America Outdoors, the leading association of outfitters, is pleased to introduce the newest member of the AO team, Heidi Prior, who will step into a new role as business development specialist.
Heidi brings with her a long history in the whitewater industry with over 20 years of experience working for various outfitter companies as a guide and eventually working her way up to become the marketing director at one of the largest outfitters in the U.S.
Heidi’s role with America Outdoors will be multi-faceted. She will be involved in the professional relationships the association has with commercial suppliers, and she will also manage the government affairs work that AO does on behalf of its outfitter members.
“I am honored to be the newest member of America Outdoors Association team. I know firsthand how many rivers I have been lucky enough to paddle or work on have been touched by AO’s policy work. Attending the annual conference in years past as a member, I can attest to how impactful the actual conference content is, and the ability to speak to others facing the same challenges in the industry was something I looked forward to every year,” commented Heidi Prior.
For suppliers who are exhibiting at the 2018 America Outdoors Conference & Outfitter Expo in December, their contact person will continue to be Jack Chiasson. In the coming years, Heidi will be the go-to person for all brands wishing to exhibit their products and services at the America Outdoors show.
“America Outdoors is happy to welcome Heidi to our professional management team in the newly created role of business development specialist,” Julie Kahlfeldt, executive director of the association, remarked. “Heidi’s extensive experience in the position of marketing director for several AO outfitter members, along with her love for guiding and the outdoor industry, make her a perfect fit for the new direction of AO. I look forward to all kinds of new and fresh ideas together as we position America Outdoors as the business resource for outfitters.”
