LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. has elected of Charles W. (Wally) Smith to its Board of Directors. Smith, former CEO of Recreational Equipment, Inc., will begin serving on the seven-member Board of Directors effective immediately.

“I am excited to join the team at LaCrosse Footwear,” said Smith. “The company and its brands represent the top tier of the rugged outdoor and occupational markets. I look forward to helping contribute to the continued growth and success of the company,” he added.

Wally Smith served as President and CEO of Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI) for 17 years before retiring in February 2000. Under his leadership the company grew from a regional chain with $54 million in revenue to a national presence with $620 million in revenue. During his 35-year tenure with the company he served in a variety of sales, operations and management positions including Sr. VP Operations, VP Retail, and distribution manager. He was elected to the National Sporting Goods Association's Sporting Goods Industry Hall of Fame in 2001, and was Co-founder and first President of Outdoor Industry Conservation Alliance. Currently he is a member of the Board of Directors of Lanoga Corp., a supplier of lumber and building materials to the professional builder and project oriented retail customer.

“We feel very fortunate to have Charles W. Smith on our Board,” said George W. Schneider, Chairman of the Board of LaCrosse Footwear, Inc. “His extensive background in retail, outdoor products, sales and management will be a tremendous resource for everyone at the company,” he added.