Waterville Valley CEO Chris Sununu Elected Governor
Sununu is the second New Hampshire ski area owner to serve as Governor.
Wednesday, November 9, 2016, NewEnglandSkiIndustry.com
While the New Hampshire races for Senate and President were still too close to call early Wednesday morning, Waterville Valley CEO Chris Sununu defeated fellow Executive Councilor Colin Van Ostern to win the gubernatorial election.
Sununu, 42, has been CEO of Waterville Valley since he and group of investors acquired the resort from Booth Creek in 2010. Brother of former New Hampshire Senator John E. Sununu, Chris Sununu has served three terms as a New Hampshire Executive Councilor. In addition to his role as CEO, Sununu served as Waterville Valley General Manager from 2013 to 2015, before handing day to day duties to Tim Smith. Waterville Valley is currently pursuing an aggressive expansion project on Green Peak.
Sununu will be the second New Hampshire ski area owner to serve as Governor. Sherman Adams served as New Hampshire governor from 1949 to 1953, prior to becoming Chief of Staff to President Eisenhower. Adams founded Loon Mountain Resort in 1966, the same year that Waterville Valley opened. Sununu's father, John H. Sununu, also served as New Hampshire governor and Presidential Chief of Staff.
Ironically, Sununu lost the town of Waterville Valley by 20 votes.
