When one of Idaho’s own ascends, it’s not happenstance. For Ray J. Gadd, his new leadership position as Executive Director of Visit Sun Valley, the destination management organization for the greater Sun Valley area, has been in the making for some time. A passionate professional photographer with a finesse for marketing, Ray has allowed his evocations to be his vocations—all with a warm and friendly smile and always a gentleman showing respect.
An experienced tourism professional born and raised in Idaho, Ray has lived in the Sun Valley area for 14 years. Over the past nine years as Director of Marketing and PR, his work has contributed to Visit Sun Valley’s growth and success, and he brings a wealth of knowledge and passion for the region to his new leadership role.
While magazine covers and clothing catalog photography, to name a few, are among Ray’s many gifts, he also assists an array of successful companies, community nonprofits, events and cultural entities, and other mountain town organizations and related industries, especially surrounding bringing visitors and those interested in learning more about what is happening in south-central Idaho. As Executive Director, Ray will focus on promoting the greater Sun Valley area to local, regional, and national audiences, building stakeholder relationships, and overseeing the budget required to execute his work. This includes highlighting not only the Wood River Valley’s world-class outdoor activities but also its extensive arts, culture, and culinary offerings and the innovative companies founded and based in the region.
An avid backcountry skier, fly fishing angler, and lover of single tracks, Ray’s Idaho life includes his family, especially as a new father. He can encompass all of them yet is never short on sharing. As Ray settles into his new role, he will dive straight into a major Idaho event, a World Cup ski racing event that will attract many from around the world.
“Growing up a ski racer in Idaho, it’s exciting to host a World Cup,” said Ray. “Unlike other World Cup destinations in the U.S., Sun Valley will have all four ski disciplines for men and women. Being an International travel destination is not a common scenario for the Wood River Valley. Still, those who are part of the ski racing community and culture will be finding their way to Sun Valley for the World Cup and it will be interesting to see how this plays out in the Valley.”
Being in Sun Valley and living in Idaho is an exciting time. It’s a trending state with many people moving in and discovering it for the first time. Its fast growth has captured the attention of many. For Ray, it is an opportunity to form relationships with those who make Sun Valley tick, especially within the city government, the nonprofit world, and the skiing community.
“We define ourselves as those accustomed to working a little bit harder to enjoy an experience,” he says. “As long as that little bit of grit sticks around, we stand a chance to maintain our way of life in our community among all the change and high-end commodities that may find their way into Sun Valley. What matters is having a general population that does not apologize for something it’s not and believes in the community's soul.”
He added, “If you are engaged in the Sun Valley community, it can give back tenfold. Attracting people with big hearts and ideas is part of the area’s character. However, safekeeping its soul requires a balance, a certain amount of tourism, and a hearty economic engine. In Sun Valley, the entrepreneurial spirit is part of living in a mountain town community and contributes to making it a special place to live.” VisitSunValley.com
"If you are engaged in the Sun Valley community, it can give back tenfold."