MTM Alumni Spotlights

To date, the MTM program has had a successful impact on graduate career goals. Through practice-based, applied curriculum, international networking and industry outreach, nearly 70% of our engaged graduates are currently employed in the tourism industry.

Testimonials

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Marshall Floyd

Visit Fort Collins
Visitor and Conference Service Manager
MTM Class of 2022

What is some advice you would like to share with current students and/or prospective students considering your program?

“This degree is the best decision I have ever made on a personal, professional, and academic level. I was fortunate enough to attend CSU as an undergrad and found my place in the NR Tourism program. However, the MTM program allowed me to continue unraveling the systems and processes of tourism in more detail. If you have a passion for people, the great outdoors, or even the opposite, tourism has the answers for you.”

Caroline Roush

Snowbird
Assistant General Manager of The Cliff Lodge
MTM Class of 2020

What skills and knowledge from the MTM program are you using in your current position?
“The finance aspect of running a ski resort as I wouldn’t understand how to operate a hotel or have the financial knowledge without it. Also creating memorable moments for guests to keep them coming back to the resort.”
Can you share a favorite memory from your time at CSU?
“I did it all online, but I met one of my professors at Snowbird and we skied together! I was able to connect with her and draw more insight on the ski industry.”

Kelly Faulkner

Natural Habitat Adventures
Operations Coordinator
MTM Class of 2022

What was your favorite part of the MTM program?

“I loved looking at case studies for ecotourism and sustainable tourism practices. I enjoyed the challenge of developing our own entrepreneurial tourism businesses that we had to pitch to the class.”

Lexie Berger

Clear Creek County
Planning & Building Operations Manager
MTM Class of 2016

What skills and knowledge from your graduate program are you using in your current position?

“My ability to recognize core issues in tourism sustainability from local issues like housing and STR capacity programs to understanding the ‘pull’ and ‘push’ factors driving our tourists and second home owners to Colorado whether it be the drive for outdoor adventure, the mountains, or other forms of tourism recent legalizations have brought Colorado as well as push factors due to criminalization causing trends like ‘abortion vacations’ to other states and more.”

Jonathan Zimmerman

U.S. Forest Service
Recreation Management Specialist
MTM Class of 2015

Can you share a favorite memory from your time at CSU?
“Working with my fellow Cohorts, guest speakers, and teachers.”
What is some advice you would like to share with current students and/or prospective students considering your program?
“Patience, success is not immediate. Take your time, follow your own path, and keep working hard.”

Michael Schmidt

Vail Resorts
Rental Marketing Manager
MTM Class of 2016

How has your program at CSU helped you to get to where you are today?

“My career path is almost entirely thanks to the MTM program. It helped me get my first job out of the program, as well as the promotion to a position in marketing that ultimately led to where I am today.”

Madison Dreith

Into the Vineyard – Wine Inspired Travel
Travel Advisor
MTM Class of 2013

What skills and knowledge from your graduate program are you using in your current position?
“Operations management, entrepreneurship, business sustainability.”
How has your program at CSU helped you to get to where you are today?
“It has given me a holistic understanding to how a tourism business operates so that I can help influence and make informed business decisions for not only myself as an independent contractor, but also the business I work for, which started as a small mom and pop company and has grown exponentially the last several years.”

Ben Larson

Maui Adventure Vacations
Founder and Adventure Consultant
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The Colorado Mountain Club
Adventure Travel Program Manager
MTM Class of 2017

How has the MTM program at CSU helped you to get to where you are today?
“The program solidified business strategies in terms of planned marketing practices, branding and partnership. Holistically, it also helped me focus on the things I wanted in a business.”

Jospeh DeMoor

Aspen Ski Company
Trails Director
MTM Class of 2015

What skills and knowledge from your graduate program are you using in your current position?
“Many things, but mainly business management, budgeting, teamwork, presentations, public speaking, sustainable practices, and tourism trends. Specifically, I also grew my knowledge in the niche ski industry with challenges in housing, employee retention, and seasonality,”

More Featured Alumni

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2023

Nicole Hallum

Mammoth Mountain
Marketing Manager
MTM Class of 2023

Dominic Atlak

Stowe Mountain Resort
Ski Patrol
MTM Class of 2023

Hannah Lindsey

Mt. Baker Ski Area
Administrative Assistant
MTM Class of 2023

Lindsay Cluckey

El Paso County, Colo.
Nature Center Interpreter
MTM Class of 2023

Serena Kedrowski

MGM Grand Hotel & Casino
Hotel Operations Manager
MTM Class of 2023

Erika Islinger

The Elizabeth Hotel
Guest Service Agent
MTM Class of 2023

2022

Aileen Ramos

Visit Laredo
Director
MTM Class of 2022

Diane Russell-Hardy

The Sea Pines Resort
Conference Services Manager/Wedding Specialist
MTM Class of 2022

Lauren Uniack

Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa
Guest Experience Manager
MTM Class of 2022

2021

Colin Bryant

Evergreen Escapes
Naturalist Guide
MTM Class of 2021

Erin Maskill

No Barriers USA
Event Manager
MTM Class of 2021

Abby Palmer

City of Jackson (TN)
Neighborhood Services Director
MTM Class of 2021

Barrett Chapman

TCS World Travel
Product Development Manager
MTM Class of 2021

Jose Guzman

Planet Earth Explorations
Owner and Chief Executive Officer
MTM Class of 2021

Ellie Place

American Hiking Society
Program Manager
MTM Class of 2021

Celestina Hendrickson

Kirkland Downtown Association
Events and Operations Manager
MTM Class of 2021

Danielle Mueth

First Light Travel
Travel Design Team Leader
MTM Class of 2021

2020

Jennifer Grey

Travel Vivre
Travel Consultant
MTM Class of 2020

Shane Naylor

POST Houston
Venue Coordinator
MTM Class of 2020

Lisa Pickel

Gerber Tours
Tour Director
MTM Class of 2020

2019

Sam Pallazza

Illinois Natural History Survey – Human Dimensions Research Program
Research Associate
MTM Class of 2019

Jack Yeaton

Jackalope Anglers
Founder and Owner
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Schuyler Yacht Basin
Director of Operations
MTM Class of 2019

Malia Michel

City of Fort Collins – Adaptive Recreation Opportunities
Coordinator
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City of Loveland
Activity Leader
MTM Class of 2019

David Ole Ngoseck

Adumu Safaris
Founder
MTM Class of 2019

Yiran Jiang

Universal Beijing Resort
Supervisor, Attraction Operations
MTM Class of 2019

Elizabeth Everingham

Winter Park Resort
Rental Services Manager
MTM Class of 2019

2018

Chauncey McCarthy

Town of Rico
Town Manager
MTM Class of 2018

Alaine Hope

FairHarbor
Senior Dashboard Specialist
MTM Class of 2018

Calvin Perdue

City of Brighton
Recreation Coordinator
MTM Class of 2018

Trisha Bruen

Big Mountain Events
Event Operations Coordinator and Office Manager
MTM Class of 2018

Brandon Bergum

Pursuit Alaska Collection
Assistant Manager
MTM Class of 2018

Edward Modec

City of Fort Collins – Lincoln Center
Event Operations Manager
MTM Class of 2018

2017

Lindsay Booth

Off Season Adventures
Chief Executive Officer
MTM Class of 2017

Noelle Juengling

Wazoo Gear
Chief Operation Officer
MTM Class of 2017

2016

Bryn Geddes

Road Scholar
Program Operations Manager
MTM Class of 2016

Melissa Ardales

Group Travel Network
Director of Business Development
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Travel Industry Consulting
Independent Business Consultant
MTM Class of 2016

Melissa Ardales

Santa Monica Visitor Center
Marketing Manager, Trade & International
MTM Class of 2016

2015

Iain McConachie

Wilderness
North America Retail Manager
MTM Class of 2015

Stephanie Bristley

Breckenridge Grand Vacations
Assistant General Manager
MTM Class of 2015

Dawa Sherpa

Peak to Peak Travel LLC
Chief Executive Officer
MTM Class of 2015

Erin Mihm

Natural Habitat Adventures
Adventure Sales Associate
MTM Class of 2015

2014

Tucker Ballister

The Backpack Guide
Founder & Creative Director
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Camping World
Technical Content Writer
MTM Class of 2014

Geoffrey Jans

Baranof Fishing Excursions
General Manager
MTM Class of 2014

Daniel Pliske

Cruise Norway
Senior Expedition Advisor North America
MTM Class of 2014

Wendy Pace

Center for Collaborative Conservation
Program Assistant
MTM Class of 2014

John Beye

Teton Science Schools
Adult Program Manager
MTM Class of 2014

Wen Zhao-Pliske

Bates Technical College
Instructional Designer
MTM Class of 2014

2013

Michael Logan

Oak View Group
General Manager
MTM Class of 2013

Cheryl Glanz

Cache La Poudre-North Park Scenic and Historic Byway Council
President
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Colorado Welcome Center
Manager
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Cache la Poudre River National Heritage Alliance
Volunteer Heritage Culturalist
MTM Class of 2013

Are you a MTM alumni who wants to be featured along with your company? Contact csumasteroftourismmanagement@gmail.com! We would love to stay in touch and highlight your success!