Mission Ridge hires new general manager

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Mission Ridge hires new general manager

By Mike Irwin
World staff writer

Friday, June 29, 2012

06/29/2012 Photo provided

Josh Jorgensen, new general manager of Mission Ridge, with wife Leah

WENATCHEE — A 15-year veteran of the ski industry has been hired as the new general manager of Mission Ridge Ski and Board Resort, owner Larry Scrivanich announced today.

Josh Jorgensen, 35, a base operations manager for Snoqualmie Pass Ski Area, will assume his Mission Ridge duties July 15. A first task, said Scrivanich, will be to hire a new marketing director for the 46-year-old ski area.

“We had a lot of candidates for the general manager’s position,” said Scrivanich. “But Josh brings the most solid understanding of what it takes to run a ski hill. We think he’s the right guy for the job.”

Announcement of the hiring comes about 10 weeks after longtime Ridge manager Mark Milliette resigned from the post following disagreement on future marketing of the resort and other issues. Milliette was general manager of the resort for 14 years.

Two weeks later, Jerri Barkley resigned as the Ridge’s marketing director after 10 years at the job. She cited changes in Mission Ridge’s marketing next season as her reason for leaving.

Scrivanich reaffirmed today that one of his goals for the new season is to revamp marketing and resort amenities to appeal to a broader range of skiers and snowboarders.

Currently living in Ellensburg, Jorgensen and his wife Leah have been married for 16 years and have three children. The entire family is passionate about skiing and snowboarding, according to a Ridge press release.

In coming weeks, the Jorgensens will be relocating to the Wenatchee Valley, Scrivanich said.

Mike Irwin: 665-1179

irwin@wenatcheeworld.com

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LokelYokel 10 months, 3 weeks ago

One last big thanks to Mark Milliette and Jerry Barkely for many great years at the Ridge as it transitioned into what it is today.

A big welcome to Josh Jorgensen and family. We look forward to seeing you on the hill as you continue to take the Ridge in the positive direction that it has been moving since Larry came to town!

Burr 10 months, 3 weeks ago

Josh Jorgensen? Wasn't he the Food & Beverage Manager at Snoqualmie Pass? This is experience in the ski industry? This isn't going to help Mission Ridge. There is more to managing a ski area than food & beverag, great.

yogasnow 10 months, 3 weeks ago

I've been at Mission Ridge 40 yrs. Larry S. is the first to upgrade M.R. since the first snow-making in the '70s. He has upgraded the area to a first class 1985 ski-area. The problem has been that the General Manager, Marketing Director, and Head Professiional Ski Patrolperson have been trying to run the area under the old Harbor Properties business model of "extract every penny out of the business, even at the expense of reinvestment and employees, and motivation through intimidation." Welcome to Mission Ridge Josh!!! We all hope that you can bring that shining attitude back to Mission Ridge that has been missing for a long time (about 14 years). To be a great manager takes great people skills. It's not about what he can do, it's all about what and how he can get all his people on the same page, doing their best.

skilover 10 months, 2 weeks ago

Seems like other changes are due. Ski Patrol would be a good place to start. Kudos to Larry for wanting to bring Mission Ridge into the 21st century.

outonahike 10 months, 1 week ago

Best of luck with your new placement kid. Married young and well traveled? An F&B guy to RUN your resort? Really, this is your industry-leader selection?
He must be a friend or relative....