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Outdoor Industry Association names interim executive director [The Oregonian, Portland, Ore.](Oregonian (Portland, OR) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Oct. 22--Steve Barker, founder and former owner of travel gear brand Eagle Creek, has been appointed Outdoor Industry Association interim executive director, the Boulder, Colo.-based group announced Wednesday. The organization's board is searching for a permanent executive director who would replace Frank Hugelmeyer, who resigned last month. "With deep roots in the outdoor industry and in-depth knowledge of OIA, Steve is the ideal candidate to lead the organization in this time of transition," said association board chairwoman Jennifer Mull said in a news release. "Steve's role is to create a culture of collaboration with members and other key stakeholders and provide stable organizational leadership to allow the staff to continue positive momentum in support of OIA's defined mission and annual goals as stated in the board-approved strategic plan." Barker and his wife, Nona, founded Eagle Creek Travel Gear in 1975 in California. The company was sold to VF Corp. in 2007 and Steve Barker left the company in 2010. He served 10 years on the OIA board, was its chairman from 2001 to 2003 and serves on the OIA Political Action Committee's board. In 2011, he launched Wild Places, a consulting business for outdoor industry companies. He also serves on the boards of The Conservation Alliance, The Alaska Wilderness League and The Escondido Creek Conservancy. "OIA plays a critical role in supporting outdoor industry companies to thrive and grow," Barker said in the release. "The industry is in the midst of unprecedented change with shifting business models, changing consumer behavior and the need for adaptable and sustainable supply chains. OIA is well positioned to collaborate with members and provide them with tools and guidance, so they can operate successfully in a constantly evolving marketplace." Several Oregon companies are OIA members. Peter Bragdon, Columbia Sportswear's senior vice president of legal and corporate affairs, is an OIA board member and external relations committee member. The outdoor industry employs more than 6 million people in the U.S., contributing more than $640 billion in consumer spending to the economy. -- Allan Brettman ___ (c)2014 The Oregonian (Portland, Ore.) Visit The Oregonian (Portland, Ore.) at www.oregonian.com Distributed by MCT Information Services |