OIA Names Director in Government Affairs Department

Outdoor Industry Association Names Director in Government Affairs Department

Craig Mackey to Direct Recreation Policy and Manage OIA Political Action Committee

BOULDER, CO (December 8, 2009) –Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) has named Craig Mackey

Director of Government Affairs. Mackey will direct the OIA recreation program and manage the OIAPolitical Action Committee (OIAPAC).

“Craig has worked in public affairs and politics for the last 30 years. He now brings his years of experience working on public lands issues to OIA. His excellent contacts at the state and federal levels and his understanding of the OIA policy agenda will enhance the expertise of OIA and the Government Affairs team,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of OIA.

Mackey spent 10 years in Democratic politics working on and running political campaigns, and serving as deputy political director for Colorado Governor Roy Romer.He has also served on the finance committees of several statewide and federalcandidates and as an advisor to elected officials in Colorado on public lands issues.

Since 1990, Mackey has operated his own public affairs consulting practice on issues related to public lands and outdoor recreation. Clients have included Outward Bound USA and Outdoor Industry Association. 

Mackey is founder of, and advisor to Choose Outdoors, Inc., founder of the Alliance for Wilderness Education and Stewardship, and former board member of Outdoor Industry Association, and past chair of the OIA Government Affairs Committee.

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About Outdoor Industry Association

Outdoor Industry Association® (OIA) is a national trade association whose mission is to ensure the growth and success of the outdoor industry. OIA provides trade services for over 4000 manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, sales representatives and retailers in the outdoor industry. OIA programs include representation in government/legislative affairs, market and social research, business-to-business services and youth outreach initiatives. Educational events include the annual Rendezvous®, Outdoor University® and the Capitol Summit. Outdoor Industry Association is based in Boulder, Colorado, and is the title sponsor of the Outdoor Retailer trade shows. For more information, visit www.outdoorindustry.org or call 303.444.3353.

About OIAPAC

The Outdoor Industry Association Political Action Committee is the voluntary, non-partisan political action committee of Outdoor Industry Association (OIA).As the only national trade association representing the complete spectrum of manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, retailers and media of the active outdoor recreation industry, an OIA-sponsored PAC represents the diversity of interests, activities and companies within our industry. Formed in 2008, OIAPAC has a long-term goal of establishing a political environment conducive to the growth and success of the outdoor industry.