Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) has hired Avery Stonich as communications manager. With this new position, the OIA communications department grows to three full-time employees, reflecting the association’s commitment to better serve the membership and a desire to expand industry communication efforts both within and outside the outdoor recreation industry.


Stonich comes to OIA with nearly 20 years of communications experience, most recently in the bicycle industry. She spent four years leading marketing and communications efforts for Bikes Belong Coalition, the national group that represents bicycle suppliers and retailers in the U.S. In addition, Stonich helped launch Lifeboat Events, a company that produces media and demo events for the bicycle industry, and spent time leading the International Mountain Bicycling Association’s Trail Care Crew program. Her writing and communications experience also includes nine years working at an environmental exhibit company, a stint as a copywriter at an advertising agency, and three years as a freelancer.


“Avery’s unique blend of experience makes her a perfect fit for this position,” said I Ling Thompson, vice president of communications for OIA. “Bikes Belong serves a very similar role in the bicycle industry as OIA does in the outdoor industry. Avery’s experience communicating an industry message to diverse audiences-including retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, government leaders, and the general public-will be a tremendous asset to OIA as we expand our communication efforts.”


At OIA, Stonich is responsible for leading editorial direction and crafting content for OIA member publications. In addition, she serves as media liaison and will take an active role in communicating the work of OIA and its members.


“I am thrilled at the opportunity to help spread the word about the important work of OIA,” said Stonich. “There are so many great stories to tell-about OIA’s research resources, educational offerings, government affairs work, sustainability leadership, and more. I look forward to using the OIA message as a platform to increase outdoor recreation and Americans’ enjoyment and appreciation of our country’s outstanding natural resources.”


Stonich grew up in Boston, Massachusetts, before moving to Colorado to earn a degree in environmental conservation from the University of Colorado at Boulder. She is an avid outdoor enthusiast who enjoys skiing, hiking, bicycling, camping, SCUBA diving, and sea kayaking.