Welcome to the Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation (KSEF) Board of Directors section, where passion for skiing meets exceptional leadership. Our board members bring a wealth of experience, dedication, and a deep love for the sport, driving our mission to empower young athletes and foster a thriving ski community.
Coop | President | Board Member at KSEF
Professional Overview
Kevin 'Coop' Cooper is an accomplished marketing, sales, and communications executive. He currently serves as the Director of Communications and Public Relations for the California Mountain Resort Company and the Restoring our Lakes Depth Foundation. With over fifteen years of experience in the hospitality and outdoor recreation industries, Coop has demonstrated brand development, revenue enhancement, and strategic crisis communications expertise. His background includes a significant tenure as an Aviation Survivalman and Rescue Swimmer with the United States Coast Guard, which has deeply influenced his leadership style.
Media and Advocacy
As the voice of Lake Tahoe, Coop is a prominent figure on major media outlets such as the Weather Channel, FOX Weather, NBC Bay Area, KTVU2, ABC7, and KCBS Radio. He provides expert commentary on weather, snow conditions, and outdoor activities, enhancing public safety and encouraging participation in outdoor recreation. At the Restoring our Lakes Depth Foundation, Coop leverages his media expertise to promote the foundation's lake restoration and environmental conservation mission.
Passion and Community Engagement
A passionate advocate for the outdoors, Coop's enthusiasm for skiing, surfing, and adventures in the Sierra drives both his professional and personal endeavors. This deep connection to the natural world motivates his commitment to environmental stewardship. As a Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation board member, Coop actively contributes to nurturing young athletes and promoting ski education. His involvement extends to various boards focused on improving environmental health and community welfare.
Personal Life
Coop has been married to Carolyn Reuter for 30 years and shares a deep family connection and love for Kirkwood Mountain Resort. This long-standing relationship with the Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation underscores his dedication to the community and the sport of skiing.
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.
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.