Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp. has promoted Maren Franciosi, longtime communications team member, to serve as its next director of communications, according to a statement released Thursday. 

The move comes after the departure of Loryn Duke, who led the department for nearly two decades. Franciosi officially began the role Aug. 11.

Franciosi has been with the resort since 2018, first as communications manager and most recently as senior communications manager. In her new position, she will oversee media relations, internal messaging and strategic outreach for both Ski Corp. and the Steamboat Grand Hotel, while also helping guide communications for upcoming development projects.

“Maren’s extensive knowledge in the world of communications, her strong relationships in the Steamboat community and within the media landscape support the Resort’s culture,” said Vice President of Brand and Strategy Katie Brown in the statement. “This along with her empathetic leadership style will help us achieve our strategic goals moving forward.” 

Franciosi moved to the Yampa Valley in 2011, working for the Steamboat Springs Chamber for seven years in events, member relations and public relations, including guiding the Chamber through a rebrand. She also serves on the board of the Yampa Valley Community Foundation and is a former chair of the Young Professionals Network.

“Steamboat has been in my heart since a young age and stepping into this role truly feels like a dream come true,” Franciosi said in the statement. “It is an honor to be the voice of such an iconic brand that means so much to the ski industry and the local community.”

Franciosi holds a degree from Colorado State University and lives in Oak Creek with her husband, two children and dog. Ski Corp. will hire a communications manager in the near future to fill her previous position.

In an interview, Franciosi said Duke was “ready to move on to her next chapter after almost 18 years at the resort,” with her next steps to be determined.