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.
About Kevin 'Coop' Cooper | 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 Jim Reilly | Executive Director | Board Member at KSEF
Experienced Leadership in Ski Education
Jim Reilly has been at the helm of the KSEF as Program Director since 2009, bringing a lifelong passion for ski racing to our community. With a background in competitive skiing that reaches back to his NCAA-level participation in college, Jim has a deep understanding of the sport.
Certifications and Contributions
Jim holds a USSA Level 100 certification and is extensively qualified with additional USSA certifications, including Chief of Race, Chief of Course, Race Official, and Referee. He is also certified by the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA). These qualifications underscore his comprehensive expertise in ski racing and coaching.
Dedication to Kirkwood and Family Involvement
A true enthusiast of the Kirkwood community, Jim is committed to enhancing the program and actively contributes to the area's sporting life. He and his family are deeply integrated into the KSEF, with his wife Lisa and their younger daughter actively participating in the program. Their elder daughter is a proud alumna who advanced to join the University of Utah after graduating from KSEF.
Jim’s passion for skiing and his leadership in maintaining an exceptional coaching staff have been pivotal in advancing KSEF's mission to foster athletic excellence and personal growth through skiing.
About Karen Higgins | Treasurer | Board Member at KSEF
Longstanding Leadership and Impact
Karen Higgins has been a cornerstone in the development and growth of the Kirkwood Ski Education Foundation (KSEF) for several decades. Recruited in the early 1990s by then-director Ray Dias, Karen initially managed payroll and the reporting for the Ski Tobacco Free Grant. By 2002, she became the Treasurer of the KSEF Board, demonstrating steadfast commitment until health concerns prompted a brief step down in 2008. Undeterred, her dedication led to her return in 2010 at the request of Jim Reilly, helping to ensure the program's financial health and sustainability.
Strategic Initiatives and Community Engagement
As a proactive Board liaison, Karen has been key in advancing significant long-term projects, including the development of an on-hill facility to enhance KSEF’s racing programs and events. A resident of South Lake Tahoe since 1982, she founded a bookkeeping and payroll service in 1984, later expanding to include homeowner association services in 1992. Karen’s extensive community involvement, especially her collaborations with the Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District (KMPUD) and other entities, has made significant impacts on local homeowner issues.
Personal Life and Commitment
Karen and her husband have been avid skiers for over 30 years and passionate advocates for KSEF. Their long-standing support has been pivotal to the foundation’s enduring success and legacy.
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.