CEO
Houston@challengeaspen.com
tel: 970-923-0578 ext 201

As Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, Houston has built Challenge Aspen into one of the world’s premier disabilities programs. Houston works closely with the Board of Directors to establish Challenge Aspen missions, goals and objectives and to prepare operating and capital budgets. It is also a critical part of Houston’s job as CEO to establish and develop close working relationships in the community, expanding disability networks and raising funds to maintain the organization’s budget.

Director of Operations
stacey@challengeaspen.com
tel: 970-923-0578

Finance Director
jenni@challengeaspen.com
tel: 970-923-0578 ext 204

Jenni Petersen moved from Chicago to the Roaring Fork Valley in 1991. She joined the Challenge Aspen team in 2004, became the Director of Finance & Human Resources in 2005. Her work experience with software support, training and financial setup, as well has her management and sales skills from working in the lodging industry, create a dynamic background for Jenni’s role. As Finance Director & HR Administrator, Jenni is responsible for keeping the financial heart of Challenge Aspen ticking. She maintains all financial records, directs financial management issues, and stays on top of legal and tax documentation. She also enjoys being a member of the annual Challenge Aspen marathon team!

Financial Assistant
tracy@challengeaspen.com
tel: 970-923-0578 ext 207

Tracy began as a Challenge Aspen volunteer in 2005 and joined the team on a part-time basis as our financial assistant in the summer of 2006. Her main responsibility is to assist Jenni Petersen with the processing of accounts payables, account receivables and coordinating numerous organizational tasks.

Director, C.A.M.O. Program
sarah@challengeaspen.com
tel: 970-923-0578 ext 205

Sarah Williams Volf is a native of Wales and came to Challenge Aspen in 2001. After serving as the Recreation, Educational & Cultural (REC) Programs Director for a number of years, Sarah now spearheads the newest division of Challenge Aspen - the C.A.M.O. (Challenge Aspen Military Opportunities) program. She is responsible for the development and management of all of Challenge Aspen’s summer and winter programs for veterans. This includes development of budgets, seeking funding, managing staff and seasonal instructors, and the long-term strategic planning of the C.A.M.O. program. Sarah also represents Challenge Aspen within the local community and at a national and international level.

Recreation Program Manager
sally@challengeaspen.com
tel: 970-923-0578 ext 212

As the Recreation Program Manager, Sally is responsible for the development and management of all of Challenge Aspen’s year-round recreation programs, including groups, camps and individual lessons. She also serves as the liaison for our interns and volunteers - whether they are helping in the office, on the ski slopes, at one of our summer or winter camps, or at a fundraising event.

Groups & Camps Coordinator
nikki@challengeaspen.com
tel: 970-923-0578 ext 213

After interning with Challenge Aspen for a summer during her senior year of college, Nikki joined the team full time upon her graduation in fall 2008. Nikki is responsible for organizing and leading all aspects of both winter and summer camps.

Adaptive Snowsports Manager
crystal@challengeaspen.com
tel: 970-923-0578 ext 215

Crystal manages the winter instructor and volunteer training program for Challenge Aspen and is responsible for the on-snow activities within the REC program. She also coordinates Challenge Aspen activities with Aspen Skiing Company. Cystal joined Challenge Aspen in 2001 and has Adaptive Level 3 certification and trainer’s accreditation.

Our instructors are the public face of Challenge Aspen on the slopes. During the winter, 15 full-time and 30 part-time PSIA adaptive certified ski and snowboard instructors provide some 2000+ adaptive ski and snowboard lessons. We pride ourselves on having the best and largest team of adaptive instructors in the country. Their specialized techniques, coupled with the use of our cutting edge equipment, guarantees the experience of a lifetime, in a fun and safe environment, for all participants.

Director, Competition Program
kevin@challengeaspen.com
tel: 970-923-0578 ext 226
970-618-6382
Kevin joined Challenge Aspen in the spring of 2006 and has earned a worldwide reputation as one of the most respected coaches in the field of disabled skiing. Among Kevin’s most recent honors, he was awarded the 2008 Paralympic Leadership Award for outstanding leadership. He was also recognized in 2006 as the USSA International Disabled Coach of the Year, the sports’ highest award, but it is his love of the people and sport of adaptive skiing that makes Kevin the perfect fit for Challenge Aspen. Kevin is in charge of the development and management of the competition division for the Challenge Aspen Competition Program, with the goal of training and developing disabled alpine skiers to National and Paralympic team status. Kevin also represents adaptive skiing in his roles as a Development Director on the USSA Disabled Winter Sports Committee and the IPC Alpine Rules and Factoring Committee.

Team Coach, Competition Program
tel: 970-923-0578

Team Coach, Competition Program
jonathan@challengeaspen.com
tel: 970-923-0578

Jonathan Mika assists Kevin in coaching and training the Race Team as well as assisting with our Learn-to-Race training camps and recruiting of future athletes.

Marketing Director
geneva@challengeaspen.com
Geneva joined Challenge Aspen from the Aspen Skiing Company where she was marketing coordinator for the Ski & Snowboard Schools for 2 ½ years. Prior to that position, she was the project manager for a local event marketing and product promotions company, and in her home state of Louisiana was a member of the Executive Staff of the Louisiana Department of Labor. Having been involved in events, marketing and politics for the past decade, Geneva brings tremendous expertise to the Challenge Aspen team in spearheading our marketing and appeals efforts.

Publicist
cam@edge.net
tel: 931-598-5075

Melissa became impassioned about Challenge Aspen in 2006 after a memorable chairlift ride with Houston Cowan and an avid supporter of Challenge Aspen. Her background is based in sports (US Olympic Committee Intern, Denver Nuggets Employee) and subsequently in the entertainment industry. Her primary professional focus, since 1987, has been rooted in music industry publicity and touring. As Publicist, Melissa works hand in hand with Marketing & Development and REC & Competition Programming to tell the life-changing events and powerful stories of participants of Challenge Aspen to local, regional and national media outlets in an effort to garner understanding, participation and financial support.

Marketing Assistant
mgrange05@yahoo.com

Max Grange has been giving motivational speeches for the last two years. He lives in Snowmass Village, Colorado, and is a graduate of Aspen High School. His role as marketing assistant includes giving speeches at Challenge Aspen camps, fundraisers and special events. Max is eminently qualified to speak to Challenge Aspen groups and supporters because at the age of 18 months old, he survived a traumatic brain injury which left him unable to walk or speak. With a combination of technology and an undying spirit, he has overcome these obstacles to lead an active and fulfilling life. Max enjoys fishing, swimming, bowling, skiing, yoga, music and theater. Today, Max enjoys sharing his story with a hope of educating and inspiring others! To keep up with the latest news from Max, visit his blog at http://web.mac.com/maxgrange.