UVM Senior Lecturer Emeritus David Kaufman was presented with the prestigious “Friend of the Industry” award by the Vermont Ski Areas Association (Ski Vermont) at its annual meeting, June 3-4 at Jay Peak. The award recognizes an individual who has demonstrated long-term support for Vermont’s ski industry and made significant contributions to the economic vitality of one of the state’s primary economic drivers.
In presenting the award, Ski Vermont President Molly Mahar remarked, “Dave is nothing if not passionate about tourism, recreation, the environment, and the ski industry…thousands of students have benefitted from Dave’s relationship with the ski industry…we are grateful Dave has shared his wisdom and knowledge…Ski Vermont is so pleased to present you with this award for all you’ve done for so many years”. She noted that Kaufman’s career began as a manager at southern Vermont’s Mount Snow.
Kaufman then served as an assistant to Vermont’s Director of Tourism, helping expand the ski industry and year-round tourism to Vermont - a state located within a day’s drive of 80,000,000 potential visitors.
He later founded Vermont Tourism Network, a marketing business dedicated to attracting visitors to Vermont for skiing and outdoor recreation throughout the year. After two decades of promoting the Vermont tourism brand, he sold the business and joined the University of Vermont’s Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources as a full-time faculty member in the Parks, Recreation, and Tourism program. This followed 28 years of teaching part-time while simultaneously managing his business and promoting Vermont tourism.
From 2008 – 2025, Kaufman taught Recreation and Tourism courses, including Ski Area Management, inspiring students with a passion for the outdoors and snow-covered mountains. He proudly points to many former students now working throughout the ski industry, including Ski Vermont President Molly Mahar and Sugarbush President John Hammond.
Kaufman officially retired from UVM in June 2025 and is now teaching part-time and promoting two professional certificates with PACE, UVM’s division of Professional and Continuing Education, one in Hospitality Management and another in Snowsports and Outdoor Adventure Recreation.
During his career, Dave served five terms in the Vermont House of Representatives. He chaired the House Transportation Committee and was a strong advocate for outdoor tourism and the ski industry, along with other significant legislation, including introducing the first bill to require infants and kids to be restrained in car seats!
Reflecting on his career, Dave says, “It’s been a fantastic ride and I’m happy I still have a few ski – recreation – tourism projects percolating! Vermont is a fabulous state to live, work, play and raise a family and the ski industry and outdoor recreation are a heartbeat of Vermont’s future economy!”
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