Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico, has named John Kelly as its new CEO, while the current top executive, David Norden, will transition into serving as the ski resort’s chairman of the board.
The resort made the announcement via press release on Friday, June 13, 2025.
Kelly has been with Taos Ski Valley since 2015, most recently working as its chief operating officer. During his tenure with the ski resort, he has overseen on-mountain and base area operations as well as skier services. He also managed all day-to-day operations.
Want to keep up with the best stories and photos in skiing? Subscribe to the new Powder To The People newsletter for weekly updates. John Kelly, Taos Ski Valley's new CEO. “Since the resort was built 70 years ago by Ernie and Rhoda Blake, it’s become a global icon of big mountain skiing while still retaining its independence and authenticity,” said Kelly. “It’s an honor to be appointed CEO of this storied resort and to lead it forward for a new generation of skiers and outdoor enthusiasts.”
According to Kelly’s LinkedIn page, he spent the previous leg of his career as the director of resort services at Telluride , Colorado. He’s lived in Taos for the past ten years with his wife and two children.
“John has dedicated himself to this community, our staff, and the skiing industry, and I am extremely confident he is the right person to manage Taos Ski Valley’s long-term future,” said Norden. “We will continue to execute on the goal to be better, not bigger, and John’s expertise is critical to delivering on that vision.”
A press release shared by Taos Ski Valley said that the leadership transition is “part of a planned succession” focused on the guest experience, the local community, maintaining the ski resort’s B Corp status, and the ski resort’s legacy.
Taos Ski Valley became the first ski resort to receive a B Corp certification in 2017. These certifications are issued by the non-profit B Lab, which evaluates and admits companies based on their commitment to serving their workers and the environment, among other factors.
In 2024, the ski resort received its fourth Golden Eagle —an award that recognizes mountains for their environmental performance—from the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA).
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The resort made the announcement via press release on Friday, June 13, 2025.
Kelly has been with Taos Ski Valley since 2015, most recently working as its chief operating officer. During his tenure with the ski resort, he has overseen on-mountain and base area operations as well as skier services. He also managed all day-to-day operations.
Want to keep up with the best stories and photos in skiing? Subscribe to the new Powder To The People newsletter for weekly updates. John Kelly, Taos Ski Valley's new CEO. “Since the resort was built 70 years ago by Ernie and Rhoda Blake, it’s become a global icon of big mountain skiing while still retaining its independence and authenticity,” said Kelly. “It’s an honor to be appointed CEO of this storied resort and to lead it forward for a new generation of skiers and outdoor enthusiasts.”
According to Kelly’s LinkedIn page, he spent the previous leg of his career as the director of resort services at Telluride , Colorado. He’s lived in Taos for the past ten years with his wife and two children.
“John has dedicated himself to this community, our staff, and the skiing industry, and I am extremely confident he is the right person to manage Taos Ski Valley’s long-term future,” said Norden. “We will continue to execute on the goal to be better, not bigger, and John’s expertise is critical to delivering on that vision.”
A press release shared by Taos Ski Valley said that the leadership transition is “part of a planned succession” focused on the guest experience, the local community, maintaining the ski resort’s B Corp status, and the ski resort’s legacy.
Taos Ski Valley became the first ski resort to receive a B Corp certification in 2017. These certifications are issued by the non-profit B Lab, which evaluates and admits companies based on their commitment to serving their workers and the environment, among other factors.
In 2024, the ski resort received its fourth Golden Eagle —an award that recognizes mountains for their environmental performance—from the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA).
