Kent Ebersole
The Outdoor Industry Association’s (OIA) board of directors has named Kent Ebersole as interim executive director during the organization’s continued search for a permanent executive director, following the resignation of Lise Aangeenbrug earlier this month, according to a press release.
Ebersole has deep roots in the outdoor industry, with a wide range of experience in advertising, management and non-profit consulting.
“The criteria set by the OIA Board Executive Committee for an interim Executive Director position focused heavily on leadership, industry connections, sales/development experience and an understanding of the need to help OIA with its journey to amplify members and grow the outdoor community. Through Kent’s long career in the outdoor industry he has garnered all of these abilities,” said Phyllis Grove, OIA Board Chair. “Spending the last six years on the Camber Board of Directors, he comes equipped for his role as interim Executive Director. Kent has a deep passion for the outdoor industry and we are confident that under his leadership, OIA’s value to the industry will continue to grow.”
Kent’s consulting specialty of reformatting non-profit business models will help OIA evaluate its practices and gain perspective on growth for the industry and association.
“I am deeply honored to be named interim executive director of OIA, but this has less to do with me than the mission of OIA, the team and the impact of both. OIA’s leadership position in the outdoor industry is more important than ever,” said Kent Ebersole, interim executive director of OIA. “For more than 30 years, OIA has served and united the industry. With the many challenges the world and our industry face today, we are in a unique position to expand on our core mission and deliver more impact for our members.”
Under Ebersole’s leadership, OIA is ready and tasked to grow current member offerings, open doors to more outdoor recreation users and advocate for the outdoor industry nationally, according to the release.
