One way to measure your PC roots is if you recall the old two-lane that led up from Salt Lake. Christa Graff remembers, “plus how monumental the Olympics were.” Those two local milestones are among many imbuing the life of the Graff Public Relations founder. For example, as the Deer Valley Press Center manager, she was in the front row for the 2002 Olympics, interacting with Stein Eriksen and DV founders Edgar and Polly Stern. “I feel so lucky to have been there at such a special time,” she recalls.
Christa came to PC as a Deer Valley mountain host while at the University of Utah. “Then, Marketing Director Coleen Reardon took a chance hiring me as Communications Manager right out of college,” she laughs. “It’s hard to describe how grateful I am.”
Christa’s talent and focus led her to launch her highly respected PR firm, informed by her love of mountain life. A Colorado native who started skiing when she was four, her dad lived in Vail, working with Vail Resorts. “My parents thought I was crazy to leave and try skiing somewhere else,” she laughs.
“But it worked out.” She met her husband, Steve, skiing at Snowbird that first winter out of college. “He encouraged me to apply at Deer Valley,” she smiles. “When we married, we knew we wanted to raise our family here.” Today, Steve is Deer Valley’s VP of Mountain Operations.
For all the snow and skis in her background, Christa admits her favorite place is the water. “I LOVE boats!” she exclaims. “I spend all day on the water when I can. Fortunately, I have a loving husband and kids who will stay on the lake, even after dark, just to make me happy.”
We’re happy Christa is a staunch Chamber partner, and we love all she does for her clients and community.
