Voting began Wednesday and ends at 5 p.m. July 17 for positions on the Outdoor Industry Associations board of directors. The OIAs 2008-009 board will consist of 18 voting members and 10 appointed members. The OIA has nominated six incumbents for second terms and four others to fill appointed positions. The nominees are divided into four categories: retail, footwear, equipment and apparel.
New nominees include: Galen Hardy, senior director of casual lifestyle and performance Zappos.com. Hardys divisions employ 52, contribute 60% of Zappos total gross sales and sell more than 700 brands. Scott Sible, president Wolverine Worldwide Inc. Outdoor Group (Merrell/Patagonia Footwear). Scott believes the biggest industry-wide issues are that OIA must address are changing demographics and the aging of the outdoor consumer. Zohar Ziv, COO Deckers Outdoor Corporation. Zohar currently serves on the board of Cathay Sub Restaurants Limited, a privately held company, which operates quick service restaurants in China. Sam Solomon, President and CEO The Coleman Company. “OIA faces several big issues. I believe the short list includes global issues of fair trade and monetary policies, global demand for natural resources and perhaps most importantly, the challenge of capturing the imagination of children under 18 in active outdoor participation,” said Solomon.
The incumbents being nominated for a second term are:
Bran Unmacht, EVP of sales, service, store development and logistics REI
Bill Sweasy, chairman and CEO Red Wing Shoe Company
Fred Clark, CEO Thule
Don Hildebrand, VP and CFO Confluence Watersports
Peter Metcalf, Co-Founder, CEO/president and chairman Black Diamond Equipment
Gordon Seabury, CEO Horny Toad
Beaver Theodosakis, Founder and CEO prAna
