Houghton man appointed to Ski Safety Board

Governor Rick Snyder today announced the appointments of David Kubiske, of Ida, and Nick Sirdenis, of Houghton, to the Michigan Ski Area Safety Board.

The seven-member board assists the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs with licensing and regulating ski areas and lifts in Michigan.

“David and Nick are great choices for this board,” said Snyder. “I am confident they will effectively work to ensure the safety of Michigan residents and visitors alike.”

Kubiske is president and CEO of Dundee-based David Arthur Consultants Inc., a position he has held since 1991. Previously, he served as a staff engineer for E.P. Kubiske & Associates Inc. and as president and CEO for Kubiske Engineering and Construction. Kubiske is a member of the Michigan Society of Professional Engineers and a board member for Habitat for Humanity of Monroe County. He holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Michigan Technological University. Kubiske will represent public members from the Lower Peninsula with ski experience and fills a vacancy.

Sirdenis is general manager of Michigan Technological University’s Mont Ripley Ski Area, a position he has held since 2000. Previously, he served as mountain manager and assistant general manager at Blackjack Ski Corp. Sirdenis is a member of Gogebic Community College’s Ski Area Management advisory board and is a former board member of the Western Upper Peninsula Convention and Visitor Bureau. He received an associate degree in ski area management from Gogebic Community College and attended Wayne State University. Sirdenis will represent Upper Peninsula ski area managers and replaces Vernon Barber.

Kubiske will serve the remainder of a four-year term that expires June 8, 2014, and Sirdenis will serve a four-year term that expires June 8, 2016. Their appointments are subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.