Outdoor Industry Association names Amy Roberts executive director

BOULDER – The Outdoor Industry Association announced on Wednesday that Amy Roberts has been named executive director after a months-long search that began in January.

Roberts will take over leading the Boulder-based trade association from Frank Hugelmeyer, who had been president and chief executive since 2000. Hugelmeyer last month was named president of the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association.

Roberts will join the OIA officially in late July, with interim executive director Steve Barker planning to remain with the organization for a few months to ensure a smooth transition.

Roberts comes to the OIA from Canadian outdoor retailer Mountain Equipment Co-op where she served as a member of that company’s executive leadership team in her role as director of sustainability. But she’s no stranger to the OIA. Prior to joining MEC, she served as vice president of government affairs for the OIA, managing industry lobbying efforts on trade and recreation.

In addition to her role at MEC, she serves on the boards of The Conservation Alliance, the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society and the Sustainable Apparel Coalition.

“Amy’s specialty retail and manufacturing background at MEC; deep knowledge of outdoor industry government affairs and corporate responsibility issues; and her overall authentic, collaborative approach to business make her the ideal person for this role,” OIA board chairwoman and Backwoods CEO Jen Mull said in a release from the OIA.

The OIA board had hired The Forest Group in January to lead the search for a new executive director, a process that included interviewing more than 100 candidates, OIA officials said Tuesday.

In addition to the Roberts hiring, the OIA also announced Monday that it would be reducing the size of its board from 25 members to somewhere between 15 and 18 members. The cuts will come via a mix of term limits and members stepping down.

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