Our Team

Beth Howard has been the Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Vail Mountain since 2019. She began her career with Vail Resorts in 1985 as a college intern in the Food & Beverage Division at Beaver Creek Resort, sparking a decades-long career with the company across divisions, resorts and mountain communities. Beth is a graduate from the University of Northern Iowa with a degree in Food and Nutrition in Business.

Beth has spent her entire career in ski area operations, which started by working her way through the ranks of Food & Beverage and Private Clubs. She was Beaver Creek’s Food & Beverage Director for 18 years, establishing the resort’s culinary reputation as one of the best in the industry and helping found Beaver Creek’s signature guest service programs. Some at Beaver Creek Resort still call her ‘The Queen of Cookie Time’ for her visionary role in creating one of the most beloved experiences in snow sports: Beaver Creek Cookie Time.

In 2009, Beth was promoted to Vice President of Mountain Dining & Clubs for Vail Resorts, leading more than 100 restaurants across the portfolio, and eight private clubs across Eagle County, Colorado. After much success in that role, Beth entered the ranks of ski resort General Management. In 2014, she took the helm as Vice President & General Manager at Northstar Ski Resort in North Lake Tahoe, California. While at Northstar, she brought the small touches to the resort experience and launched a new signature ‘Champagne Toast,’ called “Tost” at the top of the mountain which continues today as a beloved mountain tradition.

Two years later, in 2016, Beth returned to Colorado as the Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of Beaver Creek Resort – the same resort she interned at 31 years prior as a college senior. She spent three years leading the team at Beaver Creek, and her success led to her appointment as the Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of the company’s flagship resort – Vail Mountain – in 2019.

Since arriving to Vail Mountain, Beth has brought her attention to the finer details of resort operations and guest experience to the forefront. No matter how large the resort, Beth’s consistency, focus and passion shine through by elevating the guest experience, from signature groomed runs to menu items to new lifts.

Beth has been married to her husband, Rich, for more than two decades. They reside in Edwards, Colo., with their son, Stuart (now in college), their Welsh Terrier named Riva and their Corgi named Lili. They enjoy skiing, golfing, and the beauty of the Vail Valley.

Beth’s Favorite Run: As the resort COO, Beth loves so much on Vail Mountain, it’s hard to pick a favorite run. But on many mornings, she will take a dawn lap down Vail’s signature run Ramshorn to make sure everything is groomed to perfection and the mountain is ready for the day.

Steve “Stevie J” Johnson started his journey in the ski industry at Beaver Creek Resort as a lift operator in 1985. Over the next 10 years, he served on Beaver Creek’s legendary “Perpetual Host” team, rising through the ranks as a lift operator and in lift maintenance, and finally served as Lift Operations Manager.

In 1996, Stevie J transferred to Vail Mountain as Lift Operations Manager, where he transformed Vail Mountain’s approach to lift operations. At the time, Vail Mountain was operated as a four-section lift team that focused on both operations and maintenance. Under his leadership, the four-section approach was combined into one section dedicated to operations, and one dedicated to maintenance. His dedication as a team leader helped unify the mountain lift operations team.

Over the subsequent years, Stevie J oversaw Lift Operations, Employee Housing, and in 2015 he moved into the Activities Department where he launched Epic Discovery – the mountain’s immersive summer activities and offerings. Stevie J’s success at bringing the summer Epic Discovery experience to life earned him the title of Director of Activities for Vail Mountain. In February of 2020, Stevie J also took on the snowmaking and grooming teams, focusing on Vail Mountain’s commitment to Five Star Grooming. As a result of these expanded responsibilities, Stevie J was promoted to Director of Mountain Operations. He was an integral player in Vail Mountain’s 2019-20 snowmaking enhancement project – the largest in North American history.

In May of 2022, Stevie J was promoted to Vice President of Mountain Operations, and his commitment to his team, Vail Mountain’s snow surface, and innovating how the resort runs its operations is unmatched.

Stevie J is originally from Wisconsin. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, with a degree in Political Science before moving to the Vail Valley for a year to be a “ski bum.” Instead of going to law school as planned, Stevie J met his wife, a ski instructor named Melissa, working at the bottom of Chair One at Beaver Creek Resort. Stevie J and Melissa have never left the Vail Valley, and together they have raised five sons in Eagle, Colo.

Steve’s Favorite Run: As the Vice President of Mountain Operations, Stevie J is required to pick more than one run, and he recommends Sun Down Bowl. He could spend all day on Ricky’s Widge’s, Seldom, Never and O.S.

Jeff Babb is the Senior Director of Resort Operations for Vail, overseeing multiple departments and serving as a liaison for the resort to our Town of Vail partners. He also serves as a company representative for several Home Owners Associations.

Jeff knows how to “make things run” and is committed to partnering on behind-the-scenes projects that make Vail a seamless community and guest experience. From how the mountain and community partner on deliveries, to how we integrate with local law enforcement, Jeff has his pulse on how things operate.

Jeff first joined Vail Resorts in November of 1986 as a lift operator and found his passion working in the ski industry. During his tenure, he has served in various roles within Lift Maintenance, Mountain Hosts, Ski Patrol, Summer Signs and Closures, and was Team Lead for the Special Events crew before becoming a supervisor with Base Area Ops. From supervisor to senior director, Jeff is an outstanding example of someone committed to Vail Mountain’s leadership culture and spirit of innovation.

Jeff is an avid adventure motorcycle rider, loves to travel, cook, ski, listen to heavy metal music, and paddleboard. He is continuously investing in his Jeep. Married to his high school sweetheart, Jeff and wife, Lisa, reside in Edwards, Colo. He prefers cats over dogs, but don’t hold that against him.

Jeff’s Favorite Run: Red Square

John started his career with Vail Resorts in 1993 as a bellman at The Lodge at Vail. On his road from bellman to Vice President, he exemplified Vail’s commitment to guest service and leadership.

Between 1995 and 2015, John held various hospitality sales and marketing positions within Vail Resorts’ Colorado properties and the resort transportation segment. In these roles he developed a deep understanding of hospitality operations, and how guests arrive to and stay at the resort. Leaving hospitality in 2015, John transitioned into operations when he was appointed Vice President & General Manager at Colorado Mountain Express, which is known today as Epic Mountain Express.

John returned to hospitality in 2018, overseeing lodging operations for multiple Colorado resort properties, leading to his current role. His well-rounded experience across the mountain resort hospitality business has helped hone a strategic, guest-centric approach to serving our guests and partners. John is passionate about building an inclusive team, developing talent, and promoting future leaders. He highly values his involvement in local non-profits and industry organizations, where he currently sits on the Boards of the Vail Valley Partnership, Vail Economic Council, Red Sky Advisory Committee and Vail Jazz Foundation.

Outside of work, John enjoys skiing, snowboarding, cycling, golf, surfing and traveling adventures with his wife Yvonne and children, Ryan and Catherine.

John’s Favorite Run: Morning Side

Kevin is the Senior Director of Food and Beverage at Vail Mountain, joining the team in August of 2021. No stranger to large food and beverage operations, Kevin is enjoying the complex dynamics of serving great food and drinks across Vail’s vast mountain. Kevin is always looking for fun, new and exciting ways to serve guests in a dynamic mountain environment – including Vail Mountain’s newest attraction: The Ice Bar.

Although newer to Vail Mountain, Kevin is no stranger to the resort or Eagle County. Kevin joined the resort from the Westin Riverfront Resort and Spa in Avon, Colo., where he served as Director of Food and Beverage. In that role, Kevin oversaw numerous dining outlets ranging from quick service to fine dining, where he learned to lead diverse teams in multiple dining experiences.

His experience in hospitality, culinary operations and business development has provided many opportunities and adventures in the Vail Valley. Although he is a true foodie, he is equally passionate about teamwork, flawless execution and providing an unparalleled guest experience.

When not at work, you will find Kevin spending time with his family – his wife Holly, and three kids, Fischer, Torin, and Lidi, and their three dogs. They are usually spending time outdoors or at a soccer game, riding bikes, skiing or making a big breakfast in preparation for a lazy day.

Kevin’s Favorite Run: Seldom

Will began his journey with Vail Resorts in 2013 at Nortstar in California. During his time at in Tahoe, he worked at Product Sales and Services specializing in Ski and Snowboard School products and sales before moving to Park City Mountain in 2015. Will held leadership positions in the resort’s two villages, Park City and Canyons on the Product Sales team. In 2021, Will moved to Colorado as the Product Sales and Services Senior Manager at Keystone Resort.

Will has deep experience across the Vail Resorts portfolio, including serving as a member of the integration teams for Whistler Blackcomb and Peak Resorts. Will brings a diverse resort perspective and a passion for delivering on the promise of the Experience of a Lifetime for our guests and employees.

Will is originally from Buffalo, NY, and has had a lifelong passion for the outdoors. The search for steeper slopes led him out west after a childhood spent cross-country skiing with his parents. He loves to ski, mountain bike, and paddle board in his free time. He enjoys these activities even more when his wife Samantha joins him. At home, they have a micro-zoo of 3 dogs, 2 birds, 2 reptiles, 1 amphibian, and 3 fish tanks to keep them busy.

Will's Favorite Run: The Skipper (nothing wrong with a quick and fun bump run detour!)

Doug Schofield has been with the Health & Safety team at Vail since 2016 and is a Health & Safety leader across our portfolio of resorts. He got his start in the field while serving as a patroller at Beaver Creek Resort for 13 years, developing a deep understanding of employee and guest safety.

In addition to his roles in Health & Safety and ski patrol, Doug helped launch Vail Mountain’s number one summer activity – Epic Discovery at Adventure Ridge. Doug is passionate about serving guests and employees by making sure Vail Mountain is always focused on safety.

As a Colorado native, Doug’s passion for the mountains and his dedication to safety has grown through his years as a volunteer with Vail Mountain Rescue and his love of skiing in the Vail Valley.

When Doug is not at work, he can be found recreating with his family, biking, rafting, skiing, and camping.

Doug’s Favorite Run: Après Vous

Marco started his career with Vail Resorts in 2002 as a rental tech at Vail Sports. Over more than two decades, Marco has held numerous roles from boot fitter to store manager, working nearly every retail role in Vail Resorts Retail. Putting this experience to use, Marco currently oversees multiple stores and complex rental operations across Vail and Beaver Creek, including the launch of Vail Resort Retail’s newest brand: True North located at The Hythe.

Originally from North Carolina, Marco is a graduate of North Carolina State University and moved to Vail to “ski for a winter.” Winter never ended for Marco. He is passionate about the destination, and was married on Vail Moutain at The 10th and his daughter was born at Vail Health. Vail is now very much home for the Valenti family.  

Marco is a member of the Town of Vail Commission on Special Events and a board member of the Vail Chamber and Business Association. Marco serves as the Epic Promise Champion for Vail Mountain, where he ensures the resort stays connected to local charities and community initiatives. He is passionate about volunteerism, in particular for The Pat Tillman Foundation.

Marco lives in East Vail with his wife, Celine, and their daughter, Serena. Most importantly, they live with their two Wheaton Terriers, Archie and Penny, who help keep the house clean with their toddler.  Marco enjoys skiing, hiking, golfing, reading non-fiction, and spending time with his family.  

Marco’s Favorite Run: Upper Snag

Greg Willis is the Senior Director of Skier Services, responsible for Ski & Snowboard School and guest services. He began his career with Vail Resorts in 1994 as a ski instructor and trainer at Beaver Creek Resort before moving into ski school management. In 2005 he became Senior Manager of the Children’s Ski & Snowboard School at Beaver Creek Resort and in 2012 took that role at Vail Mountain.

Greg’s commitment to the guest experience and professional snow sports instruction earned him a promotion in 2016 when he relocated to Keystone Resort. He expanded his responsibilities to include bike school, adventure point, and photo, using his skills as a leader to elevate these experiences. He returned to Eagle County, Colo., as Senior Director of Skier Services for Beaver Creek Resort and spent four years focusing on supporting the resort’s brand promise as the World’s Best Luxury Family Resort.

In July of 2021, Greg returned to Vail, taking on his dream job as Senior Director of Skier Services with oversight of the world's best ski & snowboard school, guest services, scanning, and photo. Not only is Greg committed to providing guests with a world-class experience, but his commitment to employees goes unmatched as the resort employee experience leader.

Greg lives in Edwards with his wife, Tiffany, and two boys, Sawyer and Grant, who love rafting, camping, and mountain biking when the resort isn’t open for skiing. If there is ever an opportunity for Greg to sneak away from operations, there is a good chance you will find him lapping Red Square!

Greg’s Favorite Run: Red Square