Marshall Woods, Mt. Hood Meadows Lift Maintenance Manager received the prestigious Tower of Excellence award at the recent Pacific Northwest Ski Areas Association (PNSAA) annual conference. The Tower of Excellence award recognizes and honors a ski resort employee, past or present, who has made significant contributions to the “outside operations” of their resort.
Marshall leads the team of lift maintenance professionals who regularly maintain our lift infrastructure, respond to any lift stoppages, perform storm recovery and deicing work after storm cycles and other tasks associated with the operation and maintenance of six high speed quads, one fixed grip quad with a carpet loading system, four fixed grip quads and the Ballroom Carpet over the snow conveyor.
The award was presented by Mel Toney, Meadows V.P. of Mountain Operations (who received this same award in 2014) and PNSAA President Jordan Elliott.
Marshall started in Lift Operations in 2004. Soon thereafter he moved to Lift Maintenance where he excelled through our training program: Apprentice, Lift Technician, Lead Technician and Master Technician. He was promoted to Lift Maintenance Supervisor in 2015 and Manager in 2017.
Marshall was nominated due to his, “Incredible work ethic and attention to detail. He leads by example while also working hard to mentor and grow his team. He has been a strong advocate for our new apprentices to complete the OSU lift maintenance training course.
“He is straight forward, hardworking, driven, always wanting to improve and make things run more efficiently. Marshall never passes up an opportunity to help others. Whenever a problem comes up in Mountain Operations, he is the first voice on the radio offering help. He is one of the most ethical and truthful people I have ever met and always strives to do the right thing.”
His single greatest contribution to the area and/or the ski industry was described as, “Being well versed in all aspects of the position. Marshall is confident and not afraid of taking on new challenges. Confident. If he puts his mind to something he will succeed and excel. He has built a great team. A strong advocate for safety and fosters a sense of inclusion.”
Mel Toney shared that, “Marshall doesn’t walk he runs. Literally. Up and down stairs, in and out of the shop, everywhere. I noticed this early on while working with him. One day I finally asked him why? A man of few words, he looked at me quizzically and said: ‘well, you get there faster’.”
Congratulations Marshall! We are proud of you for your accomplishments, the support your provide your crew and the leadership you bring to Mt. Hood Meadows!
Marshall was also awarded the Meadows President’s Award in 2021 for his outstanding work ethic and willingness to help others.
He’s also a heck of a griller and was recognized at last summer’s team member BBQ contest.
