Founder and President, Board Member since 2012

Melissa Malm

Melissa interned in 1975 with Bridger Teton Forest Snow Ranger Gary Poulson and assistant John Simms studying snow and avalanche forecasting. She also worked as a First Aider for the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol in 1976, before becoming the first woman hired on the patrol in February 1978. In 1987 as First Aid Administrator for the ski patrol, she coordinated the transition of their first aid training from American Red Cross First Aid to the nationally recognized Outdoor
Emergency Care program. Creating this scholarship fund has fulfilled her vision of recognizing and encouraging spirited local youth to follow their passions and live their dreams.

Board Member since 2018

Jeff Burke

Jeff Burke is an Iowa native who first came to the valley in the winter of 1994. He grew up skiing (sort of) in neighboring Minnesota before dedicating the majority of his adult years to northwest Wyoming. He’s been working for the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol since 2006, while also spending nearly two decades in the Outdoor Industry, writing copy for several publications, as well as many hard and soft goods manufacturers.

Board Member since 2021

JJ Jaroch

JJ loves all things winter, cold and snowy.  After five years as a lift operator, JJ joined the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol as a dispatcher in 2014. She continues to be “the voice of channel one” as the JHSP’s lead emergency dispatcher as well as joining the other patrollers in on-hill duties and responses.

Board Member since 2013

Drew Kneeland 

Drew lives in Victor with his wife and two kids. Growing up in Vermont, he migrated west for college, in search of new adventures, taller mountains, and softer snow. Immediately following graduation from Colorado College in 1989, Drew moved to Jackson Hole, and started working winters at the ski area, initially as a ski host, and then as a patroller since 1994. Drew has been the Ski Patrol Director since 2015. His support for the scholarship fund stems from his belief that a diversity in experience and education is instrumental in living a fulfilling life, and that it is important to honor those who have come before us. 

Board Member since 2016

Margo Krisjansons

On completion of two years in university, I declared to my father, I was going to move to Jackson Hole, Wyoming to ski for one winter season. That one winter turned into a “Way of Life.” I started working for Jackson Hole as a ski host in 1974 through 1977 and became involved with ski patrol in 1977-1980, hired as a full patrol person the season starting 1980-1991. My goal here is to remember our fellow workers, by giving scholarships to the youth of our mountain valleys. I thank you for your support. 

Executive Director, Member since 2024

Eric Lynch

Eric was born in the south-side suburbs of Chicago, IL but not too long after moving out West to Utah, at age 2.  Utah was where he discovered his love for the mountains, snow and skiing.  While going to college in Salt Lake he was employed at a local ski area, Snowbird, where he began to grow his connection and  appreciation for the mountains and community that surrounded it.  He has now lived in the greater Teton community since 2002 and became a member of the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol in 2016. JHSP is where he has found his mountain family and appreciation for hard work and dedication.

Secretary, Board Member since 2025

Peggie DePasquale

Peggie grew up in the mountains of western Maine where her love for two boards upon cold powder snow first began. Following her skis out west, she ended up in the Tetons in 2014 and has been here ever since. Working in a host of roles from field educator, to non-profit associate director, to Gros Ventre Wilderness ranger and Jackson Hole Ski Patroller, Peggie brings a variety of experiences to the Board of Directors of the Friends of RPK Memorial Fund. She feels none are as important however, as her passion for the magic of living and working in the mountains and being a part of a community of people who hold each other up.

Vice President, Board Member since 2025

Bobby Griffith

Bobby Griffith is a Wyoming native who first felt the pull of the mountains while exploring the craggy rocks of the Snowy Range. After time spent in Colorado for college, he migrated north to the Tetons where he has been a member of the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol since 2010. During that time he has served as a first aid trainer, manager of the ski patrol's explosives program, and avalanche forecaster.
Bobby is honored and excited to help give back to the mountain community. He is eager to encourage the next generation of passionate mountain lovers through the high school scholarship program, and is excited about the growth and opportunity to support the first responder community. He hopes that all those who enjoy the mountains around Jackson Hole will consider becoming Friends of RPK.

Board Member since 2025

William Robinson

Growing up in Texas, Billy was always inspired by the mountains of Colorado and New Mexico. After completing his MA in Linguistics at the University of Washington, Billy moved to Steamboat Springs, Colorado to pursue his ski bum dreams. He moved to Jackson in 2015 and joined the Jackson Hole Ski Patrol in 2022. Billy and his wife, Amber, currently reside in Victor, Idaho.

Treasurer, Board Member since 2025

Jen Maisch

Originally from coastal Connecticut, Jen followed her heart westward, attending the University of Colorado, Boulder before settling in Jackson Hole in 1990. Drawn by the mountains and a deep love for skiing, she found her calling as a ski patroller at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort in 1997—a role she continues to embrace with pride and dedication. Jen has served in many roles within the patrol, proudest to have been the first female to serve as Assistant Patrol Director from 2014-2017. Jen is passionate about contributing to her community and is excited to bring her experience and energy to Friends of RPK. She believes in the power of local engagement, thoughtful leadership, and working together to make a lasting impact. As her son is a past recipient of one of these scholarships, she wants to see this mission carried out for kids in the future to realize their dreams and goals.