BIO
James O’Donnell is currently a faculty member at the University of Denver, where he teaches classes focused on Outdoor Industry programs. From June 2021 through March 2023, James was President of the Mountain Division of Vail Resorts. Prior to that, he served as the EVP - Hospitality, Retail & Rental, and Real Estate from December 2016, having previously served as Senior VP of Lodging & Real Estate, COO of VR Hospitality, and as the Hospitality division's CFO.
Joining Vail Resorts in 2002, James held numerous other roles, including Corporate Director of Finance, Regional Director of Operations, and VP of Strategic Development. Before 2002, James specialized in the hospitality and real estate industries as an Assurance and Business Advisory Services Manager at Arthur Andersen.
As a leader within the outdoor industry and recreation space, James believes in fostering relationships with his peers, students, direct reports, and workforce through radical candor and open communication. James and his teams strive to create emotional connections with the outdoors across diverse user groups.