About

The mission of the Vail Chamber & Business Association is to responsibly and professionally advocate for economic development and communication for the Vail merchant community that will foster collaborative relationships and revenue development opportunities for its members.

Board of Directors:

Alison Wadey -Executive Director

Before joining the VCBA team, Alison was an independent marketing and sales consultant for the past two years. Before this, she served as the Director of Membership Sales & Marketing at the Club at Cordillera for ten years. She is involved in the community through the Vail Rotary Club and other charitable organizations.

 

Mike Lange  (Lions Square Lodge) -Board President

Mike began working at The Charter at Beaver Creek as a Night Auditor in 1985.  Mike graduated in 1985 with a BA in Finance from UND and an MBA from the University of Denver in 1996.  At The Charter, he held the positions of Controller from 1989-1997 and General Manager from 1997-2015.

He was promoted to Executive General Manager of Vail/BC for Wyndham Vacation Rentals and moved to Lion Square Lodge in 2015.  As an EGM, Mike oversees the day-to-day operations for Vail/BC and thoroughly understands budgets, property management, and operations.  Mike and his Associates have high service standards and emphasize hotel-type services (bell service, concierge, onsite front desks, daily housekeeping, etc.) in Condominium properties.

 

Drew Riley (Russell’s, First Chair, and Bridge Street Lockers)

Drew grew up in Vail and graduated from VMS in 2006. After getting his masters degree in mechanical engineering in 2012, he tried to start a technology startup which failed. Drew now owns and operates Russell’s, First Chair, and Bridge Street Lockers in Vail Village. Drew knows how Vail used to be and is focused on having the restaurants keep up with the changes of Vail. Drew makes sure all employees are taken care of as they are the heart and soul of Vail.

 

Ami Hudgins (Antlers at Vail)

Ami is the Director of Sales and Revenue at the Antlers at Vail. With 22 years of hospitality experience in the Vail Valley she is committed to growing revenues in the valley through growth in overall occupancy and rate.

Ami’s passion in work is staying close to both local and regional trends to make the best business decisions for the Antlers and Vail and Vail as a destination. Growing up skiing in Waterville Valley New Hampshire, moving to Colorado was always a dream. She loves selling Vail as the best ski resort and an amazing place to raise a family.

 

Nic Weidner (Vail Resorts Retail)

 

Katie McDonald (Lodge at Lionshead)

Katie McDonald is originally from Tampa, FL. She graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Central Florida before moving to Vail in 2018. Katie has worked at Lodge at Lionshead since moving in 2018, starting as a front desk agent and eventually making her way up to her dream job as a General Manager.

Katie grew up vacationing in Vail with her family and knew one day that she’d like to move here. She is passionate about her work as well as her employees, but overall – she wants everyone to enjoy all that Vail has to offer. Katie and her husband Parker live in Eagle where they spend the majority of their time enjoying all of the amazing outdoor activities.

 

Wil Nolan (Group970Restaurants)

Wil Nolan is an entrepreneur and hospitality operator based in Vail Valley, focused on building distinctive restaurant concepts that bring energy, creativity, and community together. As a co-owner of Group 970, Wil leads the growth and development of multiple brands while driving operational excellence and sustainable business practices. Wil is passionate about scaling great ideas, mentoring teams, and creating spaces where both guests and employees thrive.

 

Marco Valenti (US Operations Advisor for STOREE AI)

Vail is home to Marco, his wife and two daughters. Marco led the Vail Resorts Retail team in Vail which immersed him in the complexities of our local business environment.  Additionally, Marco was a board member for the Committee on Special Events for its final 10 years of existence and gained a deep appreciation for needed partnership with all stakeholders to deliver on the mission of our world class destination.  His passion lies in fostering success through collaboration and strategic partnerships, leveraging insights from his extensive retail and community background. Today, as the US Operations Advisor for STOREE AI, Marco leads efforts to grow an AI-enhanced SaaS tool designed to revolutionize and optimize retail operations. He is always eager to partner with local businesses and contribute to the vibrant future of the Town of Vail.  Marco is passionate about his work for The Pat Tillman Foundation, volunteering annually as a Race Committee member for Pat’s Run.

 

Christopher McRoy (Lodge at Vail)

Christopher McRoy is a seasoned hospitality executive with over 3 decades of operational leadership spanning luxury resorts and boutique hotels, in branded and independent properties across the United States. Known for his strategic mindset and hands-on approach, Christopher has successfully led teams through complex openings, turnarounds, and high-volume operations—managing assets ranging from 40 to over 1,400 rooms.

With a foundation in Food & Beverage and a career built on excellence in guest service, revenue growth, and team development, Christopher has held senior roles at prestigious properties such as the Omni Homestead Resort and most recently as the GM of the storied Lodge at Vail.  His leadership style balances operational rigor with an empathetic, people-first philosophy that cultivates high-performing cultures and enduring guest loyalty.

Based in Colorado and deeply connected to the hospitality community, he continues to champion innovation, integrity, and sustainable success in every role he undertakes. Christopher brings a rare blend of analytical discipline and creative problem-solving, making him a trusted partner in navigating market shifts, brand positioning, and ownership objectives.

He lives in Avon, CO with his wife Ilka. They are the proud parents of three adult children and recently welcomed their first grandchild.