Josh Reed
Josh Reed has moved into the role of communications manager. Reed has been part of the Killington team since 2021, most recently serving as a ticket and reservation supervisor, where he was recognized for his thoughtful leadership and commitment to the mountain. Reed has over 20 years of sales and marketing leadership experience that he brings to the marketing team.
In his new role, Reed will manage communications across social media, public relations, internal updates, and snow reporting. When he’s not working, you’ll likely find Reed coaching youth sports, skiing, hiking, mountain biking, golfing, camping, or off-roading in his Jeep with the kids. Originally from Texas (he’s a proud 6th generation Texan), Reed has called Killington home for the past eight years.
“Killington Resort has long been a place of innovation, community, and passion for the Green Mountains, and as a long-time local, it’s a place that’s meant a lot to me personally. I’m honored to step into this role and incredibly excited to help tell its story in new and compelling ways,” Reed said.
Laura Kruse
Laura Kruse has been promoted to childcare manager. Kruse joined the team in December 2023 as childcare supervisor, bringing with her a bachelor of science in education and valuable experience in early childhood education. During her time at The Beast, she has demonstrated excellent leadership and dedication to child safety. Kruse was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, and moved up to Vermont in November of 2023, fulfilling a long-time dream to move here permanently. Outside of work, she loves to ski, hike, and be outside.
In her new role, Kruse will oversee all aspects of our childcare facility’s daily operations and lead our efforts to enhance our childcare services. She will continue to implement new systems and protocols that ensure we provide the highest quality of care for children of both our guests and team members.
Rob Frei
Rob Frei will be expanding his leadership role to include oversight of the Killington Golf Course. Frei’s history with Killington runs deep. After an initial tenure with the resort, he returned in 2016 as retail manager following a 13-year hiatus, bringing with him extensive experience in both back-of-house operations, such as inventory buying, and front-of-house sales. His track record of creativity and innovation has been a natural fit with Killington’s core values, and he continues to bring that same dedication and expertise to every role he takes on.
In this expanded capacity, Frei will ensure that the entire golf course team, front and back-of-house, have the resources and support needed to continue delivering an outstanding golf experience for guests and staff. His deep understanding of guest-facing operations, combined with his passion for Killington, makes him the perfect leader to guide the course’s continued success.
Robbie Cohen
Robbie Cohen has been promoted to lift operations manager. As an exceptional member of the lift ops team for eight years, Cohen demonstrated an outstanding work ethic, a strong sense of responsibility, and a natural ability to lead by example. His dedication and love for lift operations have earned him a steady progression through the ranks moving from foreman to team lead, and most recently, as a supervisor for the past three years.
Over the years, Cohen has proven himself to be a thoughtful leader who listens to his team, takes initiative, and tackles challenges head-on. He brings a fun approach that empowers those around him and strengthens the department as a whole. His attention to training, safety, and improvements for the future ensures that our lift operations are safe and well managed for all staff and guests. An 8th generation Vermonter, Cohen loves to ski and his favorite trail is Great Bear. He’s also a big football fan and especially enjoys playing fantasy football.
Tracy Kelly
New to Killington Resort, Tracy Kelly has joined the Grand Hotel lodging team as lodging front office manager. Kelly brings with her a wealth of hospitality knowledge and experience working for Hyatt and Marriott and most recently was the Maitresse de Maison (a.k.a. general manager) for The Pitcher Inn and Spa and Warren Store. She studied business management and moved on to work in Philadelphia in advertising where she began her hospitality career.
Kelly has been in Vermont for 4 1/2 years and enjoys skiing, tennis and gardening. She has two adult children, who live in Cambridge, Massachusetts and Charlotte, North Carolina. She is an avid concert enthusiast (over 250 concerts to date) and loves all things Halloween (the scarier the better).
Matt McAlary
Finally, Matt McAlary joins the team as creative services manager, bringing with him seven years of marketing and branding experience across the hospitality and beverage alcohol industries. Originally from Maine, McAlary has spent the last 10 years in Vermont enjoying all of the recreational opportunities the Green Mountains have to offer (esp. skiing).
“Killington is home to such a special community and I’m really looking forward to immersing myself and connecting with the Beast Family on a deeper level,” McAlary said. “Given this time of immense change and improvements going on at the resort, I’m excited to be able to pull back the curtain a bit and share what that looks like for our guests and to get them excited about what’s to come.”
