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Shannon Finch

History of work / life

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Growing Up

I grew up just down the canyon from Sundance, Utah. I am the youngest of five children, and was fortunate to show up to earth with a twin brother. My charmed childhood was filled with skiing, river trips, sports, camping, dirt and adventure. 

After graduating High School I attended Utah Valley University where I earned a degree in Recreation Management & Outdoor Education. During college I coached the local high school varsity softball & tennis teams. During this time I taught myself to play the guitar and every once and a while I find myself on stage, scared out of my mind, singing to complete strangers at a local open mic night. 

In July of 2007 an opportunity provided by Medicines Global accelerated me down a path that would ultimately become my life. Let me explain. I was selected by Medicine Global to represent them in a 900 mile bike ride & documentary (Hybrid.Pedal) from Portland, OR to Salt Lake City, UT. An incredible experience that took us through the wild places of the west that have been saved by the Conservation Alliance. 

After Hybrid.Pedal my journey took me to Kernville, CA. I was encouraged to move hear by a dear friend that I met on the Hybrid.Pedal. This move kicked off my career as a kayak instructor and guide... The rest is history.

 

Sierra South, Kernville, California

Apr 2010 - Present

Head of Kayak Instruction

Manage daily kayak instruction operation • Manage school groups • Create kayak instructor guidelines •  Kayak instruction  Safety kayaking • Risk Management

Jun 2011 - Present

River Trip Leader

 • Provide education and interpretation • Risk Management • Provide medical attention

 

Otter Bar Kayak School, Forks of Salmon, California

Jun 2012 - Present

Kayak Instructor

Kayak Instruction • Student Safety • Guest Interaction • Risk Management •Daily Operations

 

Sundance Ski Resort, Sundance, Utah

Nov 2010 - Present

Ski Patrol Supervisor

Medical / Rescue • Avalanche Control Mitigation

• Snow Safety Training Officer • Avalanche Control Route Leader • Explosives Assembly • Avalanche Rescue Dog Handler - Certified WBR Level A • Mountain Operations and Maintenance • Daily Operations

Dec 2016 - Present

Snow Safety Training Officer

Develop & implement snow safety education program • Daily training • Training documentation • On-going program assessment

 

Kokatat, Inc Arcata, CA

Mar 2015 - Present

Brand Manager

Overall art direction and graphic design on key collateral, advertising, sales tools and trade show projects. Works collaboratively with Marketing Communications Manager through project execution • Collaborator and team contributor to new product development related to graphic design including spot graphic development, instruction manuals, product highlight video vignettes, etc. • Support Product Manager to build enthusiasm and increased awareness of annual collection updates and innovations in the field among key target accounts • Supports Sales Manager and sales reps through direct contact with key retailer floor sales staff related to Kokatat brand enthusiasm initiatives • Works with Sales Manager and Product Manager to design and execute retail clinic guides and videos for key products • Travels to key retail events and shows as necessary • Collaborates with PR/Promotions Manager and Marketing Communications Manager on social media, blog and website content, and Team Kokatat • Collaborates with Sales Manager and Product Manager on OR booth design and graphics • Graphic design for sales “SWAG” program including T-shirt and hat graphics development, stickers, etc.

 

Park City Powder Cats, Oakley, Utah

Nov 2015 - Present 

Backcountry Ski Guide

 • Guiding clients in backcountry terrain • Avalanche Rescue • Guest Interaction • Risk Management • Mechanized Backcountry Operational Guidelines • Manage hazards through communication with co-guide

Nov 2017 - Present

Professional Photographer

Guest action ski photographs • Guest portraits • Social Media • Marketing

 

Backcountry Babes, Tahoe City, California

Dec 2016 - Present

AIARE Avalanche Instructor

Avalanche Education • Rec L1 & L2 • Lead classroom and field workshops

 

Education

Apr 2010

Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah

Bachelors Degree

Recreation Management and Outdoor Education

 

Additional Skills/Certifications

     National EMT

     Outdoor Emergency Care

     CPR