Outdoor Industry Association has named Craig Mackey Director of Government Affairs. Mackey will direct the OIA recreation program and manage the OIA Political Action Committee (OIAPAC).

OIA VP of Government Relations Amy Roberts created OIAPAC in 2008 to focus and leverage the industry's voice in Congressional races. Mackey becomes the third member of OIA's government affairs team, which also includes Alex Boian, director of trade policy.

“Craig has worked in public affairs and politics for the last 30 years,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of OIA. “He now brings his years of experience working on public lands issues to OIA. His excellent contacts at the state and federal levels and his understanding of the OIA policy agenda will enhance the expertise of OIA and the Government Affairs team.”

Mackey spent 10 years in Democratic politics working on and running political campaigns, and serving as deputy political director for Colorado Governor Roy Romer. He has also served on the finance committees of several statewide and federal candidates and as an advisor to elected officials in Colorado on public lands issues.

Since 1990, Mackey has operated his own public affairs consulting practice on issues related to public lands and outdoor recreation. Clients have included Outward Bound USA and Outdoor Industry Association. 

Mackey is founder of, and advisor to Choose Outdoors, Inc., founder of the Alliance for Wilderness Education and Stewardship, and former board member of Outdoor Industry Association, and past chair of the OIA Government Affairs Committee.