Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), representing the $862 billion outdoor recreation economy, promoted Chris Perkins to vice president of programs, recognizing his “contributions to ORR’s members, mission and goals and his work supporting the organization’s rural development, state-level outdoor recreation economy, and workforce programs over the past year,” according to a release.
As vice president of programs, Perkins is responsible for strategic program planning and development; program management of state recreation, outdoor workforce initiatives, and rural development; and industry engagement and membership support.
“We are excited to see Chris Perkins shine in this elevated role,” said ORR President Jessica (Wahl) Turner. “Chris’s dedication, expertise and vision for the future of outdoor recreation and the industry align with where ORR is headed as an organization serving the $862 billion recreation economy. We are confident that his leadership will drive our programs to new heights, ensuring the continued growth and success of outdoor recreation across the country.”
Perkins was integral to the recent launch of ORR’s Workforce Hub, collaborating with other industry leaders to identify the outdoor industry’s challenges and developing resources for outdoor professionals. He also wrote ORR’s Rural Economic Development Toolkit, used in communities nationwide and will receive an update at the end of 2023.
Perkins has played a central role in supporting the Confluence of States and coordinating the creation of new State Offices of Outdoor Recreation, including the latest office announced last month in Pennsylvania.
“I feel truly fortunate to have contributed to many of ORR’s programmatic successes over the past few years, and look forward to the next chapter of work in this new role,” said Perkins. “The outdoor recreation economy is at a pivotal moment in its recognition—supporting communities, environments, and economies around the United States—and I am eager to continue stewarding this progress forward and ensuring that all Americans can benefit from time outdoors.”
Photo Chris Perkins, courtesy ORR
