The Origins and Leadership of Outdoor Industry Association
Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) is a trade association born out of the industry’s desire to be individually recognized as a business community of strength. As this new “active outdoor lifestyle” tradeshow grew, it was more and more evident that this was a group without a trade association to represent it. The initial formation meetings for the association (then called Outdoor Recreation Coalition of America, or ORCA) occurred in the late 1980s, but the association was finally incorporated in 1989 and received its 501(c)(6) non-profit status in 1992.
The original founders (Adventure 16, Backwoods, Brookwood Companies, DuPont, Eastern Mountain Sports, Elephant’s Perch, JanSport, Patagonia, Rainier Mountaineering, Inc., Recreational Equipment Inc., Sierra Designs, Summit Sports, The North Face, and Wild Country) conceived of an organization that was inclusive and far more than just a manufacturers association. Thus, the word “coalition” was included in the original name to emphasize the importance of a complete spectrum of members in the industry, ranging from manufacturers and sales representatives to retailers and suppliers. This strategic decision represents the recognition that an inclusive membership was essential, and the original agendas of building participation in outdoor recreation and reducing liability were too large to be contained within the numerous smaller segments of the industry.
As with most budding associations, OIA operations were initially driven through volunteer efforts. The Outdoor Retailer tradeshow supplied the first significant source of consistent annual funding for the association. From this funding and the growing membership dues, the first staff and programs emerged.
Today, more than 30 years later, OIA continues to serve as the trusted convenor, resource, and voice of the outdoor industry. OIA unites and serves manufacturers, suppliers, sales representatives, and retailer members through its focus on trade and recreation policy, sustainable business innovation, and outdoor participation. The association provides its members with insights, advocacy, and opportunities for action that support the long-term success of outdoor businesses and ensure the outdoor experience for all.
1989 -1996
1996 – 2001
2001 – 2005
2005 – 2009
2009 – 2013
2013 – 2017
2017 – present
There are so many board members and other volunteers who have selflessly given their time over the years. OIA has their vision and leadership to thank for the growth and success of the association and industry. The following industry leaders have served as association chairpersons:
1989 to 1993
Board Chairs: Konnie Self, A16; and Denise Friend, REI (exact years unknown)
1993 to 1994
Board Chair: Dick Holcombe, Woolrich
1994 to 1996
Board Chair: Steve Pfeiffer, President, Mountain Equipment, Inc. (MEI)
1996 to 1999
Board Chair: Dunham Gooding, President, American Alpine Institute
1999 to 2001
Board Chair: Sally McCoy, President, Sierra Designs
2001 to 2003
Board Chair: Steve Barker, President, Eagle Creek
2003 to 2005
Board Chair: Lee Fromson, President, Cascade Designs
2005 to 2007
Board Chair: Kim Coupounas, CEO, GoLite
2007 to 2009
Board Chair: Mike Wallenfels, President, Mountain Hardwear
2009 to 2011
Board Chair: Dan Templin, CFO, VF Outdoors
2011 to 2013
Board Chair: Will Manzer, CEO, Eastern Mountain Sports
2013 to 2015
Board Chair: Jennifer Mull, CEO, Backwoods
2015 to 2017
Board Chair: Gordon Seabury, CEO, Toad&Co
2017 to 2019
Board Chair: Travis Campbell, GM Americas, The North Face
2019 to 2021
Board Chair: Nora Stowell, Fabric Sales and Marketing Divisional Leader, W.L. Gore & Associates
2021 to present
Board Chair: Phyllis Grove, Helen of Troy, SVP Marketing (Hydro Flask and OXO)
We’re always looking to improve and provide meaningful education for professionals in ther outdoor indsutry. Let us know how we’re doing.
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