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

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.”