Newly created role brings local hospitality industry leader to oversee Institute’s historic Aspen Meadows campus
Contact:
Jon Purves
Senior Media Relations Manager
The Aspen Institute
Jon.Purves@aspeninstitute.org
Aspen, CO, October 31, 2019— Following a national search, the Aspen Institute today announced that Richard Stettner has been appointed Vice President for Aspen Campus Facilities and Operations. In this newly created role, Stettner will oversee the Institute’s historic Aspen Meadows campus facilities in Aspen, CO, and will be responsible for planning and managing all aspects of capital projects and day-to-day campus operations.
A 10-year resident of the Roaring Fork Valley, Stettner brings nearly 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry to the position. He previously served as Managing Director of the Aspen Skiing Company-Limelight Hotels, where he led the opening of the Limelight Hotels in Ketchum, ID and Snowmass Village, CO. Earlier in his career, he served as the Resort Manager at Denver-based Exclusive Resorts, and worked for Four Seasons Hotels across the U.S.
“I am thrilled to be joining the team at the Aspen Institute,” said Richard Stettner. “After nearly a decade at the Aspen Skiing Company, I look forward to bringing my experience to the Aspen Meadows campus and being part of an organization that makes positive impact in society and champions thoughtful, values-based leadership.”
“The Aspen Meadows campus is a vital asset to the Aspen Institute and its programs. As custodians of this iconic Bayer-designed campus, we have a duty not just to maintain it, but to ensure that it flourishes,” said Dan Porterfield, President and CEO of the Aspen Institute. “Richard brings to this role extensive hospitality and facilities management experience and a deep knowledge of the Roaring Fork Valley, and I am confident that he will help to deliver a superb experience for all who work, learn, and convene on this campus each year.”
Stettner will serve as the primary contact for stakeholders on broad issues related to the campus, overseeing facilities, information technology, A/V, conference services, and landscaping, in ways that will help the Institute and its programs accomplish their missions. Moreover, he will maintain and nurture constructive relationships with neighbors, city officials, and interested members of the public and, along with Vice President for Aspen Community Programs and Engagement Cristal Logan, represent the Aspen Institute externally across the Roaring Fork Valley community.
Envisioned by Institute founder Walter Paepcke and designed by architect and designer Herbert Bayer in the mid-twentieth century, the Aspen Meadows is renowned for its Bauhaus aesthetic and was prominently featured in Aspen’s Bauhaus 100 programming in 2019. Stettner will be responsible for maintaining this unique environment, and will collaborate closely with Wyndham/Dolce, the hotel management firm that runs the Aspen Meadows resort, in an oversight, marketing, and security capacity. He will also oversee current and future staff responsible for the maintenance, preservation, and acquisition of the Institute’s art collection.
The Aspen Institute is a community-serving organization with global reach whose vision is the creation of a free, just, and equitable society. For 70 years, the Institute has driven change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the world’s greatest challenges. With headquarters in Washington, DC, the Institute has offices in Aspen, Colorado and New York City, as well as an international network of partners. For more information, visit aspeninstitute.org.