Protect Our Winters (POW), founded in 2007 by professional snowboarder Jeremy Jones, hired Erin Sprague as CEO.
Serving as POW’s Board Chair, Sprague brings 20 years of experience in climate advocacy and working for-profit and nonprofit organizations.
“As we enter 2024, the stakes on climate action could not be higher. Society is in an “all hands on deck” scenario, and we are so excited to welcome Erin Sprague as our new leader. Erin’s joining POW as the CEO represents a new era as we will draw off her background in business, climate tech, and marketing to lead POW in 2024 and beyond. As the POW Board Chair, I’ve seen her tenacity, intelligence and commitment to reaching our climate goals firsthand, and I’m confident she’ll bring fresh energy, perspective and opportunity to drive impact at POW and in the climate movement,” said Jones.
Sprague attended Harvard, started her career at Blackstone where she focused on policy work and attended Stanford’s Graduate School of Business before transitioning to the outdoor industry. She led the women’s division at Specialized Bicycles, was VP of marketing at fitness event company Virgin Sport, and was SVP and chief brand officer at Aspen Skiing Company, where she led marketing, sales and retail. Most recently, she helped launch climate tech start-ups in food waste management and heat pump adoption. She is passionate about skiing, hiking, cycling, and running and was previously the youngest woman to complete marathons on all seven continents.
“After years as a POW Brand Alliance Partner and Board member, I have experienced the passion and power of this organization firsthand,” said Sprague. “Climate is the opportunity of our lifetime, and POW’s unique combination of athletes, creators, scientists, and brand partners creates the most compelling platform for change. I can’t wait to dig in with our talented team, welcome more outdoor enthusiasts into our community, and accelerate POW’s leadership in the climate movement.”
Sprague succeeds Torrey Udall, who has served as interim executive director since Fall 2023.
Image courtesy POW/Jeff Engerbretson
