Meet the Noah's Ark Staff
Extraordinary Staff Really Are The Difference
Despite the extraordinary natural resources that are available to us, the dynamic nature of our trip options and our reputation as an industry leader in professionalism, we believe that it is actually our STAFF that truly sets us apart. With seven full-time staff members and approximately 100 seasonal employees, we consider the staff our greatest resource.
Recruited from across the United States, our hard-working, intelligent, friendly, and service-oriented staff specializes in meeting the needs of our guests. Noah's Ark employs guides, office workers, cooks, dishwashers, bus drivers, equipment managers and property staff to ensure that each and every area of the operation receives specific attention from specific individuals. We as an organization strive for excellence in everything we do. This commitment is what brings guests back year after year.
Another distinguishing aspect of our operation is the fact that we employ seven individuals on full time staff. These people are devoted, year round, to managing and developing the services that Noah's Ark provides. Each of them has moved from their respective homes around the country and relocated their families because they believe in the mission and purpose of Noah's Ark. Though their backgrounds and educations are quite different, these seven individuals have come together to create a team solely dedicated to providing a unique experience for everyone who walks through our doors.
Full Time Staff Biographies
Under Continuous Ownership Since 1983
Chuck and Lindy Cichowitz - OwnersResidents of Buena Vista, Colorado since 1982, Chuck and Lindy started Noah's Ark Whitewater Rafting Co. in 1983. For the past 27 years, they have been intimately involved with the daily operations of the organization. Their love for people, combined with their love for Colorado's great rivers and mountains, has influenced the quality of outfitted recreation services provided in the Arkansas River valley to Colorado's many guests and residents. They have three children: Cody, Cailee, and Kinsey. They too love being outdoors, experiencing all that Colorado has to offer. When they are not at Noah's Ark, Chuck and Lindy can be found spending time with their family, playing sports, traveling, and staying involved in various ministry opportunities.
Cindy Kramer - Store Manager / BuyerCindy and her husband, Bruce, have lived in the Arkansas River valley for over 20 years. Cindy has worked at Noah's Ark for many years. All of their children have worked in some capacity at Noah's Ark, either as office staff, kitchen staff or guide staff. As the Store Manager, Cindy is in charge of making sure that all those T-shirts you look at in our lodge store are "cool" enough for you to wear! Cindy's eye for design and extensive experience in the retail industry allow her to portray on t-shirts, water bottles, and sweatshirts what we are all about here at Noah's Ark. Cindy is also an expert at welcoming people when they walk through the doors and always looks for opportunities to encourage others as much as possible. With over 25 years of involvement with students, Cindy loves seeing people create lifelong memories in the Colorado outdoors.
Micah Salazar - Operations ManagerIn the summer of 1994, Micah began guiding at Noah's Ark just after his freshman year at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado. While successfully cramming his four-year degree into six years, Micah was able to fit in five summers at Noah's Ark, a few mechanical engineering internships and got married in 1997. His wife, Julie, has a degree in music from Colorado Christian University. After graduating in 1999, they moved to Buena Vista so that Micah could begin working full time at Noah's Ark. Since then, Micah and Julie have been blessed with four active and energetic children, Joel, Madelyn, Mallory and Joshua. Micah enjoys spending time with his family, being involved at church, climbing 14ers and taking staff on extended day river trips.
Rob and Kami Williams - River DirectorsRob and Kami Williams are part of the river leadership team. As Assistant River Directors, they help lead river training and other operational and administrative logistics within the river program. They both have been a part of Noah’s Ark since the mid 1990’s and Kami has been on full time staff since 2001. Rob also works full time as a Firefighter/Paramedic for North Metro Fire Rescue in the Front Range, and part time for Copper Mountain Ski Patrol. Relationships with Noah’s Ark staff and guests are what continue to bring Rob and Kami back year after year. Their two children Jackson, 4, and Taylor Grace, 1, have blessed Rob and Kami in so many ways. It has been their greatest joy to watch their kids grow up around and influenced by such an incredible and quality staff.
Patrick Bell - Adventure Program DirectorPatrick began his tenure at Noah's Ark as a guide in 2004 while attending Grove City College and he's been here ever since. He went on to pursue an M.A. in Counseling at West Virginia University which allowed him to continue to work with Noah's each summer as part of the Adventure Program Leadership Team. Patrick's best moment at Noah's came in 2006 when he met his future wife Kate, who was a 1st year guide. Before moving to Buena Vista for the Adventure Program Director position, Patrick and Kate lived in Grand Junction, CO where Patrick worked as a high school counselor (go Tigers!) and Kate pursued her elementary teacher's license. Professionally, Patrick is most excited to continue in the legacy of servant leaders who have poured into staff and guests to ensure that trip goals are accomplished and growth in leadership occurs.
Zach Khavari - Business ManagerZach started at Noah’s in 2006 working as a seasonal guide. Over the next 5 summers, he served on both the operational and river leadership teams before landing a full time position in 2010. Originally from North Carolina, Zach moved west after his first summer at Noah’s and graduated from the University of Montana in 2010 with a BA in Economics. When he is not on the river or investing in staff or guests, Zach enjoys the serenity and tranquility of fly fishing the Arkansas River, time in the backcountry (on foot or on skis), and pursuing other activities that continue to provide opportunities to develop relationally, professionally, and personally. Surpassing his love for the outdoors, his love for building relationships with the staff and customers of Noah’s keeps him coming back year after year.
Maria Johnson - Reservations ManagerOriginally, Maria moved to Buena Vista in 1989 with her husband Peter, after graduating from North Central College in Illinois with a BA in English and Psychology. They put down roots, built a home and have lived in the valley since then. After several years in camping ministry, Maria came on board with the Noah's staff in 1999 for four years as the Reservations Manager. She returned in 2007 to pick up where she left off, and is loving being back in the Noah's family! Her husband is a local builder, and they have two girls, Jessica and Chloe. Jessica is attending CSU, and Chloe is attending Buena Vista High School, and works in the Noah’s Ark kitchen in the summer. Their daughters keep busy with various activities like high school volleyball, basketball, soccer and cheerleading. Maria loves trying to keep up with them.
Dave Blazer - Marketing DirectorDave has been a part of the Noah's Leadership team since March of 2011. He is involved in strategy and implementation of the marketing + promotions of the company as well as other initiatives to support the Leadership team, staff, and development of Noah's. Prior to Noah's, Dave has worked at the executive level of a large multi-national company, lead the marketing team for a renewable energy consulting company, and guided rock climbing as an AMGA guide. Dave and his wife Ashley have 3 kids and greatly enjoy climbing, mountaineering, and getting their kids out to play in an amazing part of Colorado. They both feel passionately that Noah's is an amazing company with an outstanding staff and purpose and are very grateful to be involved.
Dan Martin - Transportation/MaintenanceDan came to Buena Vista in 1990 to work as an aircraft mechanic at the local airport. Due to the lack of air traffic, he started looking for other options without having to leave the valley. Dan joined the Noah's Ark staff in 1993 as a shuttle driver. Over the years, driving has expanded into maintaining the fleet of buses and trailers. It has been a joy and a challenge to keep the fleet in operating condition. During the off-season, Dan drives buses for the Buena Vista schools, as well as operates a small online business. His wife, Cherrie, also drives shuttles occasionally, and their son, Shawn, 18, works in the kitchen.
Highlighted Seasonal Staff Biographies
Extraordinary Seasonal Staff
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Kristie Neff
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John Ryan McGreevy
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Whitney Thomas
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Logan Draughn
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Our Commitment to Our Staff...
We are fully committed to staff development, and we care about their well being. We are the only outfitter in the Arkansas Valley to provide staff housing and a food service program for our guides. What does this all mean? You won’t get a burned out river or wilderness guide at Noah’s Ark. Our people operate in the freedom of knowing that their employer cares about them and is looking out for their current well being as well as their future aspirations. Come see the difference our staff makes. You won’t be disappointed! |
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