The Tahoe Fund announced today that Amy Ohran, vice president and general manager of Northstar California Resort, has joined its Board of Directors. Invited because of her extensive leadership experience and passion for mountain sports and the environment, Ohran will contribute to the organization as it works to improve the Lake Tahoe environment for all to enjoy. In addition, the Tahoe Fund welcomes financial tech expert Kellie Kessel to its investment committee.

“I’m thrilled to welcome Amy to our Board of Directors, and Kellie to our investment committee. The deep personal connections both of these women have to Lake Tahoe and their vast professional experience will be a tremendous asset to the Tahoe Fund,” said Cory Ritchie, Tahoe Fund board chair. “As we continue to evaluate which improvement projects to support in the coming year and beyond, their contributions will be invaluable.”

Ohran is an innovative, strategic leader who has been part of the ski industry for over 30 years. She also serves on the boards of Ski California, the National Ski Areas Association, and the North Tahoe Community Alliance, and is focused on supporting women and emerging leaders as they grow in the outdoor recreation industry. Prior to joining Vail Resorts as the leader of Northstar California, Ohran was Director of Staff & Skier Services at Mt. Bachelor in Bend, Oregon, and most recently held the role of Vice President & General Manager of Woodward Mountain Centers in Tahoe and Park City. Passionate about mountain sports and the Tahoe environment, she can often be found rock climbing, mountain biking, and enjoying all manner of snow sports.

“Since its inception, the Tahoe Fund has been incredibly successful in its efforts to improve the Tahoe environment and make it more accessible for all to enjoy. I couldn’t be more proud to be joining this inspiring, effective team of people who are committed to stewardship and ensuring this special place can continue to be enjoyed by current and future generations,” said Ohran.

Kessel, a retired financial technology executive, brings deep corporate financial and nonprofit board experience to the Tahoe Fund’s investment committee. Most recently, Kessel served as Managing Director of Black Knight Financial Services. She has also been a Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo Bank, working on their institutional sales and trading desk, and has served on multiple corporate and nonprofit boards. Currently, Kessel is pursuing an MA in Nonprofit Management from Johns Hopkins University. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, sailing, skiing, and hiking the stunning trails in Lake Tahoe.

The Tahoe Fund is a nonprofit organization that supports environmental improvement projects that restore lake clarity, expand sustainable recreation, promote healthier forests, improve transportation and inspire greater stewardship of the region. Learn more about the Tahoe Fund and its current and completed projects at www.tahoefund.org.

Building on the success of the popular engraved bears along the Tahoe East Shore Trail, the Tahoe Fund today announced a partnership with Placer County to install personalized bears along the railings in Tahoe City’s Heritage Plaza to raise funds for trails in the Placer County region of North Lake Tahoe. 

“From birthdays to anniversaries to memorials, any message takes on an added meaning when it’s mounted in front of Lake Tahoe,” said Karolina Hedman, chief operations officer for the Tahoe Fund. “With the holidays around the corner, we are excited to introduce this new donation opportunity to leave your family’s legacy in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.”

The bear plaques are available in two sizes. For $5,000, the Mama Bear plaque measures 13” tall x 20” wide and has space for a 40-45 character message. For $2,500, the Baby Bear plaque measures 8” tall x 12” wide and has space for a 20-25 character message. 

“Partnerships with organizations like the Tahoe Fund are imperative to get vital trail, recreation and environmental projects completed for the benefit of Placer residents and Tahoe visitors,” said Placer County District 5 Supervisor Cindy Gustafson. “These plaques are a wonderful way to showcase the broad donor support that makes it all possible, and they’ll be able to revisit them often and enjoy the scenic vista views of Heritage Plaza.”

The Tahoe Fund also offers engraved trout plaques and bear pavers along the East Shore Trail, a three-mile paved path from Incline Village to Sand Harbor. To learn more, visit https://www.tahoefund.org/projects/active-projects/tahoe-east-shore-trail/.

For more information and to purchase a Tahoe City bear plaque, visit https://www.tahoefund.org/projects/active-projects/tahoe-city-bear-plaques/.

In partnership with Achieve Tahoe, the Tahoe Fund aims to make outdoor recreation in Tahoe accessible for all

Ahead of the holiday giving season, the Tahoe Fund is launching a $25,000 matching campaign to support Achieve Tahoe’s summer recreation programs for people with disabilities and their families. Thanks to a generous match provided by Putnam Lexus, courtesy of Marty and Anne Putnam, the Tahoe Fund is doubling all donations to this program given before December 31, 2023 to reach their $50,000 goal. 

“We want to ensure that the Tahoe region can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of their ability,” said Tahoe Fund donors Marty and Anne Putnam. “Through this matching campaign, we are hoping to give more individuals and families access to the amazing outdoor recreation opportunities offered by Achieve Tahoe.” 

Achieve Tahoe has long been a pioneer in adaptive winter sports in the Tahoe region. 

In recent years, with support from the Tahoe Fund, Achieve Tahoe has shifted to offering year-round outdoor recreation programming such as archery, hiking, sailing, and paddle sports. Last summer, nearly 400 participants enjoyed archery lessons at the SnoVentures in Palisades Tahoe, hiking at Dollar Creek and Rideout School trails, as well as paddle sports and sailing on Lake Tahoe’s west shore.

“Our day on the lake was incredible, and sparked a desire to see what other sports I can try out that I haven’t participated in since my injury,” said Kelzey Z., an Achieve Tahoe participant. “We did archery and rock climbing with Achieve Tahoe, and we’re already planning a trip to Oregon to do accessible white water rafting next summer!”

Prior funding from the Tahoe Fund has helped Achieve Tahoe offer scholarships for participants who could not afford program enrollment costs, invest in supplies and equipment, and provide training for staff and volunteers. 

“We are grateful for the support and partnership the Tahoe Fund provides to increase inclusion in the Tahoe region,” said Haakon Lang-Ree, executive director of Achieve Tahoe. “Caring for this area requires a holistic approach that incorporates everyone — of every ability — who comes to recreate and steward this beautiful place.”

To donate today, visit www.tahoefund.org/achieve.