Crystal Mountain names John Melcher CEO

“It is an honor to lead Crystal Mountain and continue building upon our legacy of reimagining the mountain and resort experience for our team, our guests and our property owners,” Melcher said. “I’m excited about the incredible growth opportunities ahead for Crystal Mountain because we are all committed to making this family-owned, family-centric resort the best in the Midwest.”

Melcher replaces Jim MacInnes, who, after 36 years in resort operations, will be stepping back his day-to-day involvement with the resort to focus more on long-term strategy including leadership development, capital allocation, real estate and other project development. MacInnes will continue to serve as chairman of the board and advise Crystal Mountain leadership on critical priorities.

“We have so far successfully navigated the most challenging period in our history, and John has led the charge,” MacInnes said. “His tremendous enthusiasm for the long-term vitality of Crystal Mountain and his commitment to excellence makes him an outstanding leader for the future of Crystal.”

As CEO, Melcher will oversee all Crystal Mountain operations, working alongside resort President Chris MacInnes and the executive leadership team.

Melcher has been chief operating officer at Crystal Mountain since 2017. Prior to that, he enjoyed a 25-year career at Fifth Third Bank and most recently served as vice president of Commercial Banking, where he worked with Crystal Mountain for about fifteen years.

He serves on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, the BEST Benzie County Leadership Team, is a reserve lieutenant with the Traverse City Police Department and a patroller with Crystal Mountain’s Ski Patrol.

Melcher has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Denison University in Grandville, Ohio, and an MBA from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio. He and his wife Beth have two children.

Established in 1956, Crystal Mountain is a family-owned, four-season resort destination located 28 miles southwest of Traverse City and a short drive from Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The 1,500-acre resort features lodging, dining, downhill and cross-country skiing, two championship golf courses, shopping, award-winning Crystal Spa, Michigan’s only alpine slide, Peak Fitness, the Park at Water’s Edge, Michigan Legacy Art Park, weddings, a conference center, and real estate options.