PSIC Announces Expanded Leadership Team to Support Continued Industry Growth 

 

The Professional Ski Instructors of Canada (PSIC) is pleased to announce the continued expansion of its leadership team and organizational structure. Following several years of rapid national growth and increasing industry engagement, these changes reflect PSIC’s commitment to strengthening operational support, expanding leadership capacity, and continuing to evolve alongside the needs of the Canadian ski industry. The updated structure positions the PSIC for long-term growth while reinforcing its role as an innovative leader in ski education. 

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This expansion will enhance operational efficiency, accountability, and industry alignment, ensuring PSIC remains responsive to the evolving needs of ski schools, instructors, and resorts nationwide. 

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The clarity of these leadership roles will help accelerate PSIC’s mission: empowering ski professionals through world-class education and training while advancing its philosophy of “The Adventure”, creating memorable mountain experiences that inspire lifelong passionate skiers and support the long-term growth and health of the Canadian ski industry. 

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The leadership team appointments are as follows:

• Mark Sedgwick, President
  Mark assumes the role of President, continuing his executive responsibilities for overall strategy, financial sustainability, and governance. Drawing on his deep background in resort operations, Mark has been instrumental in leading the business and driving the evolution of the PSIC. He ensures the organization remains responsive to resort business needs, with strategic guidance provided by the independent Industry Steering Committee (ISC).

• Russ Wood, COO and BC Course Director
  Russ has been appointed Chief Operating Officer (COO) and BC Course Director. With 25 years of expertise in ski school business & operations, Russ is focused on leading national execution and overseeing day-to-day operations across the organization. His leadership ensures PSIC’s curriculum and delivery are executed consistently, supporting snow schools by guaranteeing workforce readiness and flexible delivery options to meet their demands.

• Jeff Marks, Industry & Alberta/Atlantic Course Director
  Jeff serves as the Industry & Central Course Director (Regional Director, Central & Atlantic Canada). He is the vital link between the PSIC and the broader ski community, managing the industry relations portfolio. Jeff ensures PSIC is an active participant in major associations (CWSAA, OSRA, ASSQ, and ASRA), and his role is crucial for strategic business development and supporting the attraction and retention of great instructors for the resort business.

• Ed Cambridge, Ontario Course Director
  Ed serves as the Ontario Course Director (Regional Director, Ontario), leading course delivery and operational business for the province. Bringing expertise in science, Ed is the core operator responsible for regional growth, trainer management, and member engagement in the Ontario market, focusing on shoring up stability and providing consistent, high-quality resources to local resort partners.

• Mel Barber Baribeau, Community, Operations & Marketing Manager
  Mel steps into an expanded leadership role as Community, Operations & Marketing Manager, reflecting her growing contribution to the organization since PSIC’s inception. She oversees member communications and engagement, operational coordination, program administration, and marketing initiatives, helping ensure a consistent and professional experience for members, resort partners, and industry stakeholders. 
   

A Dedicated Partner to the Canadian Ski Industry

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PSIC’s programs and initiatives, including the Big Mountain Certification Pathway, Managing Risk on Snow Certification and CARV-enabled coaching, have been developed in direct response to the evolving needs of resorts and snow schools across Canada. This structure ensures PSIC remains responsive, accountable, and aligned with industry priorities. 

• Real-World Relevance: PSIC develops instructors prepared for today’s snow school environment through a balanced focus on human skills, teaching skills, and skiing performance. 

• Accountability: The Industry Steering Committee (ISC), composed of ski area owners, general managers, and snow school directors, provides ongoing input to ensure PSIC programs align with resort priorities and long-term industry growth.  

• Regional Growth and Development: PSIC continues expanding access to education and certification opportunities across regional markets, including delivering the first-ever Level 1 Certification Course at Blue Ridge Mountain Resort to support the launch of their official Snow School lesson program. 

• Inclusivity and Sustainability: PSIC supports the future of the industry through partnerships and initiatives including Canadian Adaptive Snowsports (CADS) and the World Women’s Snowsports Organization (WWSO) Leadership Conference. 

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