Outdoor Industry Association said Amy Roberts, its vice president of government affairs for the last six years, is leaving the organization to pursue an unspecified opportunity.

 

When Roberts joined OIA, the government affairs department was primarily focused on recreation policy. Under her leadership, OIA expanded its focus into trade and business related issues to better support the membership, and established the OIA Political Action Committee. Additionally, Roberts managed the complex start up of the OIA Eco Index initiative and the association’s expansion into Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) issues.

 

During her tenure, the OIA Government Affairs team:

 


  • IncreasedOIA’s relationships at the highest levels of government, particularly with both the Bush and Obama administrations
  • Saved stateside Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) from elimination several years running
  • Secured dedicated funding for the stateside LWCF after it was almost eliminated
  • Passed the outerwear/ski pant legislation that ended the threat of embargo
  • Headed an attempt to place an embargo on waterproof outerwear jackets
  • Reduced tariffs on waterproof hiking footwear
  • Launched the Affordable Footwear Act and the U.S. OUTDOOR Act
  • Ensured the development of the Eco Index and its adoption by the Sustainable Apparel Coalition

 


In recognition of her outstanding work and contributions to the industry, Will Manzer, CEO of Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) and Chair of the OIA Board of Directors, presented Roberts with the OIA Chairman’s Award for Extraordinary Service to the Outdoor Industry. She becomes the eighth recipient and only the second staff member to receive this recognition.


Roberts is leaving the government affairs and CSR work in the capable and experienced hands of her team. Members can contact the following staff for questions and support:


OIA will be conducting a national search for the next vice president of government affairs, and the position will be based in Washington, DC.