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Together Outdoors (TO) – a coalition supported by the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) and comprised of businesses and organizations in the outdoor recreation industry committed to justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion (JEDI/DEI) in the outdoors – announced its Advisory and Governance Councils this week. NMMA – a leading supporter of ORR and TO – will be represented on the Governance Council by Kevin Williams, the association’s vice president of North American marketing.

These established leaders who represent affinity groups, NGOs, public and private-sector organizations, and academic interests will work with TO as it develops actions for organizations, recreation destinations, and outdoor enthusiasts on how they can take meaningful steps to attract, embrace and support inclusion. TO also announced the growing coalition now includes over 70 members from across the recreation spectrum from boating, hiking, RVing, off-roading and much more.

“Together Outdoors comes at a pivotal moment for the outdoor recreation industry, as we look to increase access to our public lands and waters for all Americans,” said NMMA’s Mr. Williams. “As a representative of the outdoor recreation economy’s largest sector, I am honored to serve alongside an inspiring group of leaders and collaborate with them on expanding justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion within the boating and broader outdoor recreation community.”

TO’s governance council includes leaders in business, NGO, and public-sector organizations related to advancing outdoor recreation in the United States. They will assist ORR with providing direction for TO’s mission and values, program design, communications, fundraising, partnerships, and access. Members include:

• Kevin Williams, Vice President of North American Marketing, National Marine Manufacturers Association
• Bob Ratcliffe, Chief of Conservation and Outdoor Recreation Programs, National Park Service
• Dan West, Director of Public Policy, Rivian • Danica Carey, Director of Marketing Operations, Seirus Innovation
• Dr. Jose Gonzales, Assistant Professor in Recreation and Tourism, Cal State University-Northridge
• Jil Bostick, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Winnebago Industries
• Mary Mitsos, President and CEO, National Forest Foundation
• Michal Rosenoer, Government and Community Relationship Manager, Hipcamp
• Mollie Hansen, Chief Marketing Officer, Airstream
• Renee Jones, Senior Director of Marketing, THOR Industries

TO’s advisory council members have deep experience in advancing JEDI/DEI in the outdoor community. They will provide recommendations to the TO team on programming and initiatives, in addition to helping facilitate educational sessions and workshops for the coalition. Members include:
• Ambreen Tariq, Founder, Brown People Camping
• Briana Blanchard, Strategic Partnerships Manager, Access Fund
• Crystal Egli, Co-Founder, Inclusive Journeys
• Dr. Jose Gonzales, Assistant Professor in Recreation and Tourism, Cal State University-Northridge
• Jahmicah Dawes, Owner, Slim Pickins Outfitters
• Lydia Parker, Founder, Hunters of Color
• Syren Nagakyrie, Founder, Disabled Hikers
• Yvonne Leow, Founder, Bewilder Camp

For more information or questions, please contact John-Michael Donahue, Vice President of North American public affairs, at [email protected]