Our Leadership: The Heart of the KSEF Community
At the core of the Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation is a dedicated team committed to one thing: our athletes. From our passionate volunteer Board of Directors to our expert Team Leaders and Coaches, every individual here is dedicated to fostering a supportive, high-achieving environment. Meet the leaders who guide, mentor, and empower our racers, ensuring our community thrives and our athletes succeed in the 2025-26 season and beyond.
Our Board of Directors
Coop | President, Board of Directors
As President of the Board, Coop provides the strategic vision that drives the Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation forward. His leadership is shaped by over 30 years as a marketing and communications executive in the mountain resort industry and a decade of service as a U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Swimmer, instilling a resilient, results-oriented focus on empowering our athletes and organization.
Coop leverages his extensive professional expertise to elevate the foundation's presence and impact. As a prominent media voice for the Lake Tahoe region and a communications director for resort and environmental organizations, he actively shapes narratives and builds community support, ensuring KSEF's mission resonates far beyond our mountain.
His commitment is rooted in a profound, multi-generational family connection to Kirkwood. This deep personal passion is the driving force behind his dedication to stewarding the foundation's legacy and building a vibrant, successful future for the next generation of KSEF racers.
Welcoming your strategic insights and feedback—please feel free to connect directly by email: Coop@Coopermarketing.org
Scott Fair | Vice President, Board of Directors
As Vice President of the Board, Scott Fair brings the invaluable perspective of a lifelong South Lake Tahoe local and a former elite competitor. Raised in the local ski community, Scott raced with the Heavenly Ski Team and competed in two Junior Olympics, giving him a deep, personal understanding of the dedication required for young athletes to succeed.
In his professional life as the Owner of a commercial real estate firm and a board member for the Chamber of Commerce, Scott is dedicated to strengthening the local economy. He applies this strategic business acumen and community-building expertise to his leadership role at KSEF, ensuring the foundation's long-term health and its vital role within the Tahoe community.
Scott’s commitment is driven by a firm belief in the life lessons learned through ski racing. With his two children now in the KSEF program, he is passionately invested in fostering an environment where the next generation of athletes can develop the discipline and skills needed to excel, both on and off the mountain.
Welcoming your strategic insights and feedback—please feel free to connect directly by email: sfair@naitahoesierra.com
Steve Hodgkins | Interim Treasurer & Mountain Representative
Serving a vital dual role as Interim Treasurer and the Board's Mountain Representative, Steve Hodgkins provides an unmatched, hands-on understanding of Kirkwood Mountain. With a career at the resort spanning more than two decades, Steve offers a critical link between the foundation and the mountain's day-to-day operations.
As Kirkwood’s Senior Snow Surface Manager, Steve’s expertise is essential to our athletes' success. His deep knowledge of everything from racecourse preparation and snowmaking to terrain park construction ensures that KSEF athletes have access to world-class training and competition environments, giving them a distinct competitive advantage.
A true Tahoe local, Steve’s commitment to KSEF is driven by his family's passion for the mountain lifestyle. He actively champions the foundation's mission to ensure the next generation of local athletes, including his own two daughters, have the opportunity to thrive within a vibrant and supportive community.
Welcoming your strategic insights and feedback—please feel free to connect directly by email: shodgkins@vailresorts.com
Michael Campbell | Interim Secretary, Board of Directors
As Interim Secretary, Michael Campbell brings a sharp strategic focus to the KSEF Board, drawn from his experience as a Managing Director in Investment Banking. He specializes in advising companies on navigating all aspects of growth, a passion he now applies to ensuring the long-term success of the foundation.
A lifelong athlete and former President of the University of Notre Dame Ski Team, Michael understands firsthand the powerful role ski racing plays in shaping individuals. This unique combination of strategic business acumen and a deep passion for the sport allows him to provide critical guidance on the foundation's development and mission.
Michael's commitment is rooted in his family’s multi-generational connection to Kirkwood, which dates back to the 1970s. With his two children now avid KSEF racers, he is dedicated to preserving the community's rich history while actively building a strong and vibrant future for the next generation of athletes.
Welcoming your strategic insights and feedback—please feel free to connect directly by email: Mecruachan@gmail.com
Meet the Team: Your Partners in Athlete Success
Kylese Markt - KSEF Athletic Director
As the Athletic Director for the Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation, Kylese Markt brings a powerful combination of elite racing experience and a deep-rooted passion for developing young athletes. A homegrown talent forged on the slopes of Kirkwood, Kylese is a leader dedicated to building the next generation of amazing ski racers.
For eight years, Kylese has been on the front lines of athlete development as a U16 coach for KSEF. She doesn't just teach skiing; she builds champions. By integrating her high-level competitive experience from the Nor-Am circuit and international training with a Master's degree in Sports Psychology, she equips young racers with the technical skills and mental fortitude required to win.
Kylese's leadership is active and transformative. She is committed to elevating the entire KSEF program through coaching excellence and curriculum enhancements designed to help athletes reach their peak potential. Her vision is clear: to foster a community where dedicated young racers thrive, transforming their potential into podium-worthy performances.
For any questions about our program structure or scheduling, feel free to reach out to Kylese at Kylese@Kirkwoodskiteam.com
Dana Keith | Program Administrator
As Program Administrator, Dana Keith is the foundational pillar of the Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation, providing the essential structure that allows our athletes and coaches to excel. With an unmatched 15 years of hands-on experience, Dana is the driving force behind the seamless operation of KSEF, ensuring every aspect of our program is primed for success.
Dana’s leadership is built on a comprehensive understanding of the foundation, gained from serving in nearly every role imaginable—from on-hill coach to event director and master problem-solver. This deep, institutional knowledge allows her to proactively create a supportive and efficient environment where our athletes, families, and coaches can focus on performance.
Her mission is to empower the KSEF community by managing critical details, allowing our coaches to focus on coaching and our athletes to thrive. Dana’s unwavering commitment makes her an indispensable leader, dedicated to cultivating an organization where our racers can achieve their dreams.
For any questions about our program structure or scheduling, feel free to reach out to Dana at Dana@Kirkwoodskiteam.com
Jim Hein | U16 Head Coach
As Head Coach for the U16 program, Jim Hein brings a powerful blend of elite racing pedigree and world-class coaching credentials to KSEF. A former top racer from the competitive USSS Eastern Division, Jim leverages his firsthand experience and a Level 300 coaching certification to develop technically skilled and mentally tough athletes.
Jim’s expertise has been honed on an international stage, having coached extensively in New Zealand and Australia and serving as Co-Director for the Full Spectrum Training camps at Mt. Hood. This global perspective, combined with his Level 3 PSIA Instructor certification, allows him to provide our athletes with diverse, cutting-edge training methodologies designed to maximize their potential.
His coaching philosophy is built on creating a positive yet challenging environment where athletes are pushed to excel and empowered to be active participants in their own development. Jim is dedicated to forging resilient, high-performing racers ready to succeed at the next level of competition.
Your athlete's success starts with a strong connection. Don't hesitate to email Jim to start the conversation: Jim@Kirkwoodskiteam.com
Justeen Furgeson | U14 Head Coach
As Head Coach of the U14 program, Justeen Furgeson brings over a decade of experience developing premier youth athletes in the Tahoe basin. A former national-level USSA and FIS racer herself, Justeen combines her deep personal knowledge of the sport with a passion for cultivating the next generation of competitors.
Justeen’s expertise is rooted in a holistic approach to athlete development, encompassing everything from technical and speed disciplines to dryland conditioning and mental preparation. Her experience supporting elite speed camps with the U.S. Ski Team and American Downhiller provides KSEF athletes with invaluable insights from the highest levels of the sport.
Her coaching philosophy focuses on creating an environment where athletes thrive through a balance of strong technical guidance, mindset development, and team leadership. Justeen is dedicated to building confident, resilient athletes who push their limits, support one another, and share a lifelong love for the sport.
Your athlete's success starts with a strong connection. Don't hesitate to email Justeen to start the conversation: Justeen@Kirkwoodskiteam.com
Kendall Northrop | U12 Head Coach
As the U12 Head Coach, Kendall Northrop brings the invaluable perspective of a South Lake Tahoe native forged in the competitive local ski racing community. A product of the Heavenly Ski Foundation, Kendall combines her deep local roots with an elite competitive background to develop our youngest racers.
Kendall's impressive racing career includes representing the U.S. at the prestigious Whistler Cup, competing at the National Championships, and consistent top placements at the Junior Olympics. Her expertise was further honed through extensive international training and FIS racing in New Zealand, Austria, and Switzerland alongside U.S. Ski Team scouts.
Her coaching philosophy is focused on translating her high-level experience into a strong technical foundation and a lifelong passion for the sport in her athletes. A mother and outdoor enthusiast, Kendall is dedicated to mentoring the next generation, sharing her energy and deep love for the mountains with every young racer.
Your athlete's success starts with a strong connection. Don't hesitate to email Kendall to start the conversation: Kendall@Kirkwoodskiteam.com
Patrick Traynor | U10 Head Coach
As Head Coach for the U10 program, Dr. Patrick Traynor applies over two decades of coaching experience and a unique professional background in education and health science. A Level 300 U.S. Ski & Snowboard certified coach, Patrick leverages his Ph.D. in Educational Administration to create a structured, positive, and highly effective learning environment for KSEF’s youngest competitors.
Patrick’s expertise is rooted in a holistic approach to athlete development. As a Registered Dietitian (RD) and Certified Personal Trainer (CPT), he integrates age-appropriate principles of nutrition and fitness into his coaching, establishing a strong foundation for lifelong athletic performance. His background as a former Superintendent of Schools ensures a thoughtful and organized approach to building skills in young athletes.
His coaching philosophy focuses on using his combined expertise in education, fitness, and sport to foster a love for skiing while developing excellent fundamentals. Patrick is dedicated to supporting the next generation of racers, guiding them toward technical progression, athletic longevity, and the overall benefits of a healthy, active life.
Your athlete's success starts with a strong connection. Don't hesitate to email Patrick to start the conversation: Patrick@Kirkwoodskiteam.com
Alisa Ferrier | Jr. Devo Program Head Coach
As the Head Coach for our Junior Development program, Alisa brings a lifelong passion for ski racing and a remarkable dedication to professional instruction. A former competitive racer in the Pacific Northwest, Alisa has been committed to the sport since the age of three and is a 30-year member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA).
Alisa’s expertise is perfectly suited for developing our youngest athletes. She holds a PSIA Children’s Specialist certification in addition to her Alpine Level 2 and U.S. Ski & Snowboard Level 100 coaching certifications. This specialized training ensures she provides a fun, safe, and effective environment where fundamental skills are built with care and expertise.
A longtime Lake Tahoe local who raised her three boys in the area, Alisa is deeply committed to our mountain community. Her passion for an active outdoor lifestyle—whether skiing, hiking, or paddle boarding—is something she enthusiastically shares with the next generation of KSEF athletes.
Your athlete's success starts with a strong connection. Don't hesitate to email Alisa to start the conversation: Alisa@Kirkwoodskiteam.com
Tomasz Kalkowski | Masters Head Coach
As Head Coach of the KSEF Masters Program, Tomasz Kalkowski brings a powerful perspective born from his unique journey within our community. A Level 300 U.S. Ski & Snowboard certified coach, Tomasz transitioned from a passionate ski parent to a competitive masters racer and, ultimately, to a dedicated coach, giving him an unparalleled understanding of the adult athlete's drive.
Tomasz’s coaching is built on a lifetime of skiing, including years as an instructor in Europe. His philosophy is centered on sharing his deep love for the mountains while providing the expert technical guidance needed to help athletes of all ages push their limits and achieve their personal best on the course.
A true lifelong athlete, Tomasz is also an accomplished climber, surfer, and international karate referee. This deep commitment to discipline and performance informs his coaching, fueling a program dedicated to athletic longevity and a lasting passion for the sport.
Your success starts with a strong connection. Don't hesitate to email Tomasz to start the conversation: tkalkows@gmail.com