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Arlene Schieven to head up Sun Valley

Former vice-president of marketing for Tourism Whistler accepts position in Idaho

One of Tourism Whistler's most oft-quoted figureheads is moving on to southern pastures.

Arlene Schieven, the former vice-president of marketing for TW, has accepted a position as president and chief marketing officer of Sun Valley Marketing Alliance in Sun Valley, Idaho.

"It's still a little bit unreal. They approached me and I think it's an opportunity for growth and I definitely am very attached to Whistler and am very attached to Tourism Whistler but I think of it as an opportunity to grow and develop," she said. "I used to always joke that I would never leave Whistler because where else would I be able to cross country ski on my lunch hour and lo and behold when I mentioned that to them, they said, 'actually, you can cross country ski on your lunch hour here too,' so they definitely offer the same recreational opportunities in those areas. I think they have 200 kilometres of Nordic ski trails."

Schieven said the exposure to an American ski resort will be beneficial as a way to better understand the industry as a whole.

After 11 years with Tourism Whistler, where she also spent time in research and member communications, Schieven racked up an impressive cache of experience and accolades from coworkers like TW president and CEO Barrett Fisher.

"I would like to thank Arlene for her tremendous commitment and dedication," said Fisher in a press release. "Arlene has made many, many contributions to the organization and to the resort in the areas of research, events, communications, marketing and web.

"In addition, Arlene was instrumental in the run up to the 2010 Winter Games, maximizing Whistler's promotional opportunities, and positioning the resort as the winter icon of the Games."

Schieven will oversee a transition period at TW before taking over full time at Sun Valley in late July. TW has not yet announced a replacement.