Crystal Mountain Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Crystal Mountain has 4 executives leading key functions including strategy, resort operations, guest experience, and regional development.

Dedicated to providing premier four-season recreation, Crystal Mountain maintains a commitment to family-oriented hospitality and sustainable land stewardship across its 1,500-acre Michigan destination.

Leadership Roles at Crystal Mountain

  • Chief Executive Officer - John Melcher
  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Dennis Rivard
  • Chief Operating Officer - Karyn Thorr
  • President, GA - Landon Sutterlin
  • John Melcher - Chief Executive Officer

    John Melcher, the Chief Executive Officer at Crystal Mountain, directs the long-term strategic vision for this expansive four-season resort. Melcher oversees the integration of lodging, golf, and winter sports operations to ensure consistent financial performance and guest satisfaction. By aligning departmental goals with the overarching mission of providing high-quality recreational experiences, the Chief Executive Officer fosters a culture of excellence across the 1,500-acre property. John Melcher manages relationships with key stakeholders and the board to secure capital investments for infrastructure upgrades, including the expansion of the Park at Water's Edge and various real estate ventures. Through rigorous oversight of resort-wide performance metrics, the Chief Executive Officer drives operational efficiency and market competitiveness. Melcher prioritizes sustainable growth while maintaining the family-owned legacy that defines the resort's reputation within the Midwest hospitality sector, ensuring that every strategic decision supports the long-term viability of the destination.

    Dennis Rivard - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Dennis Rivard, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Crystal Mountain, architects the high-level business framework for the entire resort enterprise. Rivard focuses on the intersection of luxury hospitality and outdoor recreation, ensuring that the award-winning Crystal Spa and championship golf courses meet rigorous service standards. As the President & Chief Executive Officer, Rivard coordinates with executive leadership to refine the brand identity and expand the resort's reach within the competitive Michigan tourism market. Dennis Rivard monitors the financial health of the organization, implementing fiscal policies that support ongoing development and facility maintenance. By analyzing market trends and guest feedback, the President & Chief Executive Officer optimizes the service portfolio to attract diverse demographics, from wedding parties to conference attendees. Rivard maintains a sharp focus on operational scalability, ensuring that the resort remains a premier destination for year-round activities while upholding the core values of the family-owned business model.

    Karyn Thorr - Chief Operating Officer

    Karyn Thorr, the Chief Operating Officer at Crystal Mountain, executes the daily operational logistics required to maintain a 1,500-acre resort destination. Thorr manages the complex interplay between downhill skiing, cross-country trails, and the various dining facilities, ensuring seamless guest experiences throughout the year. As the Chief Operating Officer, Thorr directs the staff responsible for Peak Fitness and the Park at Water's Edge, focusing on safety, efficiency, and service quality. Karyn Thorr implements standardized procedures across all departments to streamline workflows and reduce overhead costs. By overseeing the maintenance of physical assets and the execution of seasonal transitions, the Chief Operating Officer ensures that the resort remains fully functional and welcoming to visitors. Thorr collaborates with other executives to translate strategic goals into actionable daily tasks, maintaining a high standard of excellence in every aspect of the guest journey, from arrival to departure, while supporting the overall growth objectives of the organization.

    Landon Sutterlin - President, GA

    Landon Sutterlin, the President, GA at Crystal Mountain, drives regional development initiatives and broad market expansion strategies for the resort. Sutterlin oversees the growth of the resort's real estate portfolio and the integration of the Michigan Legacy Art Park into the broader guest experience. As the President, GA, Sutterlin manages external partnerships and community relations to bolster the resort's presence within the regional tourism landscape. Landon Sutterlin identifies new opportunities for revenue diversification, focusing on the development of specialized conference facilities and event spaces that attract corporate and social gatherings. By analyzing regional economic shifts, the President, GA ensures that the resort remains a central pillar of the local economy while maintaining its status as a premier destination. Sutterlin coordinates with the leadership team to align regional development projects with the resort's long-term sustainability goals, ensuring that all expansion efforts enhance the overall value proposition for guests and stakeholders alike.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Crystal Mountain Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Crystal Mountain?
    Crystal Mountain is led by John Melcher (Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Dennis Rivard (President & Chief Executive Officer) and Karyn Thorr (Chief Operating Officer).
    Who is part of Crystal Mountain’s executive team?
    The executive team of Crystal Mountain includes leaders such as John Melcher (Chief Executive Officer), Dennis Rivard (President & Chief Executive Officer), Karyn Thorr (Chief Operating Officer) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Crystal Mountain have?
    Crystal Mountain has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Crystal Mountain’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Crystal Mountain includes roles such as Chief Executive Officer, President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer, President, GA.