OIA Appoints COO And Director Of Research

Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) appointed Arlene Charles as chief operating officer and Kelly Davis as director of research.

Previously serving as the executive director for Girls Inc. Columbus and Phenix Russell and the COO for the YWCA of Greater Atlanta, Charles has 30 years of experience in leadership roles and government organizations, including Georgia State University Foundation, Rutgers University Foundation, Douglas College, Georgia World Congress Center Authority, and the City of Plainfield.

“Not only does Arlene bring vast finance and operations experience, her strategic vision, track record of team building and passion for OIA’s mission make her the right leader to move our organization’s important work forward,” said Lise Aangeenbrug, OIA executive director.

Kelly Davis has more than 25 years of experience in market research including 11 years as the director of research for SnowSports Industries America (SIA) and four years as the senior director of research for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. She has also worked with the Cross-Country Ski Areas Association, the Winter Wildlands Alliance and the Stand Up Paddle Industry Association.

“Our members consistently rate research and market insights as a top value of OIA membership. Kelly’s proven track record in market research and communications will be pivotal in growing our critical work in this area,” said Aangeenbrug. “With dramatic demographic, lifestyle and economic changes taking place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding these trends is more important than ever – informing and influencing critical outdoor programs, products and public policy decisions. We are thrilled to have Kelly joining our team to lead the development and evolution of OIA’s research efforts.”