Alterra Mountain Company Announces The Retirement Of Dee Byrne Of Palisades Tahoe
Alterra Mountain Company announces the retirement of Dee Byrne, President & COO of Palisades Tahoe in California. Dee has worked in the ski industry for over 40 years, the last 13 of them spent at Palisades Tahoe.
After holding numerous positions across prominent mountains and brands, Dee 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, Dee serves on multiple Boards of Directors and received PSIA/AASI’s National “Distinguished Service Award” in April 2020.
During her tenure, Dee ushered the Palisades Tahoe team through a number of transformational moments with her thoughtful leadership and sharp thinking, including the resort’s meaningful name change, the much-anticipated installation and opening of the Palisades Tahoe Base to Base Gondola connecting Palisades and Alpine, the successful implementation of reservation-based parking to enhance the guest experience and address significant traffic issues, and the 22/23 winter season’s record-breaking snowfall and the operational challenges that accompanied it. Dee’s leadership also led to the execution of two extraordinarily successful FIS World Cup events, as well as a variety of special events, concerts with acclaimed headliners to crowds of thousands, and millions of happy skiers and riders.
“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. “Dee will be very missed at the resort and amongst the company’s leadership. We are grateful that Dee will be an integral part of this leadership transition.”
“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,” said Dee Byrne, President & COO, Palisades Tahoe. “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.”
“During my time as president at Palisades Tahoe, I quickly learned to respect Dee’s thoughtful approach and strong leadership. Like so many others in the industry, our company, and the broader community, Dee’s impact on me is positive and enduring, and I join everyone in thanking her for her many dedicated years of service and friendship,” said Ron Cohen, Executive Vice President, Alterra Mountain Company.
Dee 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, enhance the employee and guest experience, while continuing to build and strengthen community relationships, and drive profitability of the destination.