New VP has worked at Creek since his teens

Joe Hession, 30, named to a top spot at Vernon resort Vernon — Joe Hession, who has worked at Mountain Creek since he was 14 years old, was named vice president and general manager of the resort. Hession began his career there 15 years ago as a parking attendant at Vernon Valley Great Gorge, which is currently known as Mountain Creek. He steadily worked his way up the ranks, holding nearly every role in every resort department to become one of the most valuable assets at Mountain Creek, the organization says. The 30-year-old has worked in jobs from rental technician to rental manager, food and beverage manager to lodging director, and from director of mountain operations to his current role as VP, general manager. In promoting him, the resort’s owners said in a press release: Joe Hession has consistently demonstrated amazing versatility in approaching new roles. He challenges obstacles objectively, diving deep with analysis and a balance of process application and people skills, resulting in success. Without exception, each area he has touched has improved in guest satisfaction, employee satisfaction and contribution to the bottom line. Hession was the youngest of Intrawest’s 22 Six Sigma Black Belts, is a passionate skier, snowboarder, terrain park enthusiast, certified ski patroller and event producer with an appreciation for the value of experiential marketing. Bill Benneyan, Mountain Creek’s COO and VP of sales and marketing, said in a press release that Hession is a true representative of the future leadership of the ski industry. Another promotion Hugh Reynolds was also promoted from event manager to sales and marketing manager. Reynolds is a passionate snowboarder and industry professional. In his new role, he will oversee the day-to-day operations of Mountain Creek’s Sales and Marketing offices. Mountain Creek bills itself as the New York metro area’s closest ski resort. It is located on Route 94 in Vernon and offers over 167 acres of terrain on four mountain peaks with 100 percent night skiing and the region’s highest vertical, as well as an All-Mountain Terrain Park. For more information visit mountaincreek.com.