Mt. Shasta Nordic hires Executive Director
09.16.2009

The Mt. Shasta Nordic Ski Organization, a community based non-profit, has announced the hiring of Laurel Harkness as their first Executive Director. Formed in 2006, Mt. Shasta Nordic operates the Mt. Shasta Nordic Center, where it provides donation-based access to groomed cross country ski trails as well as ski instruction, rental equipment, and a host of ski events and programs. With the support of the Board of Directors, Harkness will work toward establishing the long term viability of the organization and also work to promote Mt. Shasta Nordic’s mission to create, enhance, and preserve Nordic skiing opportunities for all.

“Nordic skiing is for everybody; all ages, skill levels, disabilities, and incomes,” states Harkness. “The Nordic skiing opportunities in the Mt. Shasta region are incredible. The beauty of the terrain, the active mountain culture, and the location all make for a tremendous community resource. Mt. Shasta Nordic exists to facilitate access and remove barriers to all kinds of fantastic Nordic skiing.”

“We’ve built our organization from the ground up,” says Mt. Shasta Nordic President, Sean Doyle. “For the last three seasons, we’ve operated the Nordic Center with support from the community, the Mt. Shasta Ski Park, and other partners. A large part of our success, of course, is thanks to the thousands of hours of volunteer effort that have been invested in the cause.”

“To date, all the administration and a large piece of the physical labor have been borne by a small handful of dedicated volunteers,” Doyle continues. “While necessary during startup and largely responsible for the current health of Mt. Shasta Nordic, the time has come to continue our evolution.  By bringing Laurel on board, we are striving towards a sustainable structure for the organization, enhancement of the programs offered by Mt. Shasta Nordic, and—of course—the best groomed ski trails we can achieve.”

Harkness brings to Mt. Shasta Nordic a lifelong passion for Nordic skiing which she shares with her two kids. Harkness admits, “I moved to Mt. Shasta with my family 6 years ago largely because of the great access to Nordic skiing.” She holds many roles within the community: Board Member of the Mt. Shasta Recreation and Parks District, school volunteer, and co-director of the Mt. Shasta Summit Century. A firm believer in an active outdoor lifestyle, Harkness is also an avid whitewater kayaker, river guide, and competitive cyclist.

Harkness emphasizes, “The core of this organization is truly in its volunteers. It’s important to realize that even now with an Executive Director, the need for volunteers does not cease. We’ve got a wonderful line-up of events, races, programs, and fundraisers for all of which we need volunteers.”

“I’m really excited about the upcoming ski season,” Doyle adds. “Personally, I hope to be on the snow as much as I can; for the community, I feel we’ll enjoy a fantastic year at the Nordic Center.  As we continue to refine our efforts to ensure that groomed Nordic trails will be here for years to come, I always consider that the core of our sustainability is in the ongoing support from the community that utilizes the trails.”

For up to date information on Mt. Shasta Nordic, volunteer opportunities, and membership, visit www.mtshastanordic.org

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