The Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), a pivotal coalition in the outdoor recreation sector, recently announced Whitney Potter Schwartz’s appointment as the senior vice president of Communications & Operations.
Schwartz brings a rich tapestry of experience to ORR, having served in various strategic communication and operational roles over the past decade.
Her career includes notable positions such as deputy chief of staff and communications director for U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich, and communications director for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Mexico. Additionally, she has contributed her skills at the Institute for Women’s Policy Research. Schwartz’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Mexico.
Jessica Wahl-Turner, president of ORR, expressed her enthusiasm about Schwartz’s joining. She highlighted Schwartz’s two-decade-long journey in strategic communications, spanning both political and nonprofit realms. Wahl-Turner praised Schwartz as a mission-oriented leader with a profound belief in the unifying power of conservation and the outdoor industry.
Schwartz’s appointment comes at a crucial time for the outdoor recreation industry, which is currently navigating a period of significant growth and change. Her role will be instrumental in steering ORR through these evolving dynamics. Schwartz’s responsibilities will encompass overseeing branding and communications, strategy formulation, and event management.
In her response to the appointment, Schwartz shared her excitement about joining ORR. She emphasized her alignment with the organization’s mission and her commitment to advancing strategic communications, partnerships, and sustainability within the $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy.
“I look forward to contributing to ORR’s mission and driving the industry forward during this critical time of growth and change.”
Schwartz’s role is not just limited to internal operations. She will also be pivotal in elevating ORR’s policy objectives at the national level. This includes developing a sustainability and climate strategy for the outdoor recreation economy, a sector increasingly aware of its environmental impact and responsibilities.
Her expertise in developing relationships will be crucial in promoting recreation in national dialogues. This aspect of her role is particularly significant as the industry seeks to enhance its presence and influence in broader economic and policy discussions.
The appointment of Schwartz is a strategic move for ORR, reflecting the organization’s commitment to leadership and expertise in guiding the outdoor recreation industry. Her background in communications and policy positions her uniquely to contribute to ORR’s mission.
The outdoor recreation industry, a vital component of the national economy, stands to benefit significantly from Schwartz’s leadership. Her experience and skills are expected to drive innovation and growth, while also addressing the critical issues of sustainability and climate impact.