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Sierra-at-Tahoe honors workers

Provided to the Tribune
Provided to the Tahoe Daily Tribune. John Rice, Sierra-at-Tahoe general manger, right, congratulates winners of the Eagle awards. From left are Jimmy Kenslo, bronze; Rob Butts, silver; Brian Peden, silver; and Josh Smith, gold.
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Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort honored four employees for exemplifying the company’s values at the resort’s annual Eagle Award dinner Oct. 19 on the Tahoe Queen. Typically, three individuals are selected each year to receive the Gold, Silver and Bronze Eagle awards.

“The Eagle award winners represent employees who exhibit a strong dedication to one or all of our values; the guest experience, fellow employees, responsible resort operations and financial performance – the cornerstones of the resort’s success,” said John Rice, general manager.

This year’s Golden Eagle recipient was Josh Smith, manager of information technology and a three-year Sierra Resort employee. Smith holds a bachelor of science in information sciences from Mercer University in Georgia, his home state. His natural inclination for computers combined with his love of the ever-evolving world of technology and his love of working with people make him, “one of the most fortunate employees in the country. I love what I do and I love doing it at Sierra,” Smith said.



Smith, who is pleased to be recognized by his peers, said, “Past recipients of the Golden Eagle award have many things in common. They all have great attitudes and incredible work ethics. They all take their jobs very seriously but are committed to having fun while they work. I am honored to be counted among them.”

Fellow employees describe Smith as a steady rock in the rushing stream that is the winter ski season in Lake Tahoe. His upbeat attitude and willingness to work long hours to keep Sierra Resort running smoothly make him invaluable to the team.



Other awards given to Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort employees included the Silver Eagle, which resulted in a tie between Rob Butts, lift maintenance supervisor, and Bryan Peden, lift mechanic. Butts has been with Sierra Resort for 15 years and loves the variety, people and freedom that his job entails. With two daughters, Nellie, 11, and Kelsi, 15, Butts values Sierra Resort’s family-first culture.

“I try to live every day honestly,” Butts said. “You’ve got to be true to yourself.”

Peden has spent 13 seasons with Sierra Resort as a lift mechanic, groomer and in lift maintenance. He is known for getting along with everyone and for jumping in and lending a hand wherever one is needed.

“I really enjoy the team spirit that defines Sierra Resort,” he said.

The Bronze Eagle was awarded to Jimmy Kelso, Sierra Pub supervisor. Co-workers describe Kelso as incredibly positive and upbeat with the ability to keep employees calm during the most hectic moments. Kelso has been with Sierra Resort for five years and is a role model for all his fellow employees. He is honored to be recognized by his peers.

“Everyone at Sierra Resort deserves the Golden Eagle – the people are the most amazing part of this job,” Kelso said.


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