Category Archives: Announcements

Announcements, Freestyle, Photos

Welcome to Sam Luoma!

The Chester Bowl Improvement Club (CBIC) announced Wednesday that Sam Luoma will become the new Program-Operations Manager.

Sam Luoma

Sam will be working alongside current Executive Director, Thom Storm and in-coming Executive Director, David Schaeffer. Thom will be retiring on April 30, 2015, after more than 40 years of service. Sam and Dave were hired prior to Thom’s retirement to allow ample time for the transition in leadership for CBIC. Through an extensive succession planning process, CBIC identified the need for a new leadership structure that includes a part-time Executive Director focused on sustaining the financial health of the organization and strategic planning; and a full-time Program-Operations Manager responsible for management, planning and operational oversight for CBIC programming and park operations. While Chester Bowl is a City of Duluth park, all of the programs at the park are operated by and primarily funded through the non-profit, volunteer-run Chester Bowl Improvement Club. That includes the winter downhill skiing program that serves more than 1,000 youth and adult skiers and snowboarders; the summer youth program that serves 60 children per day; planning and coordinating the Chester Bowl Fall Festival; and other activities at Duluth’s most popular park. Additionally, CBIC provides staff and volunteers to assist the City of Duluth with the Tuesday night summer concert series.

Sam has been involved in programming at Chester Bowl for almost a decade, including serving as a Program Assistant between 2010 and 2014. His various roles have included starting the “Freestyle Fridays” and Snowboard Cadet programs, leading and coordinating snowboard lessons, and serving as a counselor for CBIC’s summer Chester Bowl Adventure Camp. Sam has also been a member of the CBIC Board of Directors. Sam received his BA in Health Sciences from the College of St. Scholastica. Most recently Sam was employed as a Counselor and Supervisor for Northwood Children’s Services. He is a neighbor of the park and an avid snowboarder.

“I am delighted to have Sam join us as the new Chester Bowl Program Manager,” said Thom Storm. “Sam has a deep love of children and community. He has been part of the Chester Bowl family for nearly 10 years, and brings a wealth of experience & knowledge to the position.”

Announcements, Events, Freestyle, Historical, Photos, Programming, Races

Chester Bowl announces new Executive Director

David Schaeffer, newly hired Executive Director of the Chester Bowl Improvement Club (left) and Thom Storm, Executive Director since 1975
David Schaeffer, newly hired Executive Director of the Chester Bowl Improvement Club (left) and Thom Storm, Executive Director since 1975
David Schaeffer, new Executive Director of Chester Bowl Improvement Club
David Schaeffer, new Executive Director of Chester Bowl Improvement Club

The Chester Bowl Improvement Club announced Sunday that David Schaeffer will become the program’s new executive director. David will be working alongside longtime executive director Thom Storm for approximately one year.
While Chester Bowl is a City of Duluth park, all of the programs at the park are operated by the non-profit, volunteer-run Chester Bowl Improvement Club. That includes the winter downhill skiing program that serves more than 1,000 youth and adult skiers and snowboarders; the summer day camp program for youth; assisting the city of Duluth with the Tuesday night summer concert series; and other activities at Duluth’s most popular park.
Schaeffer has more than 10 years’ experience leading non-profit youth programming, including the past seven years as director of Mentor Duluth, the highly praised program that pairs volunteer adults with Twin Ports’ children in need of adult friendship and leadership. He’s also served as the Harbor Highland s Community Center Director since 2012.
David previously worked as director of education and guest services at the Great Lakes Aquarium in Duluth. He has a master’s in education from UMD and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in environmental forest biology from State University of New York
Schaefer is also a neighbor of and frequent visitors of Chester Bowl. He’s an avid skier and his daughter is a winter skier and summer camper here at Chester Bowl.
Storm, who has worked at the park since 1975, will stay on through May 1, 2015 to help with the transition to new leadership.
“David is uniquely qualified to accept the Chester Bowl torch that’s being passed down by Thom Storm,’’ said Ann Myers, president of the Chester Bowl Improvement Club. “Chester Bowl will lose a legend next year when Thom retires. But the Chester Bowl legacy of providing a safe, fun place for kids and families to be outdoors will be in good hands.”