Working Groups

ADVISORY COUNCILS

 

Become a catalyst for meaningful change

Outdoor Industry Association has three advisory councils to lead and guide the work in Sustainability, Trade Policy and Recreation Policy. These advisory councils, made up of OIA members, influence our initiatives, educate fellow members, and help foster a thriving outdoor industry.

SUSTAINABILITY ADVISORY COUNCIL

The Sustainability Advisory Council supports OIA sustainable business in its mission to empower every outdoor company to take bold steps to achieve positive impact. This is primarily demonstrated through their leadership and guidance of the OIA Climate Action Corps.

 
  • Alicia Chin, Smartwool
  • Carol Shu, The North Face
  • Gregory Gausewitz, REI
  • Guru Larson, Columbia Sportswear
  • John Stokes, New Balance
  • Kim Drenner, Patagonia
  • Kristen Bandurski, Red Wing Shoe Co.
  • Lisa Vanbladeren, Yeti
  • Marie Mawe, W.L. Gore
  • Mel Shank, Patagonia
  • Theresa Mckenney, NEMO Equipment
To learn more about the Sustainability Advisory Council, contact the OIA Sustainability Team

RECREATION ADVISORY COUNCIL

The Recreation Advisory Council is an advisory board that provides guidance to OIA on various recreation-related policy issues, such as engagement on public land funding initiatives, protection and new designations of our public lands for recreation use and ensuring access to outdoor recreation for the next generation.

 
  • Theresa McKenney (Chair), NEMO Equipment
  • Steve McCann (Vice Chair), Toad&Co
  • Bryce Wernsman, Red Wing Shoes
  • Eric Smith, Vista Outdoor
  • Fred Ferguson, Vista Outdoor
  • George Cooper, Forbes Tate Partners
  • Hans Cole, Patagonia
  • J.J. Huggins, Patagonia
  • Jason Sulham, L.L.Bean
  • Jenny Kordick, Maine Outdoor Brands
  • Julie Sutton, VFC
  • Kenna Corley, Patagonia
  • Laura Schaffer, Orvis
  • Marc Berejka, REI
  • Mike Mahoney, L.L.Bean
  • Mike Wallenfels, Hydro Flask
  • Phil Shettig, Vertical Supply Group
  • Shannon Fender, VFC
  • Steve Hemkens, Orvis
  • Taldi Harrison, REI
  • Tom Bugert, REI
  • Tucker Kimball, Orvis
For more information, contact the Government Affairs team at ga@outdoorindustry.org

TRADE ADVISORY COUNCIL

The Trade Advisory Council reviews U.S. trade policy, relevant federal legislation and international trade negotiations, develops federal trade policy that may affect OIA membership, and recommends policy positions to the OIA government affairs team and OIA leadership.

 
  • Mike Devitto (Chair), L.L.Bean
  • Emily Vedaa (Vice Chair), Columbia Sportswear
  • Allie Sauers, Sorini, Samet, & Associates
  • Amanda Abbott, Simms Fishing Products
  • Amy Whitney, Burton
  • Andi Curtis, Sorini, Samet, & Associates
  • Andrew Samet, Sorini, Samet, & Associates
  • Ben Christensen, Simms Fishing
  • Brent Merriam, NEMO Equipment
  • Clint Todd, Nite Ize
  • Dallas Hobgood, Wolverine Worldwide
  • Drew Saunders, Salewa
  • Erika Hodge, BOCO Gear
  • Fred Ferguson, Vista Outdoor
  • Jason Sulham, L.L.Bean
  • Jeff Tooze, Columbia Sportswear
  • Josh Quigley, NEMO Equipment
  • Kandace Niemi, REI
  • Katie Tangman, Columbia Sportswear
  • Kevin Irish, VFC
  • Kristine Marvin, VFC
  • Lauren Hood, Keen
  • Lisa Leffler, Black Diamond
  • Mandy Kelman, LOWA Boots
  • Marc Berejka, REI
  • Mattie Amagai, Sorini, Samet, & Associates
  • Megan Costello, Sorini, Samet, & Associates
  • Mike Ratchford, W.L. Gore
  • Mike Rigney, Orvis
  • Monica Thornton, Helen of Troy
  • Patrick Fox, VFC
  • Quinn O’Rourke, LaCrosse Footwear
  • Raphy Goodstein, W. L. Gore
  • Ron Sorini, Sorini, Samet, & Associates
  • Ross Halbach, Snow Peak
  • Sara Bowersox, Keen
  • Taldi Harrison, REI
  • Tammy Reagan, Wolverine Worldwide
  • Tony Ferguson, Patagonia
  • Tony Roina, Big Agnes
  • Valeria Wright, Vista Action Sports
  • Will Dickerson, Patagonia
  • Zoe Mcgregor, Black Diamond
 

For more information, contact the Government Affairs team at ga@outdoorindustry.org.

Join our advisory councils, Become a member

Become an OIA member and join our passionate group of business leaders, climate experts, policy makers and outdoor enthusiasts committed to sustainable economic growth and climate positivity while protecting—and growing access to—the benefits of the outdoors for everyone.

Call 303.444.3353 to speak to a membership manager today.

USU OIBC

 

SUSTAINABLE PRODUCT DESIGN AND SUPPLY CHAIN CERTIFICATE

 

Utah State University Business Certificates

The Sustainable Product Design and Supply Chain Certificate in the OIA Outdoor Industry Business Certificate program gives participants the opportunity to gain expertise in sustainable product design and supply chains through an outdoor industry lens.

The three courses that make up this certificate are designed and taught by faculty at Utah State University. You can start or enhance your sustainability journey by taking one or all of the following courses.


REGISTER NOW

 

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Course Description

Historically speaking, our economy has been linear, meaning that raw materials are used to make a product, and after its use, any waste is thrown away. However, the resource-depleting nature of our linear economy has had major environmental impacts over the past century. Understanding that the resources on the planet are finite has prompted a shift toward a circular economy. In a circular economy, the materials used in the products we create are reintroduced into the supply chain to minimize the natural resources needed to create new products, thus diverting usable materials away from landfills.


 
 
 
 
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Course Learning Objectives

This course will look at the steps in the circular economy and address issues and
solutions in each step. Students who complete this course will be able to:

  • Understand the Circular Economy model vs. the Linear Economy model
  • Comprehend different methods to design out waste and pollution
  • Gain insight into processes and programs for keeping products and materials in
    use
  • Understand the various steps of the circular model including: materials
    selection, product design, manufacturing, distribution, roles of the consumer,
    repair/reuse, recycling/landfill, and regenerating natural systems
  • Cultivate the ability to evaluate products, supply chain and business based on
    their environmental and social impacts

Course Schedule

This course consists of six modules and one final exam:

  • Introduction
  • Materials, Design, and Manufacturing
  • Retail and the User
  • Reuse and Repair Programs
  • Recycling Materials, and Landfills
  • Innovation
  • Final Exam

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Course Description

This class will integrate managerial and socio-ecological aspects in order to understand the relationship between sustainability and marketing in the twenty-first century. Key concepts of marketing and marketing mix decisions will be reviewed to provide students with the skills and capability to develop marketing strategies and comprehensive communication campaigns for sustainable products and services.

Course Learning Objectives

  • Increase your factual knowledge and experience with key principles of sustainability marketing and corporate social responsibility (terminology, classifications)
  • Discuss the fundamental principles and generalizations of sustainability marketing theories in its broader social and economic context
  • Identify consumer behavior and responses to the sustainability agenda
  • Reflect on sustainable forms of consumption and evaluate why consumers do and do not engage in sustainable behaviors
  • Understand the components of a successful marketing strategy for sustainable products.

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Course Description

Outdoor companies face increasing internal and external pressure to pursue sustainable innovations in supply chain management (SCM). The global nature of production and distribution means that supply chain management is vital not only for a firm’s profitability, but also for the firm’s relationships to a broad range of stakeholders, including workers, communities and consumers around the world. Outdoor product consumers specifically demand a level of corporate citizenship and sustainability beyond the average requirements. This course in supply chain sustainability examines the supply chain from the stakeholder perspective. Topics include an overview of the supply chain, strategic sourcing and procurement, sustainable logistics and warehousing, supplier relationships and management and the importance of the supply chain to the product life-cycle. Students will complete the course with an understanding of the importance of addressing sustainability within supply chain management, as well as practical knowledge in leveraging supply chain benefits for both profit and increased corporate citizenship.

 

ABOUT UTAH STATE UNIVERSITY:

Since its founding in 1888, Utah State University has evolved from a small-town college tucked away in the Northern Utah mountains to a thriving research university respected around the world. It is home to the Outdoor Product Design & Development (OPDD) bachelor’s degree, in which students learn to bring innovative, sustainable, and impactful products to market in the dynamic sports, outdoor, and active industries.

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QUESTIONS?

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We’re always looking to improve and provide meaningful education for professionals in the outdoor industry. Let us know how we’re doing.

 

 

  CONTACT US

 

Outdoor Industry Business Certificates

Outdoor Industry Business Certificates

The Outdoor Industry Business Certificate (OIBC) is a first of its kind program that brings together OIA’s deep industry knowledge with universities’ world-class faculty to provide online, self-paced, non-credit certificates that address critical outdoor industry topics.

 

The OIBC program is a suite of certificates offered through our accredited university partners. By pursuing a certificate, you will take three specified courses that allow you to build fluency in an outdoor industry-focused topic. The topics were chosen and the courses developed with industry input to ensure that the knowledge you receive in the online classroom is readily applicable in the outdoor business world. Start building the skills and knowledge you need to pursue a career in an industry you’re passionate about. Enroll in a certificate program or standalone course today.

 

Sustainable Product Design and Supply Chain Certificate

Learn from faculty of USU’s cutting-edge Outdoor Product Design & Development Program about sustainable product design, the circular economy, sustainability assessment tools and metrics, sustainable supply chains and more.

 

Learn More + Register

CERTIFICATE DETAILS

 
  • Three non-credit courses per certificate, each led by experienced university faculty
  • All self-paced, online coursework – participate anytime from anywhere
  • Monthly enrollment – register for classes and start when it’s convenient for you
  • Flexible completion timelines for working professionals – you have up to six months to complete each course
  • No enrollment limits

Testimonials

“As an outdoor industry professional looking to grow in my career, this program struck the perfect balance of everything I was looking for. It allowed me the time and financial flexibility I needed while providing me with a valuable curriculum that not only touched on everything from marketing, personal and leadership development, and crucial DEI points, but also dove deep into these matters while connecting everything back to the outdoor industry. “I have never had educators or coursework so seamlessly in-tune with the outdoor industry specifically, and this was everything to me. What I especially loved was how introspective some of the course material was, forcing me to look inside myself as an industry professional, a marketer, a leader, and an individual, and evaluate what I found there. I knew I would learn, but never imagined how much I would grow from these courses as an individual. There are teachings and lessons which I will take with me for many years to come as I grow as a professional.”

Katherine Lasak

Frequently Asked Questions

There are no formal prerequisites for these courses. Students do not need to have a college degree. However, students should have at least some college or technical training or have a few years of professional experience. All students need is curiosity, willingness to learn, and a passion for the outdoor industry and the topics that are critical to the industry’s success and longevity.

You will register and pay for classes through the universities’ websites. You will see orange “Register Now” buttons throughout this site that will link you out to the respective university’s enrollment pages.

Utah State University: For Utah State University’s courses, there are no registration deadlines. You can enroll at any time and start the course as soon as your enrollment is processed. 

Western Colorado University: For Western Colorado University’s courses, registration is rolling and courses start the first day of each month. For example, if you register for a course on August 15, your course will be available to you starting September 1.

Each course has approximately 15 hours of content. To complete a certificate you will take three courses, which equals approximately 45 hours of content. All courses are self-paced, so you can go at whatever speed works for you. You have 180 days (6 months) to complete a single course.

Yes! You are welcome to take standalone courses if you don’t want or are not yet ready to pursue a full certificate.

No, we do not offer a cross-university/interdisciplinary certificate option at this time. You will only receive a certificate if you complete the three courses specified by a single university.

Yes! You are welcome to complete multiple certificates and will receive an individual certificate for each one that you complete.

No, you can take the courses in any order you want.

Tuition discounts are available for OIA members, on company bulk course purchases, and for Skip Yowell Future Leadership Academy (FLA) dues-paying alumni. Please contact education@outdoorindustry.org with inquiries.

TUITION

Get In Touch

QUESTIONS?

CONTACT US

We’re always looking to improve and provide meaningful education for professionals in the outdoor industry. Let us know how we’re doing.

 

 

  CONTACT US