East Ventura News

Chris Castilian, a Denver University executive director and creator of the Leadership in Outdoor Recreation Industry program, is blending his passion for the outdoors with his professional expertise. Castilian, 56, has a lifelong connection to nature from his upbringing in the Mountain West, which led him to participate in endurance races like the Leadville Trail 100. His program at Denver University aims to equip professionals with skills for the outdoor recreation sector.

“What we’re focused on is the business side, creating a product or selling a service or something in that space that empowers people to get outdoors and enjoy the many recreational amenities this country has to offer,” Castilian said.

The Denver area, home to leading outdoor brands like Vail Resorts and Aspen Skiing Company, provides an ideal backdrop for Castilian's program. It offers two 16-credit graduate certificates targeting professionals at different career stages. One is for experienced individuals wishing to expand their roles, while the other helps newcomers or veterans transition to business-oriented positions.

The inaugural 2023 cohort included many Aspen Skiing Company employees. The program provides them with alternatives to remain in the industry after years in operational roles, such as ski patrol. "Say you’ve worked 20 years in ski patrol, and at some point, your body doesn’t work like it used to. You’ve been with the company for two decades, you’ve made a home here, raised a family here, are you just expected to leave?” Castilian explained. “Aspen doesn’t want to lose someone like that … so we train them on other opportunities in the company, be it the hospitality side or the business side.”

A graduate of Cal Lutheran, Castilian originally aspired to become a criminal prosecutor but opted for a lobbying career instead. He has held significant leadership roles, such as deputy chief of staff for Colorado's governor, chair of the Colorado Parks & Wildlife Commission, and executive director of Great Outdoors Colorado.

Castilian’s diverse career path is rooted in experiences from Cal Lutheran, which included studying in Paris and engaging with the Dallas Cowboys' training camp. Reflecting on his journey, Castilian noted, “Those are the things that influenced and shaped my life. I didn’t always appreciate them at the time, but looking back, they changed my personal and professional life forever.”

Castilian's contributions extend beyond personal achievements, aiming to foster career opportunities within the outdoor recreation industry for others.