Outdoor industry veteran and seasoned research leader joins OIA to drive growth and evolution of the association’s research department.
BOULDER, Colo. July 8, 2021 – Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is pleased to announce Kelly Davis as its new director of research. Kelly has more than 25 years of experience in market research including 11 years as the director of research for SnowSports Industries America, and four years as the senior director of research for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. In addition, she has worked with the Cross-Country Ski Areas Association, the Winter Wildlands Alliance, and the Stand Up Paddle Industry Association.
“Our members consistently rate research and market insights as a top value of OIA membership. Kelly’s proven track record in market research and communications will be pivotal in growing our critical work in this area,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, OIA executive director. “With dramatic demographic, lifestyle and economic changes taking place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding these trends is more important than ever – informing and influencing critical outdoor programs, products and public policy decisions. We are thrilled to have Kelly joining our team to lead the development and evolution of OIA’s research efforts.”
“The outdoor space is full of opportunity right now, and I can’t wait to get back to helping industry stakeholders maximize their impact,” said Davis. “I’ve seen a lot of data that indicate the pandemic drove sharp increases in participation and sales. I am hungry to help engage and retain that new group of participants and continue to grow sales and participation across the board. This a very exciting time to be working in this space.”
Kelly focuses her work on helping industry stakeholders understand mechanisms that affect their markets, and she has been a featured speaker at industry events like Outdoor Retailer. She has helped countless outdoor brands understand and target participants more effectively, track their customers’ journeys, build clearer views of potential customers and design products. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Quantitative Analysis from University of Arizona and a Masters in Policy and Empirical Methods from University of Hawaii. Kelly’s passion for the industry is driven by her love of outdoor pursuits. Outside of work, she enjoys skiing, trail running, SUPing, biking, hiking, longboarding and exploring with her dogs.
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About the Outdoor Industry Association
Based in Boulder, Colo., with offices in Washington, D.C., Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is the leading trade association for the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves 1,200 manufacturer, supplier, sales representative and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation and outdoor participation. For more information, visit outdoorindustry.org.
