Outdoor Business Alliance of WNC Appoints New Executive Director

The Outdoor Business Alliance, Western North Carolina’s outdoor industry association, appointed Conner Borkowski as its new executive director.

With a mission “to cultivate, connect and support a community of outdoor industry leaders,” the Outdoor Business Alliance (OBA) has grown to over 175 members, including businesses and organizations that represent the region’s growing outdoor economy.

“I’m incredibly excited to join the Outdoor Business Alliance at such a pivotal moment. Western North Carolina has a deep-rooted outdoor culture and an inspiring community of businesses and leaders shaping what a resilient, inclusive outdoor economy can look like for the rest of the nation. I’m honored to be returning to North Carolina and to build on the OBA’s momentum, working alongside such a passionate network of businesses and partners to grow a more connected, inclusive, and resilient outdoor economy across the region,” Borkowski said.

The Executive Director position is made possible with support from the Appalachian Regional Commissions READY Grants to Grow, which “help Appalachian organizations obtain the skills, knowledge and resources necessary to strengthen their local economies.”

OBA said in a statement, “Borkowski brings energy, ideas and vital ecosystem-building experience to the role and is ready to lead the organization through an exciting era of expansion to grow its strategic partnerships, establish localized programming in hubs across the region, and ensure the organization’s long-term sustainability.”

Borkowski began his role on April 1 and will work in tandem with interim executive director Dorene O’Malley through a transitional period.

Outdoor Business Alliance said, “The OBA is grateful to Dorene O’Malley for her service and leadership in the role of Interim Executive Director during a year of immense organizational growth and a vital need for community support as the outdoor industry and WNC region continues to recover from the impacts of Hurricane Helene, while also facing nationwide economic challenges.”

Image courtesy OBA