KSEF Board of Directors: Shaping Our Exciting Future for Winter 25/26. Discover the dedicated individuals steering KSEF forward! Our board blends extensive experience with a fresh perspective and a profound love for skiing – all focused on shaping an exceptional 2025/2026 season, empowering our athletes, and energizing our vibrant ski community.
Coop | President | Board Member at KSEF
Professional Overview: Driving Strategic Vision
Coop is a dynamic marketing, sales, and communications executive known for igniting growth and navigating change. As Director of Communications and Public Relations for the California Mountain Resort Company and the Restoring our Lakes Depth Foundation, he leverages over thirty years of industry expertise to not just manage communications, but to actively shape brand evolution, drive revenue growth, and pioneer strategic crisis communication. His impactful leadership style is deeply informed by his significant tenure as an Aviation Survivalman and Rescue Swimmer with the United States Coast Guard, instilling a proactive, results-oriented approach focused on resilience and forward momentum.
Media and Advocacy: Championing Progress
Recognized as a leading voice for the Lake Tahoe region, Coop utilizes his prominent media presence on outlets like the Weather Channel, FOX Weather, and major network affiliates to do more than just report – he shapes narratives and champions action. His expert commentary on weather, snow conditions, and outdoor activities actively enhances public safety while energizing participation in outdoor recreation. At the Restoring our Lakes Depth Foundation, Coop strategically leverages his media expertise to mobilize support and drive progress towards critical lake restoration and environmental conservation goals, efforts that directly benefit the mountain environments KSEF calls home.
Skiing and Community Engagement: Igniting Passion & Potential
Coop's profound passion for skiing, surfing, and Sierra adventures isn't just a hobby; it's the driving force behind his commitment to community elevation and environmental stewardship. As an influential member of the Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation Board of Directors, he actively champions initiatives designed to nurture young athletes, elevate ski education standards, and ensure a vibrant future for the program. His leadership extends across various boards, consistently focused on catalyzing positive change for environmental health and community well-being – building a stronger foundation for KSEF's continued success.
Personal Life: Foundation for the Future
Married to Carolyn Reuter for 30 years, Coop shares a deep, multi-generational connection and enduring love for Kirkwood Mountain Resort. This long-standing relationship isn't just history; it's the bedrock of his unwavering dedication to the Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation community, fueling his commitment to stewarding KSEF's legacy while actively shaping its bright and dynamic future for generations of athletes to come.
Scott Fair | Vice President | Board Member at KSEF
Professional Overview
Scott Fair, born and raised in South Lake Tahoe, has deep ties to the ski community. A former competitive skier with the Heavenly Ski Team, he competed twice in the Junior Olympics in the mid-90s. During college at UCSB, Scott spent two seasons as a ski instructor at Beaver Creek, Colorado, furthering his understanding for the sport. Now the Owner and Director of NAI Tahoe Sierra, a commercial real estate brokerage firm, he focuses on strengthening the local economy through business recruitment and supporting local enterprises. Scott also serves on the Board of Directors for the Chamber of Commerce and the CEO Work Group for South Lake Tahoe.
Skiing and Community Engagement
Scott’s success stems from the discipline he learned in ski racing, which drives his commitment to KSEF and helping young athletes excel on and off the slopes to give them the edge they need to further their careers. He is also passionate about building and retaining community through organizing fun and engaging events.
Personal Life
Scott lives in South Lake Tahoe with his wife, Samar, a former top snowboarder from Lebanon who has transitioned to skiing, and their two children, Oliver (9) and Sena (6), both participants in the KSEF program. Scott has lived and skied in Europe and South America and continues to travel the world, with ski adventures in Alaska, Greenland, and Japan, while always staying connected to his roots in Tahoe.
About Liz Pounders | Secretary | Board Member at KSEF
Dedicated Leadership and Family Involvement
Liz Pounders has been a pivotal Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation (KSEF) member since 2010, serving as Secretary on the Board of Directors. As a proud parent of a KSEF Alumni Ski Racer and an enthusiastic participant in the KSEF Masters program, Liz, alongside her husband Patrick—a key member of the KSEF Race Crew—invests considerable time and effort into the foundation. Their commitment is fueled by the athletes' dedication, discipline, and deep camaraderie among participating families, fostering memorable experiences on and off the slopes.
Professional Career and Personal Interests
Liz's profession has been as an Elementary School Physical Education Specialist, where she inspired young students to embrace healthy and active lifestyles. She continues to pursue her passion for fitness, expanding to people of all ages as an ACE-certified Personal Trainer. In addition to her career and skiing, Liz enjoys hiking, mountain biking, boating, and beach outings, reflecting her love for diverse outdoor activities.
About Steve Hodgkins | Board Member at KSEF
Professional Overview
Steve Hodgkins has over two decades of hands-on experience at Kirkwood Mountain Resort. His career began in 1996 and encompassed diverse roles, from the Race Department to Snowcat operations. Steve's expertise in grooming, terrain parks, snowmaking, snow removal, water quality, and summer trails led him to his current Senior Snow Surface Manager role. His dedication to Kirkwood's operations and his leadership abilities are integral to the resort's success.
Skiing and Community Engagement
A true Tahoe local, Steve resides in Meyers with his wife, Amy, and their daughters, Madelynn and Olivia. Their family shares a passion for skiing, biking, and exploring the outdoors. Steve's strong community ties are evident in his enthusiastic support of the Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation (KSEF). As a board member, Steve actively champions the program and helps nurture the next generation of athletes.
Personal Life
Steve's commitment to the Tahoe lifestyle runs deep. His love for the mountains and his dedication to KSEF reflect his belief in fostering a vibrant community where outdoor passions flourish.
About Michael Campbell | Board Member at KSEF
Professional
Michael Campbell is a Managing Director in Investment Banking focused on the FutureHealth initiative, which advises companies at the intersection of life sciences, technology, and consumer sectors. He brings his strategic passion for helping organizations navigate all aspects of growth to the KSEF Board.
Skiing and Community Engagement
A lifelong skier and athlete, Michael has always been passionate about the outdoors and finds inspiration in the mountains. He understands firsthand the powerful combination sports and nature can have shaping an individual. Michael served as President of the University of Notre Dame Ski Team, and his deep love for ski racing fuels his commitment to KSEF’s programs.
Personal
Michael and his family are passionate about Kirkwood Mountain, its history and Community. He lives in Marin County with his wife, Kasi, and their children, Savannah and Lachlan, both of whom are avid KSEF racers. Kasi’s family has called Kirkwood “home away from home” since the 1970s. Michael also coaches youth soccer in the Fall and, when not at Kirkwood, embraces everything Marin’s Mount Tam has to offer.