The Outdoor Recreation Economy Graduate Program invites esteemed guest speakers and industry professionals to join our classes so they can provide our students with invaluable real-world insights and perspectives on the outdoor recreation sector.
Featuring leaders such as Annie Kao, founder of Ascent Inclusion, and Rebecca Gillis, state & local government affairs manager for the Outdoor Industry Association, the program exposes students to a wide spectrum of experiences and expertise. From entrepreneurs like Ted Forbes, ship’s counselor at Cotopaxi and founder of Divitius Partners, to seasoned leaders such as Brady Robinson, director of philanthropy at Freyja Foundation and former executive director of the Access Fund, students gain access to diverse viewpoints that enrich their learning journey.
Our guest speakers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table, offering invaluable insights into the complexities and opportunities within the outdoor recreation industry. The program is committed to providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, and the guest speakers play a pivotal role in achieving this goal.
Beyond the classroom, the program prioritizes networking and connection-building opportunities, ensuring students have direct access to industry movers and shakers. Whether it's through engaging discussions with professionals like Matt Nuñez, program manager for the Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, or intimate Q&A sessions with leaders like James O’Donnell, travel and leisure industry senior executive, students have the chance to forge meaningful connections that can shape their careers.
The outdoor recreation industry thrives on collaboration and innovation, by facilitating interactions between our students and industry professionals, we empower the next generation of leaders to drive positive change and sustainable growth within the sector. With a commitment to excellence and a dedication to fostering a diverse range of perspectives, the Outdoor Recreation Economy Graduate Program continues to lead the way in preparing students for success in this dynamic and vital industry.
Some of our guest speakers include:
- Annie Kao – Founder, Ascent Inclusion
- Nina Cashman – Principle, Path Your Way LLC
- Misha Charles – Senior Manager Change Strategy and Culture, Vail Resorts
- Ted Forbes – Ship’s Counselor at Cotopaxi, Founder of Divitius Partners
- Shaine Helsloot – Director, FMG Leading
- Addam Marcotte – Principle, FMG Leading
- Jennifer O’Donnell – Owner, Tricycle LLC
- Gregg Vanourek – Founder, Gregg Vanourek LLC
- Luis Rodriguez – Founder and Executive Director of Rodriguez Community Group
- Scott Ellis – Founder and CEO of Mastery Track
- Amanda Ludwig – Senior People Business Partner, Guild Education
- Paul Dreyer – Self-employed, Consultant
- Jeff Klem – Leadership Guide @ Adventures in Leading
- Ashlee Sack – Coordinator for Fremont Adventure Recreation in Fremont County, CO
- Brent Brown – Vice President, IT Business Engagement & Innovation at IMA Financial Group, Inc
- Vaughn Hadenfeldt - Founder and Director, Bears Ears Partnership Owner, Far Out Expeditions (Retired); Board of Directors
- Joel Minor – Environmental Justice Program Manager, Colorado Department of Public Health
- Brady Robinson – Director of Philanthropy, Freyja Foundation; Former Executive Director of the Access Fund
- Leah Thomas – Founder and Author of “The Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People + Planet"
- David Rozelle – Founder of the Vail Veterans Program; Director of Operations, South Carolina Department of Veterans’ Affairs, US Army (retired)
- Rebecca Hanson – Executive Director, Newfound Lake Region Association, Bristol, NH
- Walker Holmes – Associate Vice President and Connecticut State Director, Trust for Public Land
- Michelle White – Attorney Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance
- Alan Spairs – Senior Director for Cultural Resources National Parks Conservation Association
- Laura Walls – Professor Emerita University of Notre Dame, and Author of “Henry David Thoreau: A Life”
- Chandi Aldena – Project Manager & CO Schoolyard Initiative Lead, The Trust for Public Land
- Steph Bertaina – Senior Policy Analyst, US EPA
- Shane Fuhrman – Mayor of Silverton, CO
- Becky Leinweber – Executive Director of Pikes Peak Outdoor Recreation Alliance
- Scott Robson – Town Manager, Vail, CO
- Rebecca Gillis – State & Local Government Affairs Manager for the Outdoor Industry Association
- Michael Barkin – CFO, Vail Resorts
- Matt Brubaker – CEO, FMG Leading
- Lisa Donovan – Consultant, Slalom
- Carol Fabrizio – Chief Communications & Marketing Officer (former), USA Gymnastics
- Hank Fore – SVP (retired), Comcast NBC Universal
- Carol Little – Material Development & Commercialization Manager, VF Corporation
- Geoff Schaffer – President, PEARL iZUMi
- Richard Aldersea – Managing Partner, EvolveSolutions
- Stephen Barnes – Founder, Barnestorm Product Solutions
- Vanessa McCrann – Community Engagement Manager, Startup Colorado
- Sharon Houghton – Vice President Sales and Strategic Partnerships, Outside
- Brendan McGuire – Vice President Public Affairs, Vail Resorts
- Trent Bush – Founder, Co-CEO, Co-Owner at ARTILECT studio
- Al Gapinski – Global Sourcing
- Jessica Klodnicki – Chief Executive Officer at KT Tape, Board Director, Health, Wellness, Sports & Outdoors
- Nolan Moser – Hands-on leader and brand builder
- Chris Conroy – CEO at Yeti Cycles