Presenters (White) PNWD Leadership (Blue) Convention Leads (Purple)
Keynote Speaker Panel
Lessons in Motion: Wellness Insights of Our Frontline Partners:
Hear from a panel of local Search and Rescue, Fire, Law Enforcement, and Crisis Dog teams, as they share real-world insight and practical wellness strategies. Learn how they built resilience and wellness into their teams—and what our patrols can take back to our own teams.
Hear from a panel of local Search and Rescue, Fire, Law Enforcement, and Crisis Dog teams, as they share real-world insight and practical wellness strategies. Learn how they built resilience and wellness into their teams—and what our patrols can take back to our own teams.
- HOPE-AACR Crisis Response Dogs: Raquel Lackey & Ruffles; (Also SMR Members)
- Seattle Fire Department: Kristin Cox, (click name for new email)
- Seattle Mountain Rescue: Doug McCall, Chair SMR,
- Law Enforcement - Eric Tung, Kent PD
- FBI Clinical Psychologist: Dr Shannon Meyer (Also HOPE Member and Skagit CISD Team)
- Circulating in the audience will be four HOPE Crisis Response Dogs and their Handlers. (www.hopeaacr.org , 877-467-3597)
|
Brad AckerPNWD Avalanche Advisor
705 Backcountry Ski Patrol Brad Acker is the PNW Avalanche Advisor. He is the past Advisor for Southern Idaho Region and a member of the 705 Backcountry Ski Patrol based out of Boise, ID. He is a past Level 2 Ski Guide for Soldier Mountain Ski Area and secondary ski patroller in Fairfield, ID. He has been learning about snow science since the mid-1990’s where he helped with research at Montana State University, Bozeman and received his undergraduate in Mechanical Engineering. Brad holds a Masters in Engineering and works professionally with energy efficiency, HVAC and high performance building design. Brad splits this time between Boise, ID and Sandpoint, ID, being better positioned to hit the power highway from Sandpoint is a great benefit. Adventure racing, ultra-marathons, and commercial river guiding have all been part of his outdoor life. He moved “out west” in 1991, and grew up in Wisconsin. [email protected] |
|
Kathy AlexanderPNWD Instructor Development Advisor
Santiam Pass Ski Patrol I started my Ski Patrol career in 1986 at Mt. Bachelor and have been at Santiam Pass since 2010. I have served in several leadership positions in Oregon Region as the OEC, Avalanche, and Instructor Development advisors. In the PNWD I have been the OEC Advisor and now serve as the Instructor Development Advisor. Monthly, I participate in the National ID Committee meetings which works on updating instructor recert process, ID course manuals and materials, and the mentoring program. National #7097. A retired Paramedic and lifeguard/swim instructor, I enjoy traveling in my RV with my 2 Alaskan Malamutes spending winter weekends patrolling and summer weekends teaching OEC at Hoodoo Ski Area (every now & then we camp around Oregon. [email protected] |
|
Susan BakerPNWD Co-Awards Advisor 49 Degrees North Ski Patrol NA 7780-- I am one of two Division Awards CoAdvisors (+ Pam Carson) who jumped into the empty position in February. I have always been an eager instructor and mentor, and began helping recognize fellow patrollers as Inland Empire Region Awards Advisor from 1995 to 2003 and again from 2019 to 2023. I have learned a LOT since starting this new position, particularly during the monthly National Awards Committee meetings. Attend Pam’s and Sue’s break out session to find out how to make awards nominations easier and more fun! There will be resources to take home, and treats… Please plan to attend the Saturday Night Awards Dinner. There will be more than a few nice surprises and awards for impressive patroller service and performance; guaranteed to be inspiring! In the rest of my patroller life, I continue to instruct OEC, OET and ID, have held a variety of leadership positions, and am an active alpine patroller on alpine and tele gear. I began patrolling in 1979 at Marshall Mountain in Missoula and have been at 49 Degrees North since 1992. I also enjoy bike patrolling on the Hiawatha and am fortunate to be married to another patroller (Danial) who is just as active as I am. |
|
Andy BechdoltPNWD Division Director
Willamette Pass Ski Patrol Andy Bechdolt is entering his 23th season as a volunteer patroller. He is a senior, OET Instructor, OET IT, OEC IT and ID instructor. Andy spends his time patrolling at Willamette Pass in Oregon. He was selected as an assistant Hill Chief in his rookie year. He spent time in that role for 2 years. He was a Hill Chief for 4 years, Assistant Patrol Director for 4 years, Patrol Director for 4 years, Assistant Oregon Region Director for 4 years and was the PNWD Asst Division Director for years. In his day job, Andy is the Instructor Development Coordinator for the State Police Academy in Oregon. He instructs on adult learning theory, mentors new instructors and provides regular feedback to all of the training staff. He is also a senior instructor in firearms, emergency vehicle operations, reality based training, building searches and vehicle stops. Andy is also an instructor in advanced courses such as leadership, instructor development courses and staff in service training. Andy also runs a part time professional photography business and is a full time adventure seeker. In his spare time he kiteboards, backpacks, rides mountain and road bikes and of course skis. |
|
Marianne BeckerPNWD OEC Advisor
Lookout Pass Ski Patrol I have been with NSP since 2009. I am a Senior Patroller, LCA #8549. I have Patrolled at two different areas in the Inland Region. Currently, I patrol at Lookout Pass Ski Patrol and also Bike Patrol on the Hiawatha Trail. I am an Instructor for OEC MSP, Trainer Evaluator for OEC MSP, OEC Instructor, OEC IT, ID Instructor, ID IT and a CPR Instructor/Coordinator and able to sign off CPR Instructors and recertify current Instructors in our area. I have worked on the Development of the OEC Hybrid course and also a main contributor to the Hybrid OFC course. I will be the Committee chair for the OEC MSP on National level and continuing with development of this course and materials. I am hoping I will be able to update the Senior Aid Room Module in the near future. I recently retired from my professional career in March 2025. I have worked in my Medical career for 47 years and have been doing something in the Medical world for 51 years as I volunteered when I was in High school for 4 years at the hospital, yikes!!! My husband Dan and I are in the process of building a house at Lake Roosevelt, can’t wait for this to get done! In my spare time, I like to play my guitar( I am taking lessons), Quilt, read, hike, bike, fish and hang out with my dog Sadie. [email protected] or [email protected] |
|
Eric BrittinghamRD-Oregon Region
Mt Bachelor Ski Patrol Joined MBNSP in 2010. Have served as Alpine Rep, Assistant PD, & PD including the Assistant RD for Oregon, OET Advisor, OET IT, OET and OEC instructor. He is the new Oregon Region Director. Married for nearly 30 years to my wife Terri, 3 girls in their 30s, 1 granddaughter and 3 dogs. Lived in Central Orgon since 1999. Retired telecommunications business owner. Avid SCUBA diver and NAUI instructor. ebrittingham@mtbachelornsp.org |
|
Kacy CarlsonPNWD Certified Program Advisor
Mount Ashland Ski Patrol Kacy lives in Ashland, Oregon, and brings a wealth of experience in ski patrol leadership and outdoor emergency care. He previously served as the Director of Ski Patrol and Risk Management at Mt. Ashland Ski Area. A dedicated member of the National Ski Patrol, Kacy currently serves as the Certified Program Supervisor for the Pacific Northwest Division (PNWD). In this role, Kacy recently completed his Alpine Senior training in an effort to better bridge the gap between Seniors and Certified training and evaluation. He is also an instructor and instructor trainer in both Outdoor Emergency Care and Outdoor Emergency Transportation. Kacy served a four-year term on the Board of Directors for the Association of Professional Patrollers (APP), where he held the role of Criteria Coordinator. He has also worked with the Responder Alliance as the Ski Patrol Community Coordinator, supporting patrol teams nationwide in developing and implementing resiliency strategies. His work has been shared widely through monthly wellness meetings across the PNWD and beyond. When he's not on the mountain, Kacy applies his passion for education as a 6th grade science and culinary arts teacher at a local middle school. |
|
Pam CarsonPNWD Co-Awards Advisor
Bogus Basin Ski Patrol For many years in early spring, I would always see a ski patrol recruiting booth at my local hill and say to myself I could do that, but I never did. One day though, at a time when most of my family were giving up skiing, and with a not so gentle push from my husband, I summoned the courage to go talk to them, thinking if I was lucky enough to get picked, I would do it for a couple of years, maybe. 16 years later I’m still very much patrolling at Bogus Basin in Boise as a volunteer ski patroller. I’m an OEC, CPR and ID instructor and have dabbled with but not finished OET instructor training. I have served my patrol as Assistant Patrol leader, secretary, assistant historian, and now as member at large. I’ve been the Awards chair for the past four years, Senior coordinator for Southern Idaho Region since 2019, and I was the co-chair of the PNWD convention held in Boise in 2021. I’m a part of the PNWD Women’s team, representing SIR and in February of this year, I signed on to be Awards Co-Chair for the PNWD alongside Sue Baker. I have been a Registered Nurse for more years than I want to admit, retiring from school nursing just before COVID-19 hit. Whew! I live in Boise with my husband and our two small rescue dogs, Stella and Odi. I have three grown children, and three very tall grandsons! I’m a frequent gym goer, mostly taking functional fitness and yoga classes. I like to read when I can find some spare time, hike, bike and camp. I am thrilled to be here and look forward to meeting and working with all of you! |
|
John Coulan 2025 Convention ChairRD-Northwest
Hyak Ski Patrol John has been “enjoying” a baptism by fire serving the first of a two-year reign as director of the Northwest Region while concurrently serving as chair for this year’s convention. Hosting the current convention has added a level of invigorating challenge to the normal duties of a region director. John received his doctorate and master’s degree from the U of W in Counseling, and has held an adjunct faculty position at both SPU and. Most recently he has been working for the Snoqualmie Valley School District as a counselor. He hopes to retire later this year. This will be John’s 26th year with the National Ski Patrol. He was an EMT crossover when he began his tenure at Summit West. John transferred to the Hyak Ski Patrol at the start of his third year where over the years he served in numerous leadership roles including two tenures as the patrol director. He most recently served as an OET co-advisor for the NW region prior to his current position as region director. |
|
Shirley CummingsPNWD Historian & Special Projects
Hyak Ski Patrol National #4852. 59th year patrolling. Joined home patrol Hyak (P008-020) in 1966. Have worked on several national NSP committees, was PNWD Secretary 35 years, Northwest Region Secretary 3 years, Patrol Secretary 1 year. I have been an assistant patrol director for a long time. During those years, I also served in the position of Division Convention Coordinator, Special Projects, and more recently, Historian. I graduated from the University of Washington and have been involved in UW homecoming and reunion committees. For 33 years I was a firefighter/EMT (#4415) with Vashon Island Fire & Rescue (#130015). I began skiing in 1957 and that same year also began my first winter ski job as cashier in the Thunderbird Lodge at the top of Snoqualmie Summit. Often after my work shift, the ski patrol would bring me down the mountain in a toboggan. That began my introduction to ski patrol. Two years later I had a serious accident and was the recipient of more ski patrol services. My big exposure to ski patrol, however, came in 1964 when my husband managed the ski shop for REI at Hyak while we were in college; we skied with the Hyak Patrol, they invited us to their potlucks and to sleep in their building. We were hooked, took the short ARC first aid classes, took the ski test and soon became patrollers. My greatest life interests have been my husband, Gary #4585 (58th year patrolling), my children Kevin and Katie and my grandsons--Connor, Sam, Jack and Sean. We enjoy boating, traveling (grandson #1 lives in Scotland), and we spend a lot of time as seasoned spectators at the many sporting events for all our grandsons as well as cheering at UW football and basketball games. In the future, it looks like my ski patrol and grandson-spectating careers will both probably start to wind down and cease at the same time. I guess I will be doing a lot of knitting. |
|
Jeff Dieckman - Convention CommitteePatrol Director
White Pass Ski Patrol I began my candidate year at White Pass in the 86-87 season and am currently the PD at White Pass. I am an OET instructor, an OET instructor trainer and have been an OEC instructor in the past. I spent several years as the PNW region co-advisor for the OET program and have evaluated many OET senior finals all over the division. [email protected] |
|
Jeff DoughtyPNWD OET Asst Advisor - Snowboard
White Pass Ski Patrol Jeff patrols at White Pass Ski Resort, where he just finished his 8th season. Known as "Snowboard Jeff", he is the WPSP Avalanche 1 and Snowboard OET instructor. As a physical scientist in his day job, the mechanics of snow science, as well as proper technical skiing/riding are both of immense interest to him. Having completed the requirements for OET Senior this past season, he is also now moving into the role of the Pacific Northwest Division Snowboard Advisor. In this role, it is intended that he improve and formalize the OET training that PNWD snowboard candidates go through to become patrollers. He will also be working toward improving the training and evaluation of snowboard senior candidates wherever possible. Basically, the idea is to give PNWD OET instructors more tools to have for their toolbelt, so that snowboard candidates are not left wondering what they should be doing while the skiers are practicing a drill that may not apply to them. [email protected] |
|
Krister Fast - Convention CommitteePatrol Director
Mt Baker Ski Patrol Krister has been a member of the NSP since 2003. He has had several roles over the years at both Mt Baker and with the Northwest Region. Team lead at Mt Baker, assistant patrol director, Region advisor for Awards, Region advisor for OEC. He is also an OEC and OET instructor. |
Dr Geoffrey Ferguson
Dr Tim Carey
|
Geoffrey Ferguson, MD & Timothy Carey, MDAlpental Ski Patrol
Dr Geoffrey Ferguson, is a long time patroller at Alpental, patrol doc, and current medical program director. Other associations include Ski Patrol Rescue Team (SPART) and former Seattle Mountain Rescue member. Dr Tim Carey, has been a part of the Alpental Ski patrol for nearly 10 years, on the Doc Patrol. He specializes in concussion identification and management. He is known as a regional concussion expert. Tim is a University Of Washington graduate who did his residency in Ophthalmology at the Johns Hopkins Hospital He did a fellowship in Eye and Brain Pathology at Johns Hopkins and another fellowship in Oculofacial Surgery at the University of Texas. He has been the director of ophthalmology for the University of Washington Department of Athletics and Seattle Seahawks for decades managing thousands of traumatic brain injuries. |
|
Joe FerrarroPNWD Outdoor Risk Management Program Advisor
National Ski/Bike Patrol 49 Degrees North and Mt Spokane Ski and Snowboard Areas Retired USAF Commander, 22 years (LtCol). Flight and Ground Safety Officer, Flight Instructor and Evaluator, Quality Assurance Engineer, General Manager, Operation Manager, Maintenance Manager, Risk Manager at Mt Spokane Ski and Granite Point Lake Resorts. 30 years of National Ski Patrol, CPR Instructor, OEC Instructor, Ski Instructor. Coached football, soccer, baseball, cross county, track and field. Absolutely loves living in the Pacific Northwest Inland Empire with a wife of 39 years and two grownup gentleman, that now help manage Mt Spokane. Currently enjoying camping, biking, hiking, skiing, snowboarding, surfing, wakeboarding, swimming, and hang gliding. Will probably ski patrol another 28 years, if I live that long…. |
|
Eric GagnonKing County SAR
Rescue Specialist & Hoist Operator Eric Gagnon has over 25 years of experience in Search and Rescue (SAR). For the past 15 years, he has been conducting helicopter rescues with the King County Sheriff’s Office, building on a foundational career in SAR with the U.S. Coast Guard, where he served as a heavy weather SAR coxswain, diver, and emergency medical technician. Currently, he works as a rescue specialist and hoist operator. As a lead instructor, he is responsible for training new members in hoist rescue operations. |
|
Eric GeislerPNWD Nordic / Backcountry Advisor
Payette Lakes Nordic Ski Patrol I just finished my 59th season as a ski patroller. I first came to the PNW division in the fall of 1975 where I joined the Cascade Backcountry and Crystal Mountain Patrols. In 1977 I joined Anthony Lakes and 1979 Spout Springs and helped develop Nordic patrol programs in both areas. In 1982 I became Nordic Advisor and helped initiate several other Nordic patrols and helped draft the new Nordic Patrol Manual in 1984. in 1982 we initiated the Nordic Senior program in the Southern Idaho Region. I served as Spout Springs Patrol Director in 1984-85. I served as Division Nordic Advisor again from 1996 to 2004 before taking on the Division Avalanche Program until 2010. From 2008 to 2010 I joined the Payette Lakes patrol and helped start 705 Backcountry Patrol. In 2020 I took on the challenge of becoming a Nordic Master AND AM THE 18Th Member of that elite group. I continue to patrol at the American Birkebeiner and will be encouraging others to join in this super event with 10,000 racers over a 50 km course. [email protected] |
|
Joe HarwoodPNWD OET Advisor
Willamette Pass Ski Patrol Joe has been patrolling for more than 22 years and has been the Oregon Region OET Advisor for the past 11 years. He is an OET IT, an OEC instructor, an Alpine Senior and a certified BLS CPR instructor. NSP NA #12285. He is looking forward to traveling throughout the division and meeting other OET instructors and learning from them. Joe has worked a variety of jobs over his career, including as an investigative journalist, public information officer, public relations manager and as a part-time instructor at the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communications. He now works as a crisis communications consultant for a law firm. Joe celebrated his 33rd wedding anniversary in June, has four grown children and two standard poodles. [email protected] |
|
Chase HausmanRD Inland Empire & PNWD Bike Patrol Advisor
Mt Spokane Ski Patrol & Silver Mountain Bike Patrol Chase is the PNWD Bike Supervisor and Inland Empire Region Bike Advisor. He’s been a member of NSP and patrolling for 6 years, as an alpine senior patroller with Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol, a bike patroller with Silver Mountain, and formerly patrolled with Hiawatha Trail Bike Patrol. He is also an OEC, OET, ID, Avalanche, and Bike instructor. Professionally, Chase programs roller coasters and other automation systems, safety systems, and operational software tools for theme parks and ski areas. Unprofessionally, he likes to ride bikes down hills, take pictures of cool people and places, and find new places to get lost. He is also a member of the Spokane County Mountain Rescue and Kootenai County Mountain Rescue teams.. [email protected] [email protected] |
|
Brad Hefta-GaubHyak Ski Patrol
Brad is a ski patroller, avalanche educator, and search and rescue team leader with over 30 years of experience building and guiding high-performing teams in both the mountains and the tech world. He currently serves as the Training Director for the King County SAR Ski Patrol (SPART), an Alpine Patroller with the Hyak Ski Patrol, and a course leader for avalanche education. He is passionate about helping patrollers expand their service into the broader community |
|
Carl HeinePNWD Medical Advisor
Mt Spokane Ski Patrol Carlton Heine Md PhD is a practicing emergency medicine physician and the associate dean for clinical education Spokane at the WSU College of Medicine. He joined the NSP in 1997 completing his candidate training at Snowbowl in Missoula MT. He then went on to patrol at Mt Hood in OR, Wintergreen in VA, Mt Baker in WA, and Eaglecrest in AK before landing back in WA at Mt Spokane. He served as the medical director at Eaglecrest and is now the medical director for the Mt Spokane Ski Patrol. He is the PNW Division assistant medical director and serves on the national medical committee. He is both a senior alpine patroller and senior Nordic patroller and enjoys sliding on snow on pretty much any version of a pair of skis you can imagine, including competing in Nordic ski jumping in high school. [email protected] |
|
Diretha HollenbaughI possess a BA with focus on Organizational Management/HR degree from Evergreen State College. Along with over twenty-five years’ experience working in Wellness and Human Resource arenas. I am passionate about creating a positive and supportive work environment for others. I place a high value on personal integrity, empathy for others, open mindedness and being a lifelong learner. I possess a strong desire to learn new skills being an advocate to provide others with up-to-date wellness information and solutions! Some of my greatest accomplishments are creating the Wellness Programs and serving as the chair lead while employed with Employment Security Department’s HR office and while employed on a 325-million-dollar sustainable energy construction/engineer project. My focus is always on promoting holistic wellness which encompasses a healthy mind, body, and a tranquil spirit! Along my journey, I have encompassed a powerful mantra “I Am Healthy!” because it starts in our mind; our thoughts become our actions, and our actions become our behaviors. Changing our habits will change our life! Wellness is a healthy state of wellbeing- free from diseases! Our bodies are powerful and will heal themselves! We’ve lost sight of food being our medicine and our medicine being our food! And truly our greatest wealth is our health, which provides us with groundwork for any true happiness! Should you have any questions or would like to brainstorm subjects, I can be reached at 360 884-1973 or by email at [email protected]. |
|
HOPE AACR TEAM! HOPE Crisis Response Dogs and their Handlers. (www.hopeaacr.org , 877-467-3597) Leo & Molly Blaze & Ginny Stache & Darlene Ruffles & Racquel |
|
Jodie JeffersPNWD Safety & Wellness & Web/Social Media Advisor
Santiam Pass Ski Patrol Jodie has been with NSP since 2002, starting with the Mt Hood SP, Wyeast Region and currently with Santiam Pass SP, Oregon Region. She started in EMS as a paramedic in Michigan in 1980 and has been a Critical Care RN since 1990 specializing in Emergency, ICU & Flight Nursing. This helps support her "paw family". Knowing her limitations as an occassional beginner/intermediate skier, she has found other important areas to be very involved with NSP by being active with teaching and all things medical from the onset. Also serving many years at MHSP's First Aid Chief, other leadership positions, & starting their safety programs. Acheived Senior Patroller, National Appt (LCA), MSA, and Purple& Yellow Merit Stars. Her participation with local, region, division and national levels started early in her patrolling years. Her interests and participation included work with OEC & ID, Awards, and more recently with Web/Social Media/History and her many years passionate about promoting SafetyCulture4All & Wellness! National level participation included OEC Refresher Committee Member, Senior Aid Module Revision & National Safety Team Advisor representing PWND. Her latest and ongoing projects include promoting Safety for the public and more recently developed the SafetyCulture4All Workshop Series with the PNWD Safety Team. Expanding with this training, she received multiple training programs on Psychological First Aid with the Responder Alliance and has been with their National Task Force SIG and with NSP Patroller Wellness Task Force. [email protected] |
|
Kathy LeePNWD OEC Asst Advisor
Mount Hood Ski Patrol Kathy is a Senior Patroller, LCA #8161, and has been with Mt. Hood Ski Patrol for forty (40) years. She is an Instructor and Instructor Trainer for OEC, OECMSP, and Instructor Development. She has served in a number of positions in Mt Hood Ski patrol and has been the Wy’east Region’s OEC and Instructor Development Advisor for many years. She also serves as the Division OEC Assistant Supervisor and has held that position for many years. She chaired a committee of Senior Patrollers from PNWD and other Divisions that revised the NSP’s Senior Aid Room Module and held one of the first sessions of the Module when it was released in 2018. She loves to fish, travel, cook, and drink wine! [email protected] |
|
Richard MurphyPNWD Web/IT Advisor
Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol Richard, better known as “Murph”, has been on a quest to modernize the Ski Patrol’s relationship with Information Technology. Richard helped various patrols, the NW Region and the Pacific NW Division acquire software making the management of a volunteer organization easier. Richard graduated from the UW’s Foster Business School, with a concentration in Finance, and has been a commercial electrical contractor for 25 years. This is Richard's 11th year with the National Ski Patrol, beginning at Snoqualmie Pass - Summit Central. While at Central, Murph served on the Board of Directors as well as the patrol's bookkeeper. Richard migrated the patrol's finances to Quickbooks online, established a highly automated Docusign processes to handle expense reimbursements and instituted online payments, reducing the reimbursement process from weeks to days. Richard is the Webmaster and IT support for the NW Region and the Pacific NW Division, which includes the Division's main website, the Convention site, and online registration. For the past 3 years Murph has been part of the Crystal Mountain patrol where he has helped the patrol incorporate Microsoft 365 and Teams into patrol operations. |
|
Steve PotterPNWD MTR Advisor
Mt Hood Ski Patrol As a member of Mt. Hood Ski Patrol since 2009 I have been active in the Nordic and Associate programs. As a Nordic Patroller I have received the Nordic Patroller of the Year recognition in 2001 and 2014, and Pacific Northwest Division Outstanding Nordic Patroller of the Year for 2020-2021. As an Associate patroller was recognized as the Associate Patroller of the Year in 2015. As a General Patroller I was honored to receive the First Aid Instructor of the Year in 2016. As a Nordic Patroller I have served as the Nordic APC for two seasons in 2016 thru 2017. Following the APC service, I have served on the MHSP Council as Nordic Director for four seasons starting in 2018. In my time as Nordic Director I have strived to coordinate with and follow the leadership of our Council, Region, Division, and the National Ski Patrol utilizing the recourses and guidelines provided for Nordic Training, MTR, and OET. As A Nordic and MTR Instructor and IT I have worked to establish a group of Nordic instructors, added new MTR instructors. Recently I have led in the implementation of a Teacup Lake Nordic specific OET program. In 2021 I was honored with the PNWD Outstanding Nordic Patroller award for 2020-2021 and awarded the NSP Leadership Commendation Appointment No. 8553. I have been active with the Boy Scouts of America for thirty-five years as a Cubmaster, Scoutmaster, District trainer and committee member. I have served as District Commissioner and District Chairman in two Scout Districts. Within the Scout District and Council organizations I am recognized as a go-to for outdoor travel, camping, and emergency medical training. This involvement led me to Ski Patrol service in 2008. Steve Potter ,MHSP 1630, NSP 236276, NSP LCA 855 |
|
Jack RamseyPNWD Assist OET Supervisor
Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol I am now the Assist Division OET Supervisor. For the previous 6 yrs, I was the former PNW Division OET Supervisor. The last couple seasons I’ve had the good fortune to travel to many of the ski areas in the division and meet some of the finest people in the world. Needless to say I enjoyed that position more than I could have imagined. [email protected] |
|
Dave Schweitzer
PNWD Mountain Host Advisor
Willamette Pass Patrol Host Coordinator Dave Schweitzer was born in southern California in 1957. He was raised both in Big Bear Lake and the Oregon Coast, where he started his first business in 1978. Dave is the owner of Schweitzer's Automotive Center in Eugene, and has been in his present location for almost 30 years. Dave learned to ski in elementary school, the last class of the day being ski school where we put our skis on the side of the bus and rode to Snow Summit. He has ski throughout the west, from southern California to Alaska. Dave joined Willamette Pass Ski Patrol 8 years ago as a Host. He became the Mountain Host Coordinator 6 year ago, overseeing approximately 15 hosts. Dave has extensive experience in, and a love of, the outdoors. He is an avid water and snow skier and enjoys hunting, fishing, boating, RV's, andmotorcycles. Dave has traveled both domestically and abroad in pursuit of his activities, and believes that active outdoor activities enrich people's lives. [email protected] |
|
Sally SeelyePNWD Woman's Program Supervisor
White Pass Ski Patrol Growing up on Mercer Island in Washington State, Alpental was my ski home. Sunny days or pow days you would find me there rather than in school, whether I had to beg for rides or hitchhike. Oddly enough, my parents were fine with my missing school - so long as it was for skiing. In the mid 80s, pre-OEC and soon as I was old enough, I joined the Alpental Ski Patrol for a few years. Then life happened and skiing fell by the wayside. It took a long while before I finally found my way back, joining the White Pass Ski Patrol just a few years ago. Outside of ski season and when I'm not working selling houses, I can usually be found camping somewhere near water or in the mountains. Preferably both. [email protected] |
|
Joel StevensAlumni Advisor
Mt Hood Ski Patrol Joel is a retired Mechanical Engineer, with 26 years in Steel Mills and Foundries followed by 20+ years as a consulting engineer. He has been a member of the Mt Hood Ski Patrol for 51years and a member of the NSP for 35 years. He has been both an Alpine and Nordic Patroller, and has skied Telemark for about 30 years. Over the years, Joel has been an instructor in four disciplines and an IT in three of them. He has been of the Mt Hood Ski Patrol’s Executive Council for a number of years, and was also the Region Director for Wy’east for 6 years. National Appt #7298. Joel has been the alumni chair for the Mt. Hood Ski Patrol for many years. (So many that I don’t remember when I started) Our alumni and other Oldtimers meet quarterly for a luncheon together, which is something I would promote in the Division. I am the new PNWD Alumni Advisor, following Josie Elting who has done the Job for many years. [email protected] |
|
Matt StrauserPNWD Nordic/BC Assist Advisor
Santiam Pass Ski Patrol He has been a Nordic/BC and MTR instructor for many years. He received the National Outstanding Nordic Patroller with PNWD and was the National Nordic Patroller of the year for 2020. Matt Joined the Santiam Pass Patrol in 2012 as a Nordic patroller at Hoodoo, OR. He attained his Nordic Senior in 2019 and his Nordic Master (#21) in 2024. Since 2022 Matt has served as the Assistant Nordic Program Supervisor for the PNWD. He has an outstanding background in mountaineering, winter travel and navigation that he freely shares with the Nordic program across the Division. He enjoys snow camping, navigation, mountaineering, and family. [email protected] |
|
Shelley UrbenFormer PNW Division Director
Santiam Pass Ski Patrol Shelley was the PNW Division Director 2019-2025. She has been with NSP and Santiam Pass Ski Patrol in the Oregon Region for the last 24 years. During this time she has been very active at all levels from patrol, region, division and national levels contributing her experience and knowledge to all whether with Alpine, OEC, Area Management, Policy & Procedures, NSP. To name just a few of her many experiences beyond Division Director: *PNWD Nor Wester Editor for 9 seasons *Santiam Pass Ski Patrol Director for 7 seasons *Assistant Patrol Director for 3 seasons Participation in national-level activities: * A member of the NSP National Leadership from 2010-2025 * A member of the NSP Business Process Committee from 2019 - 2025 * A member of the National Education Committee from 2019 – 2025 * Chair of the Initiative for Change Task Force from 2021 - 2025 * A member of the NSP Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force * Participation at Powderfall * A member of the NSP Wellness Task Force since 2023 Shelley has both her Alpine Senior Patroller & National Appointment. [email protected] |
|
Evan WangNW Region Avalanche Advisor
Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol Evan has been a member of the ski patrol at Crystal Mountain since 1987. Over the course of his lengthy tenure, he has served the patrol in numerous capacities including founding the snowboard patrol program, running the BLS CPR program, organizing the division-wide Advanced Terrain Clinic hosted by Crystal, and teaching avalanche courses and refreshers. Evan is also the treasurer and member of the SPART unit of King County Search and Rescue. He currently leads a region-wide NSP level II avalanche course taught under the SPART banner. He teaches WFA courses for Backcountry Medical Training and BLS courses for CPR Seattle in his spare time. Evan is pleased that his patrol career at Crystal has even exceeded the tenure of the venerable Rainier Express chairlift! [email protected] |
|
Tanja CarterPNWD SPY Advisor
Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol Tanja began her ski career as a teen stocking boots at summer sales for Ski Chalet in Chantilly VA. She immediately fell in love with the industry. After a failed attempt at earning her masters and becoming a "real" business woman, Tanja took off to Seattle and somehow ended up managing a ski shop for a famous ski movie maker (yup, that guy). She subsequently was recruited by K2 skis, more for her trilingual skills than her ski skills… and spent her 20's traveling around Europe managing accounts for 3 brands (K2, Olin, Pre). This subsequently led to many years living in the Alps and managing international accounts for Tecnica/Lowa and other positions with Gore-Tex, Skins Compression Gear etc.. After retiring from almost 30 years in the industry, Tanja had the "brilliant" idea of investing a few weeks annually as a ski patroller…after all "how hard could it be?" Almost 4 years later, at Crystal Mountain, WA, she was awarded Rookie of the Year, is helping instruct OEC, is developing the Crystal Mountain SPY program and was recently appointed the Divisional SPY advisor. Her extensive coaching background (National's feeder programs as well as youth and adults) has been instrumental in developing a fresh new perspective on the SPY program which promises to change the way we "SPY!" |
|
|