Heavenly Mountain Resort has announced the retirement of its current Chief Operating Officer and Vice President – Tom Fortune – effective June 23.
After 45 years in the industry, Fortune will pass the baton to his successor, Shaydar Edelmann, who returns to Tahoe with 25 years of industry experience, most recently serving as the Vice President of Mountain Operations at Park City Mountain.
Fortune joined Vail Resorts in 2010 as Director of Base Area Operation at Heavenly – a role he held for six years. In 2016, he became Director of Mountain Operations at Kirkwood Mountain Resort, and two years later, he took on the role of General Manager and Vice President there.
In 2019, Fortune was appointed GM and VP at Heavenly, later becoming COO of the resort and the Tahoe Region – with oversight of Northstar California and Kirkwood – in 2022.
Fortune also led through the Caldor Fire in 2021 at Heavenly and Kirkwood during mandatory evacuations and supported firefighting efforts by galvanizing his team to set up a base camp for First Responders, leveraging Heavenly’s California Base Area and snowmaking equipment.
“I am forever grateful to the amazing people I have had the honor of working with over the last 45 years – I have learned and grown, and my success is not mine alone, but shared with everyone I’ve ever crossed paths with. Thank you to the teams at Heavenly, Kirkwood, Northstar, and Stevens Pass for 14 amazing years,” Fortune said.
Edelmann brings more than two decades of experience to the role, having served the last four years as VP of Mountain Operations at Park City. As the Mountain Operations leader at the U.S.’s largest and most complex ski resort.
DEE BYRNE RETIRNG AT PALISADES TAHOE: Palisades Tahoe announced the retirement this week of Dee Byrne, President & COO of Palisades Tahoe. She has worked in the ski industry for more than 40 years, the last 13 at Palisades Tahoe.
After holding numerous positions across prominent mountains and brands, Byrne joined Palisades Tahoe in 2011 as the Managing Director of Snowsports Schools and Ski Teams. She was subsequently promoted to Vice President of Skier Services in 2017, responsible for overseeing the Guest Experience, Ski and Snowboard Teams, Ski and Snowboard Schools, Ticketing/Contact Center, non-ski activities and Mountain Hosts and then to the position of President & COO in 2021.
In addition to her leadership role at the resort, she serves on multiple Boards of Directors and received PSIA/AASI’s National “Distinguished Service Award” in April 2020.
“During her time at Palisades Tahoe, Dee’s reputation as a strategic, thoughtful, and caring leader has earned her the deserved respect of her team and in the community in which she has gracefully managed through significant events throughout her career,” said Mark Brownlie, Chief Operating Officer, Alterra Mountain Company, which owns Palisades Tahoe. “Dee will be very missed at the resort and amongst the company’s leadership.”
During her tenure, Byrne ushered the Palisades Tahoe team through a number of transformational moments with her thoughtful leadership and sharp thinking, including the resort’s name change from Squaw Valley. She also was instrumental in the much-anticipated installation and opening of the Palisades Tahoe Base to Base Gondola, connecting Palisades and Alpine.
Byrne also played a role in the implementation of reservation-based parking to enhance the guest experience and address significant traffic issues, and presided over the 2022-23 winter season’s record-breaking snowfall and its operational challenges that accompanied it.
Under her leadership, Byrne also was involved in two FIS World Cup events, as well as a variety of special events, concerts with acclaimed headliners to crowds of thousands.
“It’s been such an honor to work alongside the team and lead Palisades Tahoe. I look forward to the days ahead knowing the resort is in good hands with the current outstanding leadership team and dedicated employees who will continue to advance Palisades Tahoe,” Byrne said. “I plan to stay in the Tahoe area and focus my time on giving back to this wonderful community while being an avid guest at this world-class and beloved mountain.”
Byrne will remain in her position through the transition to a new President & COO. Alterra will begin the search process immediately for a new President & COO of Palisades Tahoe who will oversee all operations.
