In this episode, Dr. Lisa speaks with Karl Strand, general manager of Sugarloaf Mountain Resort, and Kate Punderson, head of school at Carrabassett Valley Academy.
Love Maine Radio #324: Karl Strand + Kate Punderson
Guests
Kate Punderson, Carrabassett Valley Academy
Kate Punderson is the head of school at Carrabassett Valley Academy, a private middle/high school at Sugarloaf Mountain. Punderson is a Carrabassett Valley native and a Carrabassett Valley Academy (CVA) graduate. As an athlete, her ski career took her to NCAA Division 1 racing, and she later held several coaching positions, including as assistant alpine ski team coach at Middlebury College, where she received her undergraduate degree in environmental studies, and as head women’s alpine coach at Killington Mountain School. After completing her undergraduate degree and a master’s in education from the University of Vermont, she returned to her hometown and alma mater, where she founded and coached the CVA backcountry program and held several positions within the school’s administration team in finance and development. She ultimately became head of school in 2011. Currently she lives in Carrabassett Valley with her husband, Sam, and son, Calvin.
Karl Strand, Sugarloaf Mountain Resort
Karl Strand became Sugarloaf Mountain Resort’s general manager in April 2015. He previously helped manage key segments of Sugarloaf’s operations, as well as those of its sister resort, Sunday River. A Sugarloafer since 1987, he first realized his love for skiing while visiting Sugarloaf and other ski areas throughout Maine and Vermont. After graduating from Bryant University, he entered the lodging industry and discovered his passion for food and beverage operations. He worked in fine dining venues around the country and eventually completed his studies at the Culinary Institute of America. He began his career at Sugarloaf and Sunday River in 2004 when he was hired as vice president of lodging and property management for both resorts. He has also served as the vice president of mountain operations at Sunday River. In addition to his duties at Sugarloaf, Karl also serves on the board of trustees of Carrabassett Valley Academy.