YMCA of the Rockies is pleased to welcome Dzidra Junior as Vice President of Business Development, effective immediately. Junior will be based in Estes Park, Colo., and will report to Julie Watkins, President and CEO. As Vice President of Business Development, Junior will be a valued member of the Executive Leadership Team. She is charged to create and execute a dynamic and sustainable strategy to advance our mission by increasing revenue across multiple channels as well as directing all activities of the marketing, communications, reservations and sales teams. She will also be responsible for ensuring appropriate and professional communications internally and externally in the event of a crisis or threat to the reputation of the Association.

Junior has worked in the hospitality industry for 29 years. Prior to coming to YMCA of the Rockies, she spent 15 years as Director of Global Sales for MGM Resorts International in Las Vegas, Nev., where she successfully developed and executed the strategy for the diversity business case. Additionally, Junior successfully worked to strengthen community partnerships that helped attract national conventions to MGM Resorts International’s Las Vegas and regional properties. Junior has also held leadership positions for Caesars Entertainment and Las Vegas Hilton, now known as Westgate Resorts.

“Dzidra is an industry veteran whose significant depth of experience and knowledge will complement our mission impact to existing customers, while also helping expand our outreach and growth among new audiences who want the opportunity to experience rustic and inviting settings for vacations, retreats, meetings and conferences,’’ said Watkins.

Junior is President of the National Coalition of Black Meeting Professionals, and she serves on the Diversity Task Force for Destinations International. Her additional board service includes The International School of Hospitality, Delta Education Foundation, and Association of Latino Professionals for America. She is a member of Meeting Planners International (MPI) and Professional Conference Management Association (PCMA). 

About YMCA of Rockies

YMCA of the Rockies is a non-profit, mission-based organization that operates two year-round family vacation and conference centers, both located in the heart of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, as well as an overnight summer camp for youth. Its mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs, staff and facilities in an environment that builds a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

YMCA of Rockies – Estes Park Center is minutes from Rocky Mountain National Park on 860 acres. It has a lodging capacity of 4,700 and offers 80,991 square feet of meeting space in 61 meeting rooms. Lodging options include 214 cabins, ranging in size from two to 17 bedrooms and nine lodge buildings with 553 hotel-style rooms.

YMCA of the Rockies – Snow Mountain Ranch is just a short distance from Winter Park, Colo., and sits on 5,100 acres. Its lodging capacity is 2,100 with 22,111 square feet of meeting space in 20 meeting rooms. It offers lodging in 52 cabins, ranging in size from two to eight bedrooms, three lodge buildings with 173 rooms, 24 yurts and 14 campsites. 

YMCA of the Rockies – Camp Chief Ouray is a traditional summer overnight camp for children ages 7-17.