{"id":26068,"date":"2025-01-13T16:18:27","date_gmt":"2025-01-13T16:18:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/peraltafinancing.com\/adventure\/visionaries-of-impact-how-obusas-new-board-is-shaping-the-future-for-80000-youth\/"},"modified":"2025-01-13T16:18:27","modified_gmt":"2025-01-13T16:18:27","slug":"visionaries-of-impact-how-obusas-new-board-is-shaping-the-future-for-80000-youth","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fivemor.com\/?p=26068","title":{"rendered":"Visionaries of Impact: How OBUSA’s New Board is Shaping the Future for 80,000 Youth"},"content":{"rendered":"


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The Outward Bound USA national board gathered in Colorado earlier this fall to discuss the future of its transformative outdoor education programming. Outward Bound prioritizes and honors diversity, holding the belief that the most profound forms of education occur when we actively seek, value, and embrace learning from others and the world around us. Catherine Smith, the Board Chair, led the discussion focusing on selecting new board members who are ready to embrace a significant challenge to drive substantial change: increasing access to outdoor programs by 150% across the nation by 2030<\/strong>, a bold vision for greater impact and accessibility. The OBUSA Board of Directors, now bolstered by two new bold leaders, has formed an energetic team committed to supporting Outward Bound USA in realizing this goal.<\/p>\n

\u201cEvery young person deserves the opportunity to participate in a high-quality outdoor learning experience, like Outward Bound, which provides life-changing experiences and crucial skills for success in school and life,\u201d says Ginger Naylor CEO of Outward Bound USA<\/strong>. \u201cWith the addition of our new Board members, we have a team of powerhouse talent who will help our organization to expand Outward Bound\u2019s reach to more communities, more neighborhoods, and more backyards, nationwide.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Meet the Newest Members of the <\/span>Outward Bound<\/span> USA
Board of Directors<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

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\"Meet<\/p>\n

Meet Our Newest Board Members: Jessica (Wahl) Turner (Left), Cindy Holker (Right)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n


Cindy Holker
<\/strong>Retired
<\/span>Previously: Senior VP Direct to Consumer
<\/span>Allen Edmonds Corporation<\/span><\/h4>\n

With over 25 years in the multifaceted retail landscape, Cindy<\/a> has developed a profound understanding of the industry and is committed to helping companies develop and execute strategies that foster growth and secure a competitive edge in the industry. Cindy is well acquainted with Outward Bound and is a significant asset to the national Board. She has participated in courses at various Outward Bound Regional Schools. Currently, Cindy also serves on the Voyageur Outward Bound School Board of Directors in Minnesota.<\/p>\n

\u201cI am deeply rooted in the Outward Bound tradition, but not afraid to question the status quo and challenge as necessary,\u201d says Cindy. \u201cAs a strong believer in what an Outward Bound experience can bring to an individual, increasing access to under-represented communities is a key priority of mine.\u201d<\/p>\n

Cindy holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Minnesota, a CPA, and a Master\u2019s in Public Affairs from the Humphrey School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.<\/p>\n

Jessica (Wahl) Turner
<\/strong>President
Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR)<\/h4>\n

Jessica (Wahl) Turner<\/a> brings a wealth of experience from her roles in government, lifestyle brands, and the outdoor sector. At present, she holds the esteemed position of the inaugural President of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR), an organization that represents outdoor recreation businesses associations and related organizations across the United States. Her role at ORR has been instrumental in elevating the recreation economy and advancing policies and securing financial support for public lands, waters, and local communities. Prior to her tenure at ORR, she oversaw the outdoor recreation advocacy at the Outdoor Industry Association, contributing significantly to the recognition of outdoor recreation as a unique and significant sector in the American economy. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOutward Bound in the USA is a launching point for thousands of youth, whether they embark on a rewarding career in outdoor recreation or are interested in bringing their experience with them into whatever career they pursue,\u201d says Jessica. \u201cAs a new member of the OBUSA Board of Directors, I\u2019m excited to explore how we can increase the number of students we serve and support a greater diversity of youth in becoming the career-ready, next generation of leaders we need in our industry.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

She has a Master of Arts and bachelor\u2019s degree from Georgetown University and is a passionate outdoors enthusiast.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Catherine Smith, Chair of the OBUSA Board<\/strong>, states, \u201cOutward Bound has long led the industry with best-in-class programs and outcomes.\u00a0 We recognize our responsibility to create greater access to these life-changing education opportunities and are equipped to accept the challenge. We are fortunate to have a board rich with deep expertise and diverse experience, and we look forward to effecting significant change through our shared commitment to improving the lives and futures of our country\u2019s youth.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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