Mt. Shasta Nordic Executive Director Takes On Winter Wildlands Advocacy Statewide
01.17.2012

Executive Director Laurel Harkness has announced that she will resign her leadership position at the Mt. Shasta Nordic Ski Organization to take the job of Executive Director of Snowlands Network, a winter wildlands conservation organization based in Nevada City, California.

"Laurel joined Mt. Shasta Nordic in 2009 as its first Executive Director," said Mt. Shasta Nordic Board President Tim Loughlin. "Laurel has led Mt. Shasta Nordic through several milestones for the organization. Thanks to Laurel, Mt. Shasta Nordic is healthy, sustaining and ready to meet the challenges of the future".

Loughlin counted among Harkness’ successes a successful capital campaign to purchase a snow cat groomer to sustain long-term operation of the Mt. Shasta Nordic Center; securing a 10-year term special use permit from the USFS to operate the Nordic Center; and broadening the base of support for Mt. Shasta Nordic among businesses, foundations, agencies, and individuals.
"It's been an absolute privilege to have worked with extraordinary Mt. Shasta Nordic board and staff over the last two years," said Harkness. "They are extremely dedicated, skilled, and focused. Mt. Shasta Nordic has a very bright future ahead. My gratitude goes out to the generous supporters of Mt. Shasta Nordic, and to the hundreds of members and volunteers for their dedication, support, and energy. Mt. Shasta Nordic has pioneered a successful model for community-supported, sustainable winter recreation. It has been inspiring to be part of such an extraordinary community effort."

Harkness, who has begun work already with Snowlands Network, will remain at Mt. Shasta Nordic through June, which will permit ample time to for the organization to strategically conduct a transition. Harkness intends to remain in the Mt. Shasta community, but will divide her professional time between Mt. Shasta and Nevada City.

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