COPPER MOUNTAIN, Colo. – July 13, 2026
Team Summit is excited to welcome longtime Summit County resident James Welch as the organization’s new Development Director.
Welch brings extensive experience in snowsports operations, community leadership, nonprofit management, and outdoor recreation. Welch previously served as Executive Director of Dillon Jr. Sailing and has worked with SCOMBA on trail advocacy, helping develop programs and partnerships that connect more people with outdoor recreation opportunities. After moving to Colorado from Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 2009, Welch began working as a children’s ski instructor. He later advanced through Keystone Ski School management and into mountain operations. Welch led Keystone’s Competition Services Team for five years and managed the Keystone Bike Park for four years.“We have worked closely with James for several years in his role as Comp Services Manager at Keystone. We knew he was the perfect fit for Team Summit. I can’t wait for him to get started,” said CB Bechtel, Executive Director of Team Summit.Welch grew up in East Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he competed in ski racing for East Grand Rapids High School and Michigan State University. He and his wife, Carly, now live in Summit County with their son, Oliver. As a family, they spend their summers mountain biking, sailing, and dirt biking and their winters downhill and cross-country skiing.
“We are fortunate to live in Summit County,” Welch said. “We have incredible access to the outdoors and a strong, supportive community. I’m excited to help Team Summit continue expanding access to the mountains and support youth development and our community.”As Development Director, Welch will help strengthen Team Summit’s community partnerships, sponsorships, and support systems while building on the organization’s longstanding connections throughout Summit County and the Colorado snowsports community.