After a six-month search, Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) has announced its next executive director. Aangeenbrug currently serves as executive director of the Outdoor Foundation, OIA’s philanthropic arm that focuses on getting kids and families outside.
OIA vetted almost 400 candidates for the job and conducted more than 50 interviews, but ultimately turned within its ranks to elevate Aangeenbrug to the position, which was unanimously approved by the board.
Aangeenbrug joined Outdoor Foundation in 2018 and quickly began working on multi-year capacity building grants to underserved communities. She launched the Thrive ϳԹ Community grant program in 2019 to create “repeat and reinforcing outdoor experiences that are unique and culturally relevant to each community’s local kids and families” in four pilot communities: Atlanta, Oklahoma City, Grand Rapids, and San Diego.
“Lise’s strategic vision, conservation expertise and track record of coalition building make her the right leader to move the outdoor industry’s important work forward,” said Nora Stowell, OIA board chair and fabric sales and marketing divisional leader at W.L. Gore & Associates in a statement. “Time and again, Lise has proven that collaboration creates action and cements positive change.”
Before joining the Outdoor Foundation, Aangeenbrug was the executive vice president of the National Park Foundation (NPF). Prior to that, she served as executive director of the Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO) Trust Fund.
“OIA has a unique role around bringing together voices and ideas to support thriving outdoor businesses, to empower and build thriving outdoor communities and to ensure a thriving planet,” wrote Aangeenbrug in a press release. “This is a dream job, and I am excited to collaborate with the outdoor industry and other organizations to build a big tent that leads to powerful action.”
Last October, Outdoor Industry Association announced that Amy Roberts, who served as ED for four years, was stepping down and assuming the role of senior director of communications and corporate social responsibility at The North Face. During the search, Steve Barker, a longtime champion of OIA’s work, past board member, and co-founder of Eagle Creek, served as the interim executive director.
Aangeenbrug will begin her work as executive director of OIA in March. She will remain as president of the Outdoor Foundation when she moves to OIA, and the foundation will start a search for a new executive director.