Former Aspen Skiing Co. exec named director of Snowmass Tourism

Rose Abello, the former director of communications for Aspen Skiing Co., will be Snowmass Tourism’s next director, the town announced Friday.

Abello will oversee all marketing, group sales, special events, public relations and guest services efforts and will be responsible for promoting Snowmass Village. She will start Sept. 29.

Named one of the “Most Powerful Women in Travel” by Travel Agent magazine, Abello brings a background in travel and hospitality marketing, the town’s statement said.

Abello was Skico director of communications from 1997 to 2001.

“Snowmass is such a special place and has much to offer,” Abello said. “I am super-excited to work with the team at the town of Snowmass Village to create an even greater positive impact from tourism in the community. It will be great to be back in the Roaring Fork Valley full-time and reconnect with friends as well as former colleagues. I look forward to being part of the Snowmass community and meeting new people.”

Most recently, Abello ran her own marketing/strategy consulting firm, developing marketing initiatives, partnerships, special events, social-media strategies, communications and more for cruise and travel companies such as Seabourn Cruises Holland America Line, Global Voyages Group and others.

From 2001 to 2009, Abello was the vice president of public relations for Holland America Line Inc., overseeing the strategic development and implementation of global public relations, special events, corporate social responsibility and social-media efforts for the $1.8 billion company.

“We had a lot of great candidates for this position, but Rose truly stood out due to her leadership, team-building skills and management style,” said Gary Suiter, Snowmass Village interim town manager. “She brings a solid background and great vision to continue to move us forward.”

Abello holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Wellesley College. She enjoys the outdoors and is an avid skier, snowboarder, hiker and cyclist.