Jim Smith to leave MMSA

Jim Smith becomes the third senior vice-president in a matter of weeks to leave Mammoth Mountain Ski Area.

Smith, the Senior Vice-President of Real Estate, will leave to become Vice-President of Strategic Development at Vail Resorts.

His exit follows on the heels of those of Bob Peckenpaugh and Howard Pickett.

Bike Park Manager, Mark Hendrickson, also recently left MMSA for Vail.

“Jim’s leaving because it’s too frustrating to be here,” said MMSA CEO Rusty Gregory. “The difference is that they’re [Vail] building.”

Vail recently acquired The Canyons Resort in Utah, and it is believed that will be Smith’s first assignment.

Smith holds a Masters in Real Estate Finance from the University of Southern California. He then taught as an adjunct professor at USC at the School of Policy, Planning and Development from 2001-2006.

According to the bio posted on the MLTPA (Mammoth Lakes Trails and Public Access) website, previously, Jim was vice-president of Katell Properties, a leading commercial-development firm based in Los Angeles. Prior to Katell, he was an associate at AEW Capital Management in Boston and Berkshire Realty Trust, also in Boston. Jim received a B.S. in accounting from Syracuse University, and an M.B.A from Southern New Hampshire University.

MLTPA (Smith served on the Board of Directors) was among many volunteer posts Smith held during his stint in Mammoth. He and wife Elaine were also instrumental in getting the Mammoth Track at Whitmore built.