Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) hired I Ling Matthews Thompson as vice president of communications. Thompson brings more than 14 years of experience in strategic communications, campaign marketing and public relations. She will officially join the OIA management team on April 18.
“We are excited to welcome I Ling to the OIA leadership team. Her extensive experience in working with high profile clients like the CDC, American Cancer Society, and Pfizer Inc., her gained knowledge at The Nature Conservancy, combined with her obvious passion for the active outdoor lifestyle will be a great asset to OIA and our members,” said OIA President and CEO Frank Hugelmeyer. “The outdoor industry has a tremendous story to tell, and we look forward to I Ling's contribution to help us tell that story.”
Thompson comes to OIA from The Nature Conservancy, where she has held numerous marketing leadership positions where she was responsible for the marketing strategy and planning, media relations and communications, including director of marketing for the Conservancy's North America priorities, as well as the director of field marketing covering the Southern region, global freshwater work, Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. Most recently, I Ling led the Conservancy's communications response to the Gulf of Mexico oil spill. Prior to her seven years at the Conservancy, Thompson was an account supervisor and founding member of Porter Novelli's Health Care and Social Marketing Practice in Atlanta, Ga., and worked as an account executive at Edelman Public Relations.
“The outdoor industry is poised to make a significant impact in the future of our society and the natural world,” said Thompson. “Everyone from youth to adults benefits from the experiences found in the outdoors. Outdoor Industry Association will play a significant role in making this happen, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.”
Thompson is a graduate of University of Georgia where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in public relations and received a Richard Yarbrough Public Relations Scholarship. A firm believer in the active outdoor lifestyle, Thompson is an avid mountain biker, adventure racer and professional spin instructor.
