Mary Kate Buckley to Retire as CEO of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort on May 31

Mary Kate Buckley will retire as CEO on May 31, 2025, concluding a successful seven-year tenure leading Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.

Since joining JHMR in 2018, Buckley has overseen transformational developments across the resort, enhancing the guest experience and bolstering employee support. Her leadership has driven infrastructure improvements, operational efficiencies, and a deepened commitment to sustainability.

“It has been an incredible honor to work with Mary Kate, from her time on the board to leading JHMR as President and CEO,” said Eric Macy, JHMR owner. “She has left an enduring legacy on this resort, always putting our employees, guests, and the broader community first. From guiding JHMR through the challenges of COVID to pioneering capacity management, she has led with vision and purpose. We are forever grateful for her leadership, dedication, and passion, which have shaped JHMR into what it is today.” 

Under Buckley’s leadership, the resort underwent significant infrastructure expansion including upgrading and adding chairlifts, extending snowmaking and glading, and increasing hiking and mountain biking trails. She prioritized employee support, and more than 100 incremental housing units were created during her tenure. She created a dedicated guest experience team that modernized ticketing and digital systems and launched a new reservation platform, Jackson Hole Resort Reservations, to support the local tourism community. 

Beyond resort operations, she collaborated with County officials to secure federal funding for transportation and infrastructure improvements, led sustainability efforts by transitioning to 100 percent wind power and spearheaded renovations of retail spaces and on-mountain dining, elevating the overall guest experience.  

“The successes of the past seven years are a testament to the incredible team of employees I’ve had the privilege to lead,” said Buckley. “With the smooth transition from Kemmerer ownership to the Corbat and Macy families, I feel this is the right time to step down. The Kemmerers’ commitment to preserving independent ownership and entrusting JHMR’s stewardship to two families who share a deep passion and personal commitment gives me full confidence that the resort is in the best possible hands for our guests, employees, and community.”

With Buckley’s planned retirement, Doug Pierini will become JHMR’s next CEO on June 1, 2025. To ensure a smooth leadership transition, Pierini, who was hired as Chief Operating Officer (COO) in July, will assume control of the daily operational responsibilities for JHMR, effective immediately. He has already made a significant impact—spearheading key strategic initiatives, leading the development of a long-term strategic plan for JHMR, overseeing food and beverage enhancements, and completing critical capital projects. His leadership and vision will ensure JHMR remains an independently owned, world-class destination for years to come.

“Doug is a strong leader with a deep understanding of both the operational and cultural aspects that make Jackson Hole Mountain Resort so special,” said Mike Corbat, JHMR owner. “His extensive experience at top resorts around the world, combined with his roots in this community, gives him a unique perspective on how to balance innovation with JHMR’s legacy. We are confident that his vision, leadership, and passion will not only preserve our independence but also propel JHMR into an exciting future.”

Pierini is no stranger to Jackson Hole. He spent a decade with JHMR’s Mountain Sports School in the 1990s, where he built deep connections within the community and developed a passion for the mountain. Prior to Pierini’s return to JHMR, he spent the previous 13 years at Vail Resorts, where he most recently served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the company’s Western Region, with oversight of the resorts on the West Coast of the US, Whistler Blackcomb in Canada and three Australian resorts. He also served as the Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the company’s Eastern Region from 2019-21.

“I consider my previous experience at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort one of the highlights of my life. My wife Leigh and I met while working for the Mountain Sports School, and we were eager to return to Jackson for years. I’m honored to step into this role and continue building on the strong foundation that Mary Kate and the entire JHMR team have created,” said Pierini. “Jackson Hole holds a special place in my heart, and I look forward to working alongside this incredible community to help shape its future while staying true to its independent spirit.”

With this leadership transition, JHMR remains committed to providing an unparalleled mountain experience, preserving its legacy, and supporting both employees and the local community.