Outdoor Industry Association appointed Ann Obenchain as the Director of Member Services overseeing member communications, events, and research for the association. Ann is joining OIA from Kelty, where she has served as the Director of Marketing since 1998.
“We are pleased to have someone with Ann's broad experience in the outdoor industry joining OIA,” notes Hugelmeyer. “As a long time member of OIA, Ann knows the industry and the needs of member companies in our dynamic competitive landscape. Her insights will prove invaluable as Outdoor Industry Association continues to grow.”
“The outdoor industry has shaped my life, both personally and professionally, over the past 17 years,” said Obenchain. “I'm looking forward to being in a position to give back to this community through the diverse tools and support that only OIA can provide.”
Prior to working at Kelty, Obenchain's professional background includes work in the snowsports, outdoor and bike industries, most notably as Marketing Manager for Atomic Ski USA; Marketing Director for Quest Tents; retail buyer for Skinny Skis/Pacific Mountaineer; and a common industry starting point as a sales associate for Patagonia.
Equally diverse is Obenchain's volunteer work, which includes work as an active team member of Team Luna Chix, a grassroots organization that encourages women's involvement in sports while raising awareness and funds for The Breast Cancer Fund. Obenchain also has served on the Boards of Directors for the Outdoor Industry Women¹s Council (OIWC), the Snow Sports Association for Women (SSAW) and the International Inline Skate Association (IISA).
Living in Boulder, Colorado, Obenchain maximizes her free time by hitting the slopes, trails and rivers as often as possible.
