, Ed Stockard, (middle) Jake Valentine, (back) Chris Charters, Mike Pruett, Mike Harvey, Liam Donahue and not pictured Rob Seckinger.
MVSTA office staff: Danica Ready, Rob Seckinger, Paula Christen, Kristen Smith and James DeSalvo.
James DeSalvo,
Executive Director
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James manages all MVSTA operations and staff along with overseeing maintenance of the trails, bridges, and signs year round.
Professionally he has worked most recently as the Regional Director for Outward Bound managing operations in AK, WA, OR, and CA. James also brings experience as a state park ranger, ski patrol, EMT, and wild land fire fighter. James moved to the valley in 1999 and enjoys doing anything outside.
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Paula Christen,
Office Administrator
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Paula handles the day-to-day office operations and financial aspects of MVSTA, including payroll, financial and budget management, office public relations, and is the friendly voice that usually greets you at our office. Paula has lived in the Methow Valley for 25 years, and is an active watercolor artist and instructor. You can view here work at paulachristen.com.
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Danica Ready,
Program Manager
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Danica manages MVSTA events, program development and MVSTA service program, and assists with grant writing, public outreach and trail pass sales. Her educational background is in biology, education and geology, and most of her professional experience has been in teaching and non-profit development. Danica moved to the Valley in 2001, where she has raised her two kids (Payten and Ben) on the trails, and has worked for the Methow Conservancy and MVSTA.
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Rob Seckinger,
Seasonal Trails Manager
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Rob oversees the daily maintenance and operations out on the trails as the Trails Manager and Lead Groomer. He puts in most of his time prepping the trails in the fall, and keeping them in world-class condition all winter, but you may see him out there periodically in the summer as well, leading a bridge replacement or trail upgrade with volunteers. Rob and his young family have biked together across the United States and have ridden the full length of the Continental Divide Trail.
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Kristen Smith,
Marketing Director
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Kristen directs the promotion and marketing of MVSTA and is the one often greeting you on the trails with a smile and a quick photo. She is also the driving force behind our social media operations. She has over 20 years of experience working in the outdoor industry, which is why you will usually find her hauling way too much gear into the outdoors. Kristen's passions are biking and skiing.
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