Camber Outdoors pauses equity group efforts during third-party review

A diversity, equity, and inclusivity consultant is starting a comprehensive review of Camber Outdoors‘ programs and initiatives, following what the organization is calling a “misstep” and the subsequent resignation of Executive Director Deanne Buck. 

Maya Beasley from the T10 Group will be reaching out to participants of the Workplace Equity Working Group for feedback, and while she is conducting the assessment, the group’s efforts will be put on hold for several months.

“During this period of review, we are pausing our WEWG efforts in order to ensure that any workplace equity work that we participate in has a significant positive impact on the outdoor industry and is addressing the needs of the CEOs and corporations we support,” Camber’s Senior Program Advisor Paul Thallner wrote in a statement.

The WEWG brings together brands, retailers, and other key stakeholders to identify and measure their inclusive and equitable workplace efforts to accelerate greater diversity of representation, experience, and perspectives at the leadership level and to drive impacts on an industry scale like never before.

At the end of the review period, Camber plans to share conclusions and next steps by Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in June or shortly thereafter.

Buck resigned in February, two weeks after introducing the Camber-led Outdoor Equity Pledge and calling it the “first-of-its-kind” during Outdoor Retailer Snow Show. Many individuals accused Buck of disregarding achievements of other organization who have a long history of working to bring more people of color into the outdoor industry. They also alleged that Buck misappropriated the efforts of Teresa Baker, an African-American woman who introduced a similar pledge in July 2018 called the Outdoor Industry CEO Diversity Pledge.

Diana Seung, who used to work at Backcountry.com, stepped up to lead Camber as the interim executive director.