Deirdra Walsh is the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Park City Mountain and a Board Member at Park City Community Foundation.
Deirdra grew up in Missouri, one of ten children in a family that loved the outdoors. Raised with a strong give-back mentality, she studied social work and spent time volunteering in Montana and South America before following her now-husband to Utah in 2004.
When she arrived in Park City, she had only skied once but quickly picked up snowboarding and fell in love with the sport. In 2007, she took a job at Park City Mountain Resort in conference services and banquets – never imagining that one day she would hold her current leadership role. She embraces the responsibility with gratitude and a focus on community.
“For me personally, part of what drives me is trying to make an impact and give back to the community,” Deirdra said.
Park City Mountain, a cornerstone of the local economy and a source of fun and recreation for visitors and residents alike, champions and supports issues that are addressed by many local nonprofits.
“We understand, recognize, and embrace the role that we play; a role of real prominence and impact in the community. And we have a responsibility to do that,” Deirdra said.
Deirdra explained that Park City Mountain, through Vail Resorts EpicPromise, invests more than $5 million annually in greater Park City through cash donations, products and service, and access grants to 40 local nonprofits. A dedicated grants team ensures those resources create the greatest impact.
One area of focus for the resort is youth access. Every season, over 1,600 youth are introduced to snow sports through nonprofit organizations such as Youth Sports Alliance and SOS Outreach. Deirdra is especially proud that these programs provide not only access to the mountains but also a sense of belonging, as well as career exposure in the snow sports industry.
Deirdra emphasized that Park City Mountain supports Park City Community Foundation and has been the Presenting Sponsor of Live PC Give PC each year because the organization is reliable, trusted, and consistent in addressing local needs. She believes the partnership allows Park City Mountain to be better as a resort in how they give to the community.
“I think the Community Foundation has such a great way of taking complex issues, understanding what needs may be emerging, and bringing people together around those issues. They think about the collective power of giving in the community and make a difference,” Deirdra said.
Deirdra highlighted the energy of Live PC Give PC, Park City’s annual day of giving, and the way it brings the whole community together, allowing everyone to be a part of giving in a fun way. It doesn’t matter what stage of life you are in, or how much you are able to give, the Community Foundation and Live PC Give PC offer a chance for everyone to make an impact.
As a board member of Park City Community Foundation, Deirdra notes, “I have sat on many boards, and I always say that the Community Foundation really walks the walk when it comes to creating an inclusive environment within the organization and beyond.”
True to her commitment to the community, Deirdra insists that the best thing about her job is her team. No matter what challenges she faces in her role, she always feels fortunate to work with the incredible people at Park City Mountain. She also loves the unpredictable nature of the job. For some that may be daunting, but it’s a challenge that keeps her on her toes, energizes her, and is an area where she has thrived. She also feels lucky and humbled whenever she pulls into work and sees the impact the beautiful mountain has on everyone who steps foot on it.
“At its core, skiing and snowboarding is fun!” Deirdra said. “You can have an experience that is totally unique every day. You can have a really peaceful day. You can have a day that’s about recharging yourself. You can have a day that’s about challenging yourself or getting rowdy with your friends. It can be multigenerational, and you can make friends on the lift. That aspect of what I get to do regrounds me.”
Posted in: Board Members