OIWC Announces Seven New Board Members

Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition Announces Seven new Board Members

Two current members transition to new roles on the Board of Directors

Outdoor Industries Women’s Coalition (OIWC) is pleased to welcome seven extraordinary volunteers to its Board of Directors. The newly elected Board members -- Michele Flamer, Beth Gordon, Deanne Buck, Sharon Scott, Meaghan Cunningham, Alice Gifford, and Laura Schaffer—join 17 current members, broadening the skill set and reach of the Board of Directors extensively. In addition, two current members, Ali Sacash-Johnson and Lu Setnica, transitioned to new roles on the Board.

Board members were selected as part of OIWC’s strategic focus on growing the organization’s business acumen and technical skills (i.e. a website specialist, fundraising, etc.) and recruiting leaders with excellent communication skills and the ability to influence and impact our industries. Each incoming Board member brings their unique skills and talents, creating a diverse group of volunteers with the same goal: provide advocacy, education and resources for women in the outdoor, bike and snowsports industries.

Michele Flamer is the owner and C.E.O. of M. Flamer Consulting, a sales and management consulting firm based in Portland, OR. Michele is a 19-year veteran in the sales industry, and her passion for applying her sales expertise and solid management background to help companies grow, evolve and prosper will be incredibly beneficial as she heads up OIWC’s Events & In-Kind Fundraising efforts.

Beth Gordon has over 25 years of experience in the outdoor industry. Currently, she is the VP of Business Development with Formula 4, producers of category specific trade publications (Outdoor Insight, Footwear Insight, Sports Insight, Running Insight, Team Insight, Textile Insight and Soccer Insight) and trade shows (The Running Event and The Footwear Event). Beth joins OIWC in the capacity of Corporate Partnerships on the Fundraising Committee.

Since Deanne Buck’s first climbing experience in Omaha twenty years ago, she has worked in the outdoor industry in a variety of capacities. Her experience working at a climbing gym, as a river raft guide, as the marketing director for an outdoor specialty gear shop, as an attorney for companies in the outdoor industry, and as a advocate for conservation of and access to treasured climbing resources align her perfectly to fill the role of Advocacy Programs Manager on the Advocacy Committee.

Sharon Scott brings to the OIWC Board nearly 13 years of experience in the outdoor industry and proven performance with volunteers in not-for-profit enterprise. Sharon’s vast experience working with a start-up non-profit educational organization, specialty outdoor retailers, as well as her current role at Sea-to Summit, tie in perfectly to her new Board role as the Volunteer Committee’s Programs Manager.

Meaghan Cunningham joins OIWC’s Board as the new Website Manager on the Marketing Committee. Meaghan’s expertise as the Strategic Analysis Manager at Backcountry.com as well as her dedication to non-profits, such as Room to Read, makes her a powerhouse to the OIWC mission and vision.

Laura Schaffer is the Public Relations Manager at Mountain Hardwear, and will be serving as the 2012 OIWC Communications Manager. Her deep-rooted understanding of public relations, her vast experience in the ski industry and the dedication and drive she brings to the non-profit world will undoubtedly ignite a fresh energy and creative resourcefulness to the OIWC Marketing Committee.

Alice Gifford is the Adventure Travel Trade Association’s sole Member Advocate. Coming to the industry with a whitewater and sea kayak guide’s background, as well as an education in the liberal arts from Sarah Lawrence College, she brings a creative perspective, a sense of humor, and a passion for women’s empowerment through experiences in the outdoors. With her background and experience, Alice is a natural fit for the role of Individual Membership Manager on the Membership Committee.

Ali Sacash-Johnson has been a key contributor as the Membership Chair for the past few years. In this role, Ali has helped the OIWC grow membership exponentially by always striving to keep the member and her needs at the center of OIWC’s mission. Ali's expertise in Research and Marketing will now serve well in a different role as she moves over to Chair the newly-formed Advocacy Committee.

For the past two years, Lu Setnica has been a significant part of the Professional Development Committee as the team reorganized and grew its regional resources. Lu has brought HR expertise and wisdom from Patagonia to OIWC’s Professional Development programs. These skills will transition smoothly into her new role as Membership Committee Chair.

Julie Harris, OIWC President-Elect commented, "The Executive Committee, Staff and several Committee Chairs have spent the last two months reviewing nominations, interviewing, checking references and selecting this extraordinary group of talented professionals. It is with great excitement that we welcome these new members to the OIWC Board of Directors.”