The Outdoor Foundation Names Lise Aangeenbrug as New Executive Director

BOULDER, Colo., Dec. 14, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Outdoor Foundation (OF), the philanthropic arm of Outdoor Industry Association (OIA), is pleased to announce that Lise Aangeenbrug, veteran conservation champion, has been named its new executive director. Founded in 2000, the Outdoor Foundation's mission is to grow outdoor participation by inspiring the next generation of outdoorists. Through youth engagement, community grant-making and groundbreaking research, OF works with young leaders and partners to mobilize a major cultural shift that leads all Americans to the great outdoors.

Lise currently serves as the executive vice president for the National Park Foundation (NPF). She plays a key role in the organization's strategic plan and direction, including significantly advancing the $500 million Centennial fundraising campaign and positioning the NPF to be a strong partner in supporting national parks for a second century.

Before joining the National Park Foundation, Aangeenbrug served as the executive director of the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund (GOCO). In that capacity, she was responsible for the overall management and operation of the State of Colorado's constitutionally chartered fund that benefits the state's rivers, trails, parks and open spaces. Her experience includes working with a 17-member governor-appointed board, grant-making, managing an 18-member staff, fundraising and governmental affairs. 

"Activating a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts and consumers is one of the most pressing issues facing the outdoor industry today," said Sally McCoy, former CamelBak CEO and Outdoor Foundation board chair. "Lise will bring the Outdoor Foundation great strategic skills, a proven history in building participation outdoors and a personal passion for the work. She will be a terrific collaborator and leader in these critical times."

"I am looking forward to partnering with Lise to grow the Outdoor Foundation's size and impact with the goal of increasing the number of Americans who benefit from a life lived outdoors," said Amy Roberts, executive director of OIA and president of the Outdoor Foundation. "In her new role, Lise will serve as a member of the OIA management team, and the two organizations will bring our collective strengths together to drive an increase in outdoor participation across the country."  

The Outdoor Foundation board of directors led the search effort. More than 100 candidates from the outdoor industry and non-profit and for-profit sectors applied for the position.

"I have devoted the last 30 years to championing initiatives that conserve land and connect people to the outdoors, from their backyard to the backcountry," said Lise Aangeenbrug, incoming Outdoor Foundation executive director. "I look forward to working with the outdoor industry, funders and grantees to collectively inspire the next generation to play in and love the outdoors."

Lise began her career in natural resources as a field biologist in the Maasai Mara Game Reserve and held positions with the Colorado Conservation Trust, California Department of Fish and Game, the U.S. Department of the Interior as a Presidential Management Fellow, the National Audubon Society and the National Association of State Foresters. She earned her master's degree from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies and her bachelor's degree from St. Lawrence University.  Lise is a board member of the Land Trust Alliance and Global Dental Relief.

Lise will start her new position in late February of 2018 after a thorough transition at the National Park Foundation.

About the Outdoor Foundation 
Founded in 2000, the Outdoor Foundation is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to inspiring and growing future generations of outdoor leaders and enthusiasts. Through youth engagement, community grant-making and groundbreaking research, the Foundation works with young leaders and partners to mobilize a major cultural shift that leads all Americans to the great outdoors. In just 17 years, the Foundation has invested $4 million into 785 not-for-profit and college programs that have connected 200,000 young people to the outdoors.

SOURCE Outdoor Industry Association