Orvis announced it hired outdoor industry veteran Laura Schaffer to the newly created position as vice president, conservation and sustainability, effective March 14, tasked with leading the long-term conservation and sustainability vision and strategy of the company rooted in habitat restoration and protection.

In addition to overseeing the company’s 5% for Nature Program, Schaffer will help to identify and create corporate and product sustainability goals.

Schaffer was, most recently, corporate responsibility director at POWDR, leading its “Play Forever” and “Play It Forward” charitable giving program. Before that, she worked for five years for Mountain Hardwear as its social and environmental responsibility director and brand manager. Schaffer is also a member of the board of directors of Protect Our Winters.

“I am thrilled to join Orvis, where ensuring a healthy natural world for future generations has always been a leading value for the company,” says Schaffer. “I’m honored to build upon the important and extensive work that has been done to date and to work with the team to establish the vision and strategy to unify Orvis’ efforts in product sustainability, conservation, and accessibility.”

Photo courtesy Orvis