Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) Executive Director Lise Aangeenbrug has resigned her position with OIA and will become the chief program officer at the National Park Foundation beginning Sept. 12.
Aangeenbrug joined OIA’s charitable arm, the Outdoor Foundation, in 2017 after working as the executive vice president for the National Park Foundation. She became OIA executive director in 2020. Five years later, she will return to the Foundation in a new role.
Aangeenbrug’s last day at OIA was Aug. 19. The association is seeking an interim executive director.
“The outdoor industry’s trade association is traveling in the best direction possible, which gives me confidence as I leave OIA to take some time to recharge outside and then join the National Park Foundation,” Aangeenbrug said. “Protecting and restoring public lands and waters and ensuring an outdoors for all has always been a major focus and motivation in my career.”
Aangeenbrug touted OIA’s efforts at the state and federal level. She said OIA championed trade and tariff policies benefitting the outdoor industry, represented the industry at the White House; built partnerships with universities, enhanced research capabilities, created and implemented a new community grant program, created a new industry thought leadership event called The Summit and built a new business model reflecting member priorities.
“As I transition into a more philanthropic role in partnership with many in the outdoor industry,” she said, “I would like to thank you all for the opportunity you have given me to serve our industry and lead its work.”
The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, which includes OIA, said it wished Aangeenbrug success in her new role.
“ORR is excited to continue working with Lise in her new position at the National Park Foundation,” ORR said, “to ensure outdoor recreation is recognized as an economic force, ensure sustainable recreation practices on public lands and waters and provide access to the outdoors for all Americans for generations to come.”
